Leyritz Arrested

Former Yankees World Series hero Jim Leyritz was arrested Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on charges of driving under the influence and killing a driver after his car crashed into hers.

Leyritz was charged with DUI manslaughter and DUI property damage, said Det. Kathy Collins of the Fort Lauderdale police. He posted the $11,000 bond and was released from Broward County jail.

Police believe alcohol was involved in the crash, and investigators are awaiting results of blood alcohol tests, Collins said.

Leyritz hit a three-run homer off the Braves' Mark Wohlers in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series that tied the score at 6 in the eighth inning after the Yankees had trailed, 6-0. They won 8-6 in 10 innings to tie the Series at two games each and went on to their first of four titles under Joe Torre.

Leyritz, who lives in Davie, turned 44 Thursday. Fort Lauderdale authorities got a call at 3:20 a.m. that a crash occurred in the entertainment district, Collins said. She said Leyritz was driving a 2006 Ford Expedition that collided at an intersection with a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero driven by Fredia Ann Veitch, 30, of Plantation.

Veitch, who was ejected from the car, died at Broward General Medical Center. The Miami Herald said that Veitch, who left a husband and two children, was driving home from work at the Original Steakhouse.

Witnesses told police Leyritz had a red light. Officers on the scene observed Leyritz to have red, watery eyes, a flushed face and an odor of alcohol.

Leyritz was told Veitch had died and he was asked to submit to a blood test, police said. "After he refused, Leyritz was informed that blood would be taken above his refusal," the police statement said.

Leyritz played 11 seasons, 1990-2000, for six teams, averaging .264 with 90 homers. He also played for the Angels, Rangers, Red Sox, Padres and Dodgers.

Cano stopped from playing: The Yankees prohibited Robinson Cano from continuing to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed, noting the Yankees had given Cano permission to play six games and he was still playing after 10. Cashman said he agreed to the six games to make sure that Cano had recovered from a September abdominal injury.Cano hit .389 in nine regular season games. ... Righthander Oscar Villarreal signed a two-year, $2.85 million contract with Houston. Villarreal, 26, was traded by Atlanta for outfielder Josh Anderson last month.

Via courant.com