ABOUT
Jim Leyritz
Throughout his career with the New York Yankees (1990-1996, 1999-2000), Jim has been credited for significantly changing the momentum of several series’ by hitting numerous clutch post-season home runs. Nicknamed "The King”, Leyritz is perhaps best known for his three-run homer off of Mark Wohlers in the 8th inning of Game 4 in the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. In addition to his Yankee days, Jim also played an integral role for the 1998 San Diego Padres, leading them to the World Series by hitting 4 clutch homeruns and driving in 10RBIS as the Padres went on to play the Yankees in the 1998 World Series. Throughout his 11-year MLB career, Jim also played on the following teams: Anaheim Angels (1997), Texas Rangers (1997), Boston Red Sox (1998), San Diego Padres (1998-1999) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2000).
After leaving the game of baseball, Jim enjoyed a successful career in Radio and TV Broadcasting (2004-2008). In 2011, he served as the Hitting & Pitching Coach for the Newark Bears with former Yankees teammate and Hall of Famer Tim Raines. Jim remains under a Special Services Agreement for the New York Yankees and continues to work for several charitable foundations including the Board of the 9/11 Education Trust Foundation, and the ALS Association for Lou Gehrig's disease, which he lost his brother-in-law Joe from in 2010. From 2015-2021 Jim was the National Spokesperson for Pinktie.org, a philanthropic organization that raises money specifically for New York Charities.
Jim left the game of baseball with a full contract on the table in 2003 in order to fight for custody of his three boys, Austin, Dakota and Phoenix. He successfully won full custody of his children and resides with them and his wife, Michelle, and her two daughters, in Orange County, California. He is a proud member of Saddleback Church and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and enjoys bowling, golf, playing basketball and attending sporting events of all kinds.