On May 14, 1996, Girardi caught Dwight Gooden's no-hitter. Girardi played in 124 games during the 1996 season, batting .294 with 2 home runs and 45 RBI. In Game 6 of the 1996 World Series, Girardi hit an RBI triple off of Greg Maddux that eventually led the Yankees winning the World Series for the first time since 1978. When the Yankees made 25-year-old prospect Jorge Posada his backup, Girardi became his mentor.[6] The two catchers split time for the Yankees through 1999.[7] In 1997, Girardi played in 112 games batting .264 with a home run and 50 RBI. During the World Series-winning 1998 season, he played in 78 games batting .276 with 3 home runs and 31 RBI. On July 18, 1999, Girardi caught David Cone's perfect game. During the World Series-winning 1999 season, Girardi played in 65 games batting .239 with 2 home runs and 27 RBI.Joe Girardi
