Karl-Anthony Towns wore an interlocking NY cap during his post-game interview Tuesday night in Boston, one of several Knicks showing support for the Yankees as they prepare for their first World Series trip since 2009.
Towns, a New Jersey native who has represented the Dominican Republic in international play, also referred to Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto as “in a way … the Ted Williams of our time.”
“Juan Soto in my opinion is one of the greatest Dominican talents for baseball we’ve ever seen,” Towns said after the Knicks’ season-opening loss to the Celtics. “He’s one of those guys when I get to watch from afar as a fan, even when he wasn’t on the Yankees, just to see the discipline he has at the plate, the power he possesses and the way that he commands the plate and covers the plate.
“He does a lot of things that the greats of the MLB have done.”
Josh Hart has a personal connection to the Yankees, and he got to visit his late great-uncle Elston Howard’s retired No. 32 plaque in Monument Park before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch in September.
“I’m hoping they win it,” Hart said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to get to go to any games with us being out on that road trip [next week]. … But super excited, man, for them as players, excited for the city, and I’ll be watching and supporting.”
The Yankees and Dodgers will play Games 3, 4 and 5 in The Bronx from Monday through Wednesday, respectively.
The Knicks play at home Monday against the Cavaliers and will travel Tuesday for a game the following night in Miami.
All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson also threw out the first pitch before a game in July at the Stadium, where he spoke with Aaron Judge and exchanged No. 11 jerseys with Anthony Volpe.
“Really cool. I’m really excited for them,” Brunson said. “Yeah, I hope they bring it home. I’m a little upset, I don’t think we have time to go to any of the games … but it’s gonna be alright. I have 100 percent faith in them.”