Robinson Cano‘s controversial home run Tuesday night has a connection to a Massachusetts middle school teacher.
When Cano’s shot barely made it into the right field stands, Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz thought fans interfered with the play. Replays indicate that one of the fans, 20-year-old Jared Macchirole, contacted Cruz’s glove and possibly reached over the fence. The play immediately drew comparisons to Jeffrey Maier, the 12-year-old boy who helped Derek Jeter‘s home run clear the right-field fence in Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS.
Just a few miles away at LaGuardia airport, Maier watched Cano’s questionable home run with his brother and sister, as reported by ESPN.com. The trio got a good laugh when the TBS broadcaster mentioned his name.
“It was pretty funny,” Maier told the website.
Maier’s infamous play was not his only defining sports moment. He played baseball at Wesleyan University and became the school’s all-time hits leader. He then tried to play professional baseball but didn’t make it past tryouts. Now 27, Maier teaches math and coaches his school’s baseball and basketball teams.
Even though Maier lives in Red Sox territory, he still cheers for the Yankees. And as someone who knows a thing or two about fan interference, he thought Tuesday night’s call was right.
“It seemed pretty clear to me,” Maier told ESPN.com. “I thought it was a home run.”
Unfortunately for the Yankees, the home run didn’t carry much significance, as New York lost 10-3 and now faces elimination in Wednesday’s 4 p.m. game.
