Mike Safo with Jim Leyritz, MLB Veteran & 2-Time World Series Champion

Mike Safo

Joined today by 2-time World Series Champion and MLB veteran, "The King" Jim Leyritz. Jim talks about growing up in Cincinnati, idolizing Pete Rose and the life changing advice Johnny Bench gave him when he was 14. We hear why Jim abandoned his basketball dreams, breaking his foot right before the MLB draft and how he ended up at the University of Kentucky. Jim chats about meeting the Yankee scout who would eventually sign him, winning a batting title in the minor leagues and two awesome Deion Sanders stories from their time playing together. Jim shares getting called up to the show in 1990, his first hit, his first hit off Clemens at the stadium, and his "feud" with Bucky Dent. Jim recalls his dramatic 1995 home run against the Mariners in the 15th inning in Mattingly's last game. We discuss the 1996 World Series, his game 4 iconic home run, catching the infamous 1-0 game 5 and celebrating the 1996 title. Jim tells us why he wanted to be traded in 1997, and why he jumped from the Angels - Rangers - Red Sox and the Padres within 2 years. We hear about the ‘98 World Series, when he knew the Padres were going to lose and the hitting style of Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs. He shares his passion working with various charitable organizations and how George Steinbrenner instilled the "giving back" mantra to him. Jim opens up about his off the field hurdles, how he persevered through his arrest and trial, and what inspired him to keep fighting. We hear about Jim meeting his wife, the importance of the book, "A Purpose Driven Life", and why he always remained loyal to Craig Carton. All this plus his rolodex of celebrities in his phone, how he gets to eat at Rao's and his goal of being a sport agent. Follow Jim here:https://jimleyritz.com/