She’s the most adorable Bronx — video — Bomber!
As the Yankees fight for their playoff lives, manager Joe Girardi’s daughter gave everyone a welcomed bit of comic relief during this tense stretch run.
Fourteen-year-old Serena Girardi — the eldest of the skipper’s three kids — hammed it up during dad’s meeting with reporters after Tuesday night’s dramatic Yankees victory over Chicago.
She leaned into camera frames as Girardi answered reporters’ questions about the Bombers’ come-from-behind triumph over the White Sox.
Serena looked lovably bored with dad’s answers about Phil Hughes’ struggles, Derek Jeter’s latest milestone and Mariano Rivera’s upcoming retirement — all the while fidgeting and twirling her hair.
“It was just nice to have her here and be a part of it because she means so much to me and she’s a huge part of our lives, my wife and I,” Girardi said yesterday,
Tuesday night, Girardi seemed oblivious to Serena stealing the show before he acknowledged her at the end of his press conference.
“By the way, it’s her birthday. That’s why she’s here,” Girardi finally said. “Fourteen years ago, she was born in Bronxville, my Bronx baby.”
Girardi mentioned his daughter just after discussing the aches and pains he suffered at the end of his league catching career. The grind of 15 years behind the plate prompted Girardi’s retirement after the 2003 season, allowing him to spend more time with family.
Girardi and Serena famously got braces on their teeth together several years ago because she was afraid of metal filling her mouth.
The Yankees manager and his wife Kim also have son Dante, 11, and another daughter Lina, 6.
Girardi said yesterday he counsels players on the importance of balancing work life and family.
“I always tell my players, ‘Your kids know what you do,’ “ he said. “Because I knew exactly what my father did. My father took me to work with him. Work is important, but I want my kids to know that nothing is more important than them.’’