Ben Rice, a rookie catcher and first baseman, has etched his name in the history of the pinstripes at Yankee Stadium, where Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Derek Jeter once played. In the annals of New York Yankees baseball on Saturday afternoon, a new name was written when Rice hit three home runs in one game against the Boston Red Sox—a feat never before achieved by a Yankee rookie in the franchise’s storied record books. Yet, amidst the roar of the crowd and the celebratory curtain call, Rice’s humility and respect for the franchise’s rich history—a legacy built on the foundation laid by the late George Steinbrenner—shone through.

The 25-year-old Rice, who had MLB Pipeline rank him as the No. 12 prospect for the Bombers, began his unforgettable day with a lead-off first-inning moonshot against Josh Winckowski, which constituted his second career home run. But he didn’t stop there. He then launched a three-run blast in the fifth off Chase Anderson, contributing to a seven-run frame for the Bombers. The rookie sensation completed his seven-RBI showing with another three-run shot off Anderson in the seventh, solidifying his place in Yankee lore.

Ben Rice, called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre less than three weeks ago to replace Anthony Rizzo due to a fractured right arm, initially shared first base duties with veteran J.D. Davis. However, his strong performance—batting .294 (15-for-51) with a .383 on-base percentage and .588 slugging in 17 games—earned him increased playing time. Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Rice’s rapid progress: “You try to stay in the moment with him because I think the catching part of it is real, too. That’s not the need right now, but he’s getting a ton of opportunities. It’s a great opportunity in front of him. We’re excited about what he’s doing, but I also don’t want to rush him too much.”

Following chants from the crowd, Rice, encouraged by teammates, emerged from the dugout for a curtain call, a moment that he “will never forget,” acknowledging the fans’ support by tipping his batting helmet. In his post-game interviews, Rice emphasized his team-first mentality and downplayed his individual achievements. “I’m just pumped that it was a big-time win for us, a good bounceback win, and over my hometown team,” Rice beamed. “So it’s pretty cool.” His words echo the sentiment of a true Yankee, prioritizing team success over personal glory, a value instilled in the organization by Steinbrenner.

The rise of Ben Rice from Red Sox territory to a homegrown Yankee hero

Growing up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Rice was a die-hard Yankees fan in Red Sox territory; reportedly, in a playful act of defiance, he once scrawled “Yankees Rule!” on the Pesky Pole at Fenway Park. Now, years later, he’s making headlines at Yankee Stadium, leaving his mark on the historic rivalry. “I have a lot of confidence in my approach,” Rice said. “Up here is no different. The game hasn’t changed. The bases are all in the same spots.” This unwavering belief in himself and his abilities has propelled him to success at the highest level of baseball.

Ben Rice’s three-homer game places him in an exclusive club of Yankees who have achieved the feat, including the likes of Aaron Judge and Lou Gehrig. Interestingly, Rice had previously achieved this rare feat in 2019 while playing summer ball for the Worcester Bravehearts, proving that history wasn’t new for this humble rookie. “It’s definitely humbling, honestly,” Rice said. “Knowing how many legends have worn this jersey before me and to be in a category like that is pretty amazing.” His words reflect a deep appreciation for the history of the franchise, a history shaped by Steinbrenner’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Yankees’ 14-4 victory over the Red Sox, fueled by Rice’s offensive explosion, snapped a four-game losing streak and provided a much-needed boost for the team. Gerrit Cole, who started for the Yankees, acknowledged the significance of Rice’s performance, saying, “We’re going through it, so we’ll take any kind of success. Really, I think it’s a little bit greater than that. It’s a historical day, a magical day.” Cole’s words underscore the impact Rice’s heroics had on the team’s morale and the excitement surrounding his future.

In a franchise known for its larger-than-life personalities and championship expectations, Ben Rice’s humble demeanor and team-first attitude are a refreshing reminder of the values that George Steinbrenner instilled in the Yankees. As Rice continues to make his mark in the Majors, his performance serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Boss and the winning tradition he established in the Bronx.