In a heated moment during a recent game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on May 13, 2025, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was ejected after delivering a fiery, NSFW four-word message to home plate umpire Derek Thomas. The incident, which has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts, occurred during a tense ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners, adding another chapter to Boone’s storied history of confrontations with umpires.
## The Incident
The flashpoint came in the ninth inning of a close 2-1 game, which the Yankees ultimately lost in extra innings. Yankees rookie outfielder Jasson Domínguez was at the plate facing Mariners pitcher Andres Munoz. A 1-2 fastball, clearly below the strike zone, was called a strike by umpire Derek Thomas, prompting visible frustration from Domínguez. The young outfielder raised his hands in disbelief and lingered at the plate, admitting post-game, “I was surprised. It was low. I said some words. I probably shouldn’t have, but I was frustrated.”[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
Sensing his player was at risk of ejection, Boone stormed out of the dugout to intervene, positioning himself between Domínguez and Thomas. According to sources, Boone’s confrontation escalated quickly as he unleashed a pointed four-word message: “You f–king need to fix it!” The expletive-laden outburst, caught on hot mics, was directed at Thomas’ questionable strike call, which Boone and the Yankees bench felt was emblematic of inconsistent umpiring throughout the game.
Broadcaster Michael Kay, commentating on the YES Network, noted, “Well, Boone doesn’t like the low strike calls that they’ve been getting. So, you heard him say you’ve gotta fix that.” The confrontation led to Boone’s immediate ejection, marking his 41st career ejection and his second of the 2025 season, further cementing his reputation as one of MLB’s most frequently tossed managers.[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
## Context and Fallout
Boone’s ejection came at a critical moment in a tightly contested game, with the Yankees struggling offensively, going 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position. The loss dropped them to a 2-1 defeat in 11 innings, with Seattle’s J.P. Crawford delivering a walk-off single against Yankees reliever Tim Hill. The controversial call and Boone’s subsequent outburst have reignited debates about umpire accountability and the potential implementation of an Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), or “robot umpires,” in Major League Baseball.[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
Boone defended his actions post-game, stating, “I wasn’t even going out to argue. Obviously, it was a bad call—everyone knew it. You don’t see JD react like that. I was trying to just make sure JD stayed in the game.” He emphasized his role in protecting his young player, adding, “I kind of yelled, but I was more trying to be a distraction. Get JD out of there.”[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
Domínguez, known for his composed demeanor, acknowledged his own frustration, saying, “I was shocked. It was low. I didn’t want to make a scene, but I couldn’t believe it. I just reacted.” Boone’s intervention ensured that Domínguez avoided ejection, allowing him to remain in the game.[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
## A Pattern of Passion
This incident is far from Boone’s first run-in with umpires. With 41 ejections since taking over as Yankees manager in 2018, Boone has surpassed Joe Girardi’s 34 ejections during his tenure and is trending toward the top 20 most-ejected managers in MLB history. His fiery exchanges, including the iconic “Savages in the Box” tirade in 2019, have become a hallmark of his managerial style, often driven by a fierce loyalty to his players.[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
Just ten days prior to the Seattle incident, Boone was ejected in Tampa Bay over a disputed foul-ball call involving Aaron Judge, highlighting his willingness to confront umpires when he believes his players are wronged. These moments underscore Boone’s philosophy of absorbing pressure to shield his roster, particularly young talents like Domínguez and Anthony Volpe, from contentious situations.[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
## The Bigger Picture
The ejection has sparked broader conversations about the state of umpiring in MLB. The controversial call on Domínguez is part of a growing list of high-profile miscalls that have fueled calls for technological intervention. The ABS, currently being tested in Triple-A, uses Hawk-Eye cameras to track pitches with precision, and a challenge-based hybrid system is under evaluation. Proponents argue it could eliminate errors like the one that sparked Boone’s outburst, while critics believe the human element—including dramatic manager-umpire confrontations—is integral to baseball’s charm.[](https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-boone-nearly-touched-ump-before-toss-dominguez-admits-verbal-sparring-2025-05-14/)
Fans on X have been vocal, with some praising Boone’s passion and others criticizing the umpiring crew. One post from @PitchingNinja captured the moment, quoting Boone’s “You F’n need to fix it” and linking to a video of the ejection, while @pinstripesnat echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Boone’s demand for accountability.
## What’s Next?
As the Yankees continue their 2025 campaign, Boone’s latest ejection serves as a reminder of his unrelenting advocacy for his players, even at the cost of his presence in the dugout. While the loss to Seattle stung, Boone’s actions may have galvanized the team, particularly young players like Domínguez, who are navigating the pressures of a playoff-caliber season.
MLB may review the incident, as Boone has reached out to the league regarding past ejections, such as a controversial one in April 2024 where he was mistakenly tossed for a fan’s comment. For now, Boone remains a polarizing figure—celebrated by some for his fiery leadership and criticized by others for his frequent clashes with officials.
As the debate over robot umpires intensifies, one thing is certain: Aaron Boone’s passion for his team and his willingness to confront perceived injustices will keep him at the center of baseball’s most dramatic moments.
