Jim Leyritz Says Advice From Pete Rose Helped Him Become Clutch Player

Jim Leyritz, hero of the 1996 World Series, understands a little something about striking under pressure in the playoffs … and now the catcher/infielder/outfield (Jim generally played every position) is informing TMZ Sports his trick.

“I always was taught that at a very young age from Pete Rose is if I treated every at-bat from day one til the end of the season, it didn’t matter where it was, or what was going on around me, but that at-bat was the most important one, so I never got caught up in the moment, and that’s what I would tell young players,” Jim states.

“Don’t get caught up in the moment. It’s you against him. It’s no different than your first at-bat at spring training or your last at-bat of the season. Concentrate on that at-bat and don’t get caught up on everything going on around you.”

“It’s easier said than done, but that was my mindset.”

You found out that from Pete, we asked.

“I have to thank Pete Rose, as a 14-year-old kid, as a batboy for the Reds, and he gave me that advice, and its helped me through my entire life in everything I’ve done under pressure, that I was able to perform under pressure.”

Of course, Leyritz’s is most understood for his 3-run crowning achievement throughout Game 4 of the ’96 World Series … in between the Yankees and Braves. Atlanta led the series, 2 video games to 1, and held a commanding 6-0 lead through 5 innings in the critical video game.

But, the Yanks scratched a couple of encounter … and after that in the 8th inning, Leyritz concerned the plate, down 3, with 1 out and 2 runners aboard.

Then, with one fracture of the bat, Leyritz blasted a 3-run dinger to left, connecting the video game at 6. The video game went to additional innings prior to the Yankees eventually won 8-6 in the 10th, night the series at 2 video games each.

NY went on to win Game 5 behind a dominant efficiency by Andy Pettitte … prior to putting the Braves down at last in Game 6. It was the NYY very first champion because 1978.

It was Jim’s most remarkable minute … however not his just one. Just one year previously, throughout the 1995 MLB playoffs, Leyritz blasted a walk-off, 2-run crowning achievement in the 15th inning of the 2nd video game of the ALDS, putting the Yanks up 2-0 in the series.

Now, the Yankees will face their disliked competitors, the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series … with 4 wins the only thing separating the team from a World Series berth.

We spoke to Jim about a lot more associating with the Yanks-Stros … and Jim even informs us who he believes might be the breakout star of the series (as he when was).

The Yankees will not get any rest … Game 1 begins today in H-Town.