Ex-Yankee Joey Gallo heckled in spring training game vs. former team

Yankees fans down in Florida gave a stark reminder on how they felt about a former Bronx Bomber.

Ex-Yankee Joey Gallo was booed loudly during the Minnesota Twins’ 1-0 victory over the Bombers Monday, giving the two-time All-Star a preview of what future road games in Yankee Stadium will be like.

Gallo went 1-for-3 in the game and was heckled each time he came to the plate. The 29-year-old became enemy No. 1 to Yankees fans after an abysmal tenure in the Bronx. Days before the 2021 trade deadline, the Yankees acquired Gallo and lefty reliever Joely Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for four minor leaguers. The Yankees hoped that the transaction would bring a productive lefty bat and defense to a team hoping for postseason success.

Gallo’s time with the Yankees wasn’t a good one.

In 140 games with the Bombers from July 2021 to August 2022, Gallo slashed .159/.291./368 with 25 homers and 46 RBI. He struck out 194 times in 501 plate appearances and never showed his Gold Glove winnin defense that was on display as a member of the Rangers. Gallo was later traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season in exchange for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter.

“It was tough for him to get on track,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Monday’s loss. “Sometimes you want it too much and you get in your way a little bit. One thing, the game is hard and I never questioned his intent, his commitment, his work ethic. He never ran from anything. He never wanted out of the lineup or anything like that. He faced it head on, but it was a challenge for him. It was tough. But I certainly have a lot of respect for him and how he went about things.”

“Joey Gallo” is now used to serenade player who struggle in the Bronx. Aaron Hicks was a victim in August when he heard the chants after botching two plays in the outfield.

“You know when a guy cares and pours into it and is also committed to being a really good teammate, which he was. You certainly feel for guys that you know are going through a tough stretch when the situation is difficult,” Boone said about Gallo.

The new Twin will surely get a lot of attention from fans in the Bronx when the Yankees host Gallo’s squad for a four-game series beginning on April 13.

GAME NOTES

One thing remained consistent in Monday’s lackluster game: Antony Volpe got a hit and flashed his glove. The top prospect got one of the team’s three total hits, a bloop double to left field in the third inning. Volpe, who played second base, also turned two double plays with fellow prospect Oswald Peraza, who played shortstop.

The two gave fans a glimpse of what could be in the future but for now, the two are in competition for the starting shortstop role.

“It’s a friendly competition, and we all try to do our best,” Peraza said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “The team will make a choice at some point.”

SHORTER GAMES

Monday’s game between the Twins and Yankees concluded in two hours and 12 minutes, 49 minutes shorter than last season’s average spring training game. Through Saturday, this season’s spring training games are lasting an average of two hours and 36 minutes, 25 minutes shorter than last spring’s average.