Yankees mourn sudden loss of Cathy Tusiani

NEW YORK -- A tearful Aaron Boone closed his pregame news conference on Friday by stating that the Yankees will take the field with “heavy hearts” in memory of Cathy Tusiani, the wife of senior vice president of partnerships Michael Tusiani, who passed away on Wednesday night. She was 50.

Tusiani was driving when a tree fell in Armonk, N.Y., striking her car, per local authorities.

“With all the excitement of Opening Day, we get reminded all the time of the perspective,” Boone said, prior to the Bombers’ home opener against the Blue Jays. “At the end of the day, this is our livelihood and it really matters, but it is just a game. Our Yankee family has heavy hearts today. We’ll be playing for them today and all season.”

The Yankees released a statement on Thursday acknowledging Tusiani’s passing.

"Words cannot capture the devastating impact that is being felt within the Yankees family after the sudden and tragic loss of Cathy Tusiani," the club said. "Cathy was beloved by our front office staffers, who were privileged to experience and bear witness to her kindness, intelligence, sense of humor and great love for her husband, Michael, over the two-plus decades of dedicated service he has provided the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family.

"As we share in the pain and grief with Michael, daughters Alexa and Julia, and the entire Tusiani family, the Yankees stand with them to offer our complete support and unconditional love as we navigate this unimaginable loss.”