In December 2007 Jim Leyritz was involved in a drunk driving accident that resulted in someone’s death. Last November he was acquitted of the most serious charges against. Now he has been given a chance to get back into baseball:
I believe in second chances. I also think that the structure of baseball -- even non-affiliated baseball -- is probably the best thing for Leyritz. If he has any hope of making amends for his misdeeds and making something of his life, baseball is almost certainly going to be a part of it. Here’s hoping he makes the best of it.
The Newark Bears of the independent Can-Am League have agreed in principle to hire Leyritz as the team’s new hitting and pitching coach, owner and CEO Tom Cetnar said last night.
For Leyritz, the job will be his first foray into professional baseball since the legal troubles following his involvement in a fatal 2007 car crash.
“It’s a league of second chances,” Cetnar said. “Jimmy’s getting one, too.”
I believe in second chances. I also think that the structure of baseball -- even non-affiliated baseball -- is probably the best thing for Leyritz. If he has any hope of making amends for his misdeeds and making something of his life, baseball is almost certainly going to be a part of it. Here’s hoping he makes the best of it.
