Aaron Boone grew up in Villa Park and starred in baseball, basketball and football at Villa Park High School before playing at USC, reaching the major leagues and eventually becoming manager of the New York Yankees. A 1991 Villa Park High School graduate, Boone has one of the most prominent professional sports careers connected to the community.
Aaron Boone at Villa Park High School
Boone was a multi-sport athlete at Villa Park High School. Baseball became his path to professional sports, but he also played basketball and football for the Spartans. As a senior in 1991, Boone hit .423 with 22 stolen bases and was named co-player of the year in the Century League. He also earned All-Orange County recognition.
Aaron Boone during his senior year at Villa Park High School in 1991.
Villa Park Baseball
Aaron Boone with the Villa Park High School baseball team in 1991.
The California Angels selected Boone in the 43rd round of the 1991 MLB Draft out of Villa Park High School. He chose not to sign and instead honored his commitment to play college baseball at USC.
Basketball & Football
Aaron Boone also played basketball at Villa Park High School.
Aaron Boone played wide receiver for Villa Park High School during his senior year.
USC & the Major Leagues
Boone played three seasons at USC before the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the third round of the 1994 MLB Draft. He made his major-league debut with Cincinnati in 1997 and went on to play 12 MLB seasons with the Reds, Yankees, Cleveland, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and Houston Astros.
His most famous moment as a player came with the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series. Boone hit an 11th-inning walk-off home run against the Boston Red Sox to send New York to the World Series.
After the 2003 season, Boone tore the ACL in his left knee while playing pickup basketball. The injury ended his first stint with the Yankees, who later acquired Alex Rodriguez to play third base.
Aaron Boone as Yankees Manager
The Yankees named Boone the 33rd manager in franchise history in December 2017, and he began managing the club in 2018. In 2024, Boone led New York to the American League pennant and the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 2009.
In February 2025, the Yankees signed Boone to a two-year contract extension that runs through the 2027 season, continuing a managerial tenure that began directly after his broadcasting career with ESPN.
The Boone Baseball Family
Baseball runs through several generations of the Boone family. Aaron’s father, Bob Boone, played 19 major-league seasons, and his grandfather Ray Boone played 13 seasons in the majors. Aaron’s older brother, Bret Boone, also had a long MLB career. Aaron and Bret both played at USC before reaching the major leagues.
Aaron Boone Timeline
- 1991: Graduates from Villa Park High School and is drafted by the California Angels.
- 1991-1994: Plays college baseball at USC.
- 1994: Selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round of the MLB Draft.
- 1997: Makes his major-league debut with Cincinnati.
- 2003: Hits the ALCS Game 7 walk-off home run that sends the Yankees to the World Series.
- 2018: Begins his first season as manager of the New York Yankees.
- 2024: Leads the Yankees to the American League pennant and World Series.
- 2025: Signs an extension to manage the Yankees through 2027.
Aaron Boone FAQs
Did Aaron Boone attend Villa Park High School?
Yes. Aaron Boone graduated from Villa Park High School in 1991 and was a standout multi-sport athlete for the Spartans.
What sports did Aaron Boone play at Villa Park High School?
Boone played baseball, basketball and football at Villa Park High School. Baseball became the sport that took him to USC and eventually Major League Baseball.
Did Aaron Boone play baseball at USC?
Yes. Boone chose USC after being drafted out of high school by the California Angels. He played three seasons for the Trojans before Cincinnati drafted him in 1994.
When did Aaron Boone become Yankees manager?
The Yankees hired Boone in December 2017, and the 2018 season was his first as manager.
How long is Aaron Boone under contract with the Yankees?
The Yankees signed Boone to a two-year extension in February 2025 that keeps him under contract through the 2027 season.
For more local sports and school history, explore our Villa Park High School coverage and Villa Park history.