Why Ex-Red Sox’s Alex Verdugo Brought Yankees Gifts Before World Series Game

Alex Verdugo put himself through a rollercoaster to start the 2024 World Series with the New York Yankees.

He had a defensive miscue in a Game 1 loss, jammed out to an anti-New York diss track before Game 2 and gave the Yankees their only offense of Game 3 with a two-out, two-run home run in the ninth inning.

Verdugo put himself back in the headlines with a move in the clubhouse in an attempt to restore vibes with New York one game away from elimination. FOX Sports’ Rowan Kavner reported Wednesday that the team received some new footwear from their current teammate and former Red Sox outfielder.

“Jazz Chisholm thought about wearing Timberlands on the field for batting practice,” Kavner wrote. “They were gifted to the team by outfielder Alex Verdugo, who ‘just wanted to do something cool for the boys.'”

The strangest reasons can give a team momentum, but why did Verdugo believe that momentum could arrive with new boots?

“Verdugo, whose ninth-inning homer the night before provided their only runs in Game 3, sought to loosen things up,” Kavner added. “Well, that, plus he ‘felt like Timberlands just feel like New York’ and he ‘wanted to get the boys some steppin’ shoes.’ ‘Mine was more just give them that, give them something to lighten it up,’ Verdugo said.”

Verdugo and the Yankees attempt to send the series back to Los Angeles against the Dodgers with Game 5 Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 8:08 p.m. ET.