Less than three months after he was acquitted of DUI manslaughter charges in Fort lauderdale, former New York Yankee Jim Leyritz has landed on his feet -- in Newark.
The former major league catcher has signed on with the minor league Newark Bears to become the team's pitching coach, it was announced Friday.
Leyritz says he's grateful for a second chance in what he calls "a league of second chances."
The 47-year-old Leyritz had been facing a maximum of 15 years behind bars in the December 2007 death of 30-year-old Fredia Ann Veitch. Leyritz had been celebrating his 44th birthday with friends on Fort Lauderdale beach when his SUV collided with Veitch's car around 3 a.m.
Leyritz was eventually convicted of DUI, but not manslaughter. He was given a year probation and fined $500.
He's best known for his three-run homer off Atlanta's Mark Wohlers in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, which turned the tide of the series and enabled New York to win in six games.
Play Ball! Leyritz Lands Minor League Coaching Gig
Yankee hero who dodged DUI manslaughter conviction back in the game
Copyright AP - Associated Press
