Aaron Boone secured his place in Yankees lore with one of the most indelible home runs in franchise history. Now, at 44, he can build on that legacy as a rookie manager for the team.

The Yankees chose Boone as their manager on Friday over five other candidates, according to a person with direct knowledge of the decision. The person was not authorized to discuss the move because the Yankees have not announced it.

General Manager Brian Cashman, who traded for Boone down the stretch in 2003, recommended him as the manager to Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ managing general partner. Steinbrenner approved, giving Boone his first managing job at any level. He had been a broadcaster for ESPN since 2010.

Boone will replace Joe Girardi, who went 910-710 in 10 years as Yankees manager and led the team to its most recent championship, in 2009. Girardi had already been a major league coach and manager when he replaced Joe Torre a decade ago. Boone has not been in uniform since retiring as a player eight years ago, but his hiring continues a trend around the majors.