By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Aaron Boone breaks down in tears after a news conference where he spoke about being traded to the New York York Yankees on Thursday. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

When the Reds fired his father, Bob, as manager Monday, Aaron Boone didn't hide.

He sat down in front of his locker and answered every last question from reporters.

But when trade rumors about Boone began circulating Wednesday, the third baseman stood by his locker and politely declined to comment on any speculation.

So when he broke down in tears and had to leave the news conference announcing his trade to the Yankees on Thursday, you knew Boone would be back, if only to say a proper goodbye.

"I'm certainly excited about the opportunity," he said. "At the same time, I'm heartbroken.

"While I hope this is the best for me, I absolutely hope it's the best thing for the Reds."

For 10 years and 1,232 games, Reds fans watched Boone grow from a third-round draft pick to an All-Star third baseman.

Leaving a city and an organization that by-and-large embraced him during the journey will be among his toughest challenges.

Aaron Boone hugs members of the Reds staff after the trade. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

"It really is like family," said Boone, who was traded for three minor league pitchers and $1 million cash. "I almost take it for granted how comfortable that is.

"To say the people here have been great to me is an understatement."

Boone dismissed the notion that he demanded out of Cincinnati after the Reds began dumping salary.

Relief pitcher Scott Williamson was sent to the Red Sox on Tuesday. Outfielder Jose Guillen was traded to the A's on Wednesday.

The Reds received five pitchers and $1.25-million in those two deals.

"No, I did not demand a trade or, for that matter, even ask out," Boone said.

But he did request, and was granted, a meeting with Reds chief executive officer Carl Lindner. The two held what Boone described as a "very personal" meeting in Lindner's downtown office Wednesday.

"It was basically me just wanting to get some concerns I had off my chest," Boone said. "My biggest concern was I didn't want to be here out of popularity or (public relations) or being a poster boy or anything like that.

"I wanted to be here for all the right reasons. I wanted what was best not only for myself, but for the Reds."

What the Reds considered best was trading the 30-year-old to a contender willing to part with one of their top prospects.

Boone will join the Yankees today in Oakland.

"I've got butterflies from excitement," he said. "Hopefully, I can just go over there, fit in, do my thing and be part of a winner."