This Day in Yankees History: Brian Cashman is named general manager

Welcome to the relaunched This Day in Yankees History. The New Year is upon us, and the winter hot stove continues to percolate. These daily posts will highlight two or three key moments in Yankees history on a given date, as well as recognize players born on the day. Hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane with us!

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This Day in Yankees History (February 3)

23 years ago

The Yankees announce Brian Cashman will replace Bob Watson as the team’s general manager. Cashman and the Bombers agreed to a one-year deal worth $300,000, which also made him the second-youngest general manager in MLB history. He would help the Yankees win three titles within the first three years as GM, as he facilitated trades for Roger Clemens and David Justice in 1999 and 2000 respectively. No current general manager has more rings than Cashman’s four.

19 years ago

Jorge Posada signs a five-year, $51 million contract extension with the Yankees. By signing on the dotted line, the 30-year-old catcher became the second-highest paid catcher in the league, only behind Mike Piazza. Posada would go on to start both the 2002 and 2003 All-Star games for the American League and won his fourth consecutive Silver Slugger Award at the end of the 2003 season. He finished third in the MVP voting, behind Alex Rodriguez and Carlos Delgado that year. He retired in 2011 after playing 17 years in pinstripes. He was a five-time All-Star, four-time World Series champion, five-time Silver Slugger, and had his number 20 retired by the Yankees.

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Birthdays

Happy 27th birthday to Brooks Kriske!

The reliever was drafted by the Yankees in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB draft. He underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2016, which caused him to miss the 2017 season. He made his major league debut in late July of 2020 where he struck out two batters in his one inning appearance against the Baltimore Orioles. He only threw 3.2 innings for the Yanks last season and will look to increase his role this upcoming season.

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We thank Baseball Reference and Nationalpastime.com for providing background information for these posts.