TAMPA, Fla. — Yonkers, N.Y., native Dan Fiorito grew up a few miles north of the Bronx loving the Yankees.
He played shortstop, so naturally Derek Jeter was his guy.
Fiorito was 5 when the Yankees won the World Series in 1996, Jeter’s rookie season. He was in grade school when they three-peated from 1998-2000.
When the Yankees won their last title in 2009, Fiorito had grown to 6-foot-4 and was playing college baseball for Manhattanville University.
It was a dream come true for Fiorito in 2012 when he was signed by the Yankees out of a tryout camp, and during his time as an infielder in their system from 2013-16.
Fiorito advanced to Triple-A as a player, but never made it to the majors … until this year as the Yankees’ new first base, infield and baserunning coach.
Fiorito earned the promotion after putting in his dues coaching in the Yankees’ organization for eight seasons, including three as a manager for the Gulf Coast League Yankees in 2019, High-A Hudson Valley in 2021 and Double-A Somerset in 2022.
Fiorito was promoted from minor league outfield/infield coordinator in November after the Yankees broke ties with Travis Chapman, their first base and infield coach from 2022-25.
“He’s been on the radar in the big-league side of things for a while now,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s trusted in player development. He’s an impactful coach. He’s got some presence to him. I’m excited to go do this with Dan.”
Fiorito, 35, is featured today in NJ.com’s daily spring training “favorites” questionnaire:
Teenage celebrity crush: Jennifer Aniston.
Childhood sports hero: Derek Jeter.
Favorite movie: A Bronx Tale.
Favorite actor: Chazz Palminteri.
Favorite actress: Jennifer Aniston.
Favorite musical artist: Billy Joel.
Best little league memory: Winning a championship. We were the Yankees and my dad was the coach. I pitched and played shortstop.
Favorite zoo animal: Lions.
Favorite non-MLB teams: New York Rangers.
Best sports besides baseball: Basketball. I couldn’t shoot. I’m 6-4 and had a decent post-up game, but I was only good against smaller players.
One rule change I’d make if I were commissioner: Monday off days.
Favorite holiday: Christmas Eve.
Favorite cartoon: Rocket Power.
Favorite toy as child: Wiffle Ball bat.
Favorite childhood family vacation: Cape Cod with my parents and brother.
Dream vacation: Italy.
Favorite subject in school: Physical education.
Favorite video game: FIFA.
Favorite meal: My nona’s lasagna.
Favorite fast-food restaurant: McDonald’s.
Favorite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
Favorite snack: Peanut butter and jersey sandwich.
Favorite soda/non-alcoholic drink: Iced tea.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate.
Food won’t eat: Mushrooms.
Favorite TV station/streaming network: MLB Network.
Hobbies: Fishing. I once caught a good-sized, bonnethead shark fishing off a boat in Tampa.
3 living or dead people you’d invite to dinner: Jesus, Johnny Cash and my grandpa on my mom’s side.
YANKEES FAVORITES SERIES
— Feb. 12: Aaron Boone
— Feb. 13: Jazz Chisholm
— Feb. 14: Tim Hill
— Feb. 15: Amed Rosario
— Feb. 16: Clarke Schmidt
— Feb. 17: Jake Bird
— Feb. 18: Max Fried
— Feb. 19: Spencer Jones
— Feb. 20: Ryan Yarbrough
— Feb. 21: Brad Ausmus
— Feb. 22: Max Schuemann
— Feb. 23: Cade Winquest
— Feb. 24: Trent Grisham
— Feb. 25: Ryan Weathers
— Feb. 26: Austin Wells
— Feb. 27: Jose Caballero
— Feb. 28: George Lombard Jr.
— March 1: James Rowson
— March 2: Ben Rice
— March 3: Paul DeJong
— March 4: Jasson Dominguez
— March 5: Will Warren
— March 6: Giancarlo Stanton
— March 7: Luis Gil
— March 8: J.C. Escarra
— March 9: Ryan McMahon
— March 10: Anthony Volpe
— March 11: Paul Blackburn
— March 12: Matt Blake
— March 13: Carlos Rodon
— March 14: Oswaldo Cabrera
— March 15: Fernando Cruz
— March 16: David Bednar
— March 17: Luis Rojas
— March 18: Cam Schlittler
— March 19: Cody Bellinger
— March 20: Randal Grichuk
— March 21: Dan Fiorito