Aaron Boone instills confidence at Yankees introductory press conference

Speaking to the media for the first time as Yankees manager, Aaron Boone proved why GM Brian Cashman chose him to be the 33rd manager in club history.

For those who watched Aaron Boone’s introductory press conference as Yankees manager, and didn’t come away impressed, perhaps you should go back and review it again.

Saying that Boone took each question from the media and Yankees’ PR man, in stride, wasn’t all that surprising. After all, this is a guy who for the past seven years, showed a relaxed demeanor, capable of hypnotizing a television audience with charisma, honesty and a wealth of baseball knowledge.

Donning his familiar No. 17 jersey (Boone wore No. 19 with the Yankees in 2003 because John Flaherty had the number) with a bit of an oversized cap on his head, the 44-year-old Boone looked more player than manager.

Still, Boone has hit the ground running, as he readies to move his family from their home in Arizona to the metropolitan New York area. With an initial goal of forming relationships with his players, Boone let a horde of media members know he’s been busy since officially getting the job last Thursday.

"“I’ve reached out to a lot. I’ve texted with a lot of them. I’ve spoken with a handful,” Boone said. “It’s obviously — I know some guys pretty well. I know some a little bit just from the job.”"

When asked how he will interact with young slugger, Gary Sanchez, whose kinship with Joe Girardi seemed strained at times last season, Boone said his relationship with the catcher is really important to him.

"“I have a priority in that Gary and my relationship is important. I expect it to be very strong,” said Boone. “My expectation is that he’s going to be one of the great, impact players on both sides of the ball for a long time to come. I’m hoping, I’ve already texted back and forth with him a little bit, I expect to meet up with him at some point in the next couple of weeks.”More from Yanks Go YardDiamondbacks outfielder’s comment on Carlos Rodón’s IG raises eyebrowsReflecting on the 2013 New York Yankees’ top 10 prospectsDid Andrew Benintendi contract help Yankees with Ian Happ trade?Aaron Judge Time interview scared Yankees as much as it scared youMLB Network’s proposed Yankees-White Sox trade seems insane"

Throughout the course of the 40-minute press conference, Boone, who signed a three-year, $4 million contract, (team option for 2021) continued to press his belief that loving his players was of his utmost concern.

"“I expect myself and our staff to be very forthcoming and honest with our players,” said Boone. “I think the way you can breathe into guys, tap into guys, is by establishing relationships.”"

No, Boone hasn’t managed a day in his life. No, we don’t know how much input the front office will ultimately allow him. And no, we have no idea how Boone will handle pressure with the “stuff” hits the fan.

But Boone is consistent. He’s unwavering and he’s genuine. Without a win-loss record to pin our hopes on, we must take him for what he represents — a fresh start with an eye on the future.

Saying all the right things also doesn’t hurt.

After undergoing open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve, eight years ago, Boone assured the world he’s been given a clean bill of health — which has only added to his straightforward belief system that he believes will counteract complacency and motivate each player on the 25-man roster.

"“How do we get these guys to be the better version of themselves?” said Boone. ” I think when that happens, you’re going to put yourself in a position to be successful come October.”"

Without a shadow of a doubt, my favorite thing that Boone said all afternoon spoke to the core of what the Yankees are all about — winning championships.

"“I’m going to be judged on wins and losses,” said Boone. “With the New York Yankees, we are chasing championships. I think I’ll be, as a manager, someone who isn’t chasing after wins every day. I want to get lost into the process. By doing that, I think we have a chance to get the best out of our players.”"

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As a fan, if this doesn’t give you goosebumps headed into the 2018 season, nothing will.