Yankees: Melky Cabrera Robbing Manny Ramirez Happened 14 Years Ago Today

During his rookie season, Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera robbed Manny Ramirez of a game-tying home run.

The Melk Man played his first full MLB season with the New York Yankees back in 2006 and managed to produce better than anyone expected. The 21-year-old slashed .280/.360/.391 with 75 runs scored, 7 homers, 50 RBI and 12 stolen bases. But his defense and arm was what impressed fan the most.

On June 6, 2006, the Yankees were hosting the Boston Red Sox in the Bronx and the game was tight in the top of the eighth inning, with New York leading 2-1. Reliever Kyle Farnsworth came into the game to take care of the heart of the order and managed to retire Mark Loretta and David Ortiz. With two outs, Manny Ramirez stepped into the batter’s box and tattooed one deep to center field.

Everyone thought the game would be tied after hearing the crack of the bat, but Cabrera tracked down the ball and made a leaping catch at the wall to rob one of the most hated Red Sox of a game-tying solo blast.

That’s some way to introduce yourself to the Bronx faithful, eh? In classic Yankees fashion, Mariano Rivera came into the game in the top of the ninth and retired Trot Nixon, Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell to secure the win.

Melky had a bit of a knack for delivering in big moments, and he did it with his bat too!

It’s crazy to think Cabrera is 35 years old now and looking for a new team after stints with the Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s been around the block and has actually had a successful career despite his infamous 50-game suspension in 2012, but Yankee fans won’t forget his biggest moments came in pinstripes.