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The New York Yankees will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a heavyweight World Series matchup consisting of the MLB’s biggest brands.
Ahead of Game 1, manager Aaron Boone unintentionally shaded his ace, Gerrit Cole!
Boone was asked about his college playing days, which took place at the University of Southern California. His counterpart, Dave Roberts, played during the same time at UCLA.
The rivalry never dies, no matter how far removed a competitor may be. Boone proved that with some trash talk on Thursday!
“You’re a Trojan for life,” he said when asked about his affiliation. “You’re a Bruin for four years.”
“I’m a Trojan, so as we all know in here you’re a Trojan for life. You’re a Bruin for four years.” 😂
Aaron Boone talks about his college days and the USC-UCLA rivalry: pic.twitter.com/DjjiMBCEBM
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 24, 2024
Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts faced off head-to-head in the crosstown rivalry during the early 1990s. Boone was an infielder for the Trojans while Roberts was an outfielder for the Bruins.
Each had storied college careers before moving onto the MLB as Boone hit .302 across 174 games while Roberts batted .326 in three seasons.
They’d later make etch their names into an even bigger baseball rivalry due to their postseason heroics.
Aaron Boone’s Game 7 home run in 2003 sent the Yankees to the World Series while effectively ending the Red Sox’s title hopes.
A year later, Dave Roberts’ stolen base in the ALCS allowed Boston to overcome an 0-3 series deficit to advance past the Bronx Bombers.
Aaron Boone didn’t realize he shaded Gerrit Cole, too!
Cole played his college career at UCLA alongside Trevor Bauer, taking the Bruins to the College World Series final in 2010. They’d lose to South Carolina in that series, but Cole would buoy his production into a first-round MLB Draft selection the following season.
He didn’t take kindly to his manager’s UCLA hate!
“We don’t agree on everything.”
-Gerrit Cole
The pitcher shrugged off the jab while repping his own NCAA loyalties.
Rivalry aside, Aaron Boone will need his ace when the Yankees take the field on Friday.
Gerrit Cole is set to start Game 1 against the Dodgers after posting a 1-0 mark in postseason play to this point. He looks set to face Jack Flaherty on the bump and will have to navigate successfully through a lineup that boasts Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani.
The two will put hatred aside for at least one more game as they pursue a World Series title. Expect the feelings to change when the Trojans and Bruins square off on the football field this November!