The History of the New York Yankees

by Ronald D. Spieker on May 16, 2023

The History of the New York Yankees

The Early Years (1901-1919)

The New York Yankees, one of the most storied and successful franchises in sports history, have a rich history dating back to their founding in 1901. From their early struggles to their emergence as a powerhouse in the American League, the Yankees' first two decades laid the groundwork for their legendary status in the world of sports. 


The Founding of the Yankees:


The New York Yankees were initially known as the Baltimore Orioles when founded in 1901. The team was owned by Frank Farrell and Bill Devery, who purchased the Orioles for $18,000 and moved the team to New York City. The team was officially named the New York Highlanders after the team's stadium, Hilltop Park, located in upper Manhattan. 

Early Struggles and Successes:


The Highlanders struggled in their early years, finishing last in the American League in their first three seasons. However, the team began to show signs of improvement in 1904, when they finished in fifth place in the league. In 1906, the team won their first season, finishing with a 90-61. 

The Arrival of Babe Ruth:


In 1919, the New York Yankees made one of the most important acquisitions in the history of sports when they purchased Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox. Ruth, a pitcher, and outfielder, had become one of the most dominant players in baseball, and his arrival in New York signaled a new era for the Yankees. While it would take a few years for the team to build around Ruth and become a championship contender, his arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in Yankees history.



Sources:

"New York Yankees History" MLB.com, https://www.mlb.com/yankees/history

The Ruth Era (1920-1934)


The Ruth Era (1920-1934) is one of the most significant periods in the history of the New York Yankees. Led by the legendary Babe Ruth, the team established itself as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. 

The Emergence of the Yankees Dynasty:


The Yankees' ascent to greatness began in 1920 when they acquired Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox. Ruth, a pitcher, and outfielder, had already established himself as one of the most dominant players in baseball, and his arrival in New York signaled a new era for the Yankees. In 1921, the team won their first American League pennant, and they would go on to win the World Series in 1923, their first championship in franchise history. 

The Barnstorming Tour of 1927:


The 1927 Yankees are widely considered one of the greatest teams in the history of baseball. Led by Ruth, who hit a then-record 60 home runs that season, and Lou Gehrig, who hit 47 home runs and drove in 175 runs, the Yankees went on a barnstorming tour after the regular season ended, playing exhibition games in cities across the country. The team won 17 of their 21 games on time, further cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in the history of sports. 

The Birth of the "Murderer's Row":


The 1927 Yankees were known for their potent offense, nicknamed "Murderer's Row." In addition to Ruth and Gehrig, the team featured several talented hitters, including Tony Lazzeri, Earle Combs, and Bob Meusel. The team scored a then-record 975 runs during the regular season and led the league in every significant offensive category.



Sources:

"The 1927 New York Yankees: Baseball's Greatest Team?" National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, https://baseballhall.org/discover/1927-new-york-yankees

The DiMaggio Years (1936-1942)


The DiMaggio Years (1936-1942) was a time of great success for the New York Yankees. Led by the legendary Joe DiMaggio, the team won four straight World Series championships and established itself as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. 

Joe DiMaggio's Arrival in the Bronx:


Joe DiMaggio joined the Yankees in 1936 after spending three seasons with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League. DiMaggio was an instant success in the major leagues, hitting .323 with 29 home runs and 125 RBIs in his rookie season. He quickly became one of the most popular and talented players in the game, and his arrival marked the beginning of a new era of success for the Yankees. 

The Yankees' Four Straight World Series Wins:


From 1936 to 1939, the Yankees won four straight World Series championships, establishing themselves as the dominant team in baseball. Led by DiMaggio, who won three American League MVP awards during this time, the group featured several other talented players, including Lou Gehrig, Bill Dickey, and Lefty Gomez. The Yankees' dominance during this period is reflected in their record, as they won 393 games and lost just 164, a winning percentage of .706. 

The Impact of World War II:


The Yankees' success during the DiMaggio years was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. Many of the team's best players, including DiMaggio, were called up for military service, and the team struggled to maintain its dominance during the war years. However, the Yankees continued to be a successful team, winning another World Series championship in 1941, and they would go on to dominate the sport again in the post-war era.



Sources:

"Joe DiMaggio" National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/dimaggio-joe

The Berra-Mantle Era (1947-1964)


The Berra-Mantle Era (1947-1964) was a period of sustained success for the New York Yankees. Led by the legendary duo of Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle, the team won numerous American League pennants and World Series championships, cementing their status as one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sports. 

The Yankees' Return to Dominance:


After briefly rebuilding following World War II, the Yankees regained dominance in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Led by Berra, who won three American League MVP awards during this time, and Mantle, who won three MVP awards of his own, the team won five straight World Series championships from 1949 to 1953. The team also featured several other talented players, including Joe DiMaggio (in the early part of the era), Whitey Ford, and Phil Rizzuto. 

The Emergence of Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra:


Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra emerged as the two most important players on the Yankees during the Berra-Mantle era. Mantle, who joined the team in 1951, quickly established himself as one of the most talented players, hitting .311 with 23 home runs and 87 RBIs in his rookie season. Berra, who had already established himself as a star player, continued to be a dominant force on the field, hitting .305 with 27 home runs and 108 RBIs in 1950. The two players formed one of the most fearsome combinations in the sport's history. 

The 1961 Season and Roger Maris' Home Run Record:


The 1961 season is one of the most famous in the history of baseball, as Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle both chased Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60. While Mantle was slowed by injuries during the season, Maris hit his 61st home run in the final game of the year, breaking Ruth's record and establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the game. The 1961 season also saw the Yankees win their 19th American League pennant, further cementing their status as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.



Sources:

"Mickey Mantle" National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/mantle-mickey

The Steinbrenner Years (1973-1995)


The Steinbrenner Years (1973-1995) were a time of triumph and turmoil for the New York Yankees. Led by owner George Steinbrenner, the team won numerous American League pennants and World Series championships but also endured periods of controversy and instability. 

George Steinbrenner's Purchase of the Team:


George Steinbrenner purchased the Yankees in 1973 for $10 million and immediately set about trying to turn the team into a championship contender. Steinbrenner was known for his aggressive management style and was unafraid to spend money to acquire top talent. 

The Billy Martin Years:


Billy Martin served as the Yankees' manager on five different occasions during the Steinbrenner years, and his tumultuous tenure was marked by both success and controversy. Martin led the team to two American League pennants and a World Series championship in 1977; he was also known for his fiery temper and frequent clashes with Steinbrenner. 

The Arrival of Don Mattingly:


Don Mattingly joined the Yankees in 1982 and quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in the game. Mattingly won three American League batting titles and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1985. He became one of the most popular players in team history, and his number 23 was retired by the team in 1997. 

The Dynasty Years:


The Yankees' most significant period of success during the Steinbrenner years came in the late 1990s when the team won four World Series championships in five years from 1996 to 2000. Led by a talented core of players that included Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Bernie Williams, the team became one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.



Sources:

"Billy Martin" National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/martin-billy

The Jeter Era (1996-2014)


The Jeter Era (1996-2014) is one of the most successful periods in the history of the New York Yankees. Led by the legendary Derek Jeter, the team won five World Series championships and established themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. 

The Dynasty Returns:


After a brief rebuilding period in the early 1990s, the Yankees returned to dominance in the mid-1990s. Led by Jeter, who made his debut in 1995, the team won four World Series championships in five years from 1996 to 2000. The team also featured several talented players, including Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, and Jorge Posada. 

Derek Jeter's Legacy:


Derek Jeter is one of the greatest players in the history of the New York Yankees, and his impact on the team and the sport of baseball cannot be overstated. Jeter won five World Series championships with the team and was named the World Series MVP in 2000. He was also a 14-time All-Star, a five-time Gold Glove winner, and a five-time Silver Slugger award winner. Jeter's number 2 was retired by the team in 2017, and he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. 

The End of an Era:


The Jeter era ended in 2014 when Jeter announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season. The team honored Jeter throughout the season, and his final game at Yankee Stadium was a memorable moment in the group's history. While the Yankees have continued to be a successful team since Jeter's retirement, his legacy continues to loom large over the franchise.



Sources:

"Derek Jeter" National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/jeter-derek

The Post-Jeter Years (2015-present)


The Post-Jeter Years (2015-present) have been a time of transition for the New York Yankees. After the retirement of Derek Jeter, the team has continued to be a successful franchise, but they have also faced challenges as they try to build a new core of talented players. 

The Emergence of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez:


Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez are two of the most promising young players on the Yankees in the post-Jeter era. Judge, who debuted in 2016, quickly established himself as one of the most talented players, hitting 52 home runs and winning the American League Rookie of the Year award. Sanchez, who also debuted in 2016, has been a dominant pitcher when healthy, posting a 2.48 ERA in 2016 and making the All-Star team in 2017. 

The Acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton:


In 2017, the Yankees splashed by acquiring outfielder Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins. Stanton, who had just won the National League MVP award, was expected to boost the Yankees' offense significantly. While he has had some injury issues during his time with the team, Stanton has been a productive player when healthy, hitting 38 home runs in 2018 and helping the team reach the playoffs. 

The Yankees' Continued Success:


Despite the challenges of the post-Jeter era, the Yankees have continued to be a successful franchise. The team has made the playoffs in the past four seasons, reaching the American League Championship Series in 2017 and 2019. The team has also continued to attract top talent, including the signing of pitcher Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million contract in 2019.



Sources:

"Giancarlo Stanton" Baseball-Reference.com, https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stantmi03.shtml

The Legacy of the Yankees


The Legacy of the New York Yankees is among the most storied and successful in sports history. The team has won 27 World Series championships and produced some of history's greatest players and groups. 

The Greatest Players in Team History:


The Yankees have had several legendary players, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. These players have left an indelible mark on the team and the sport of baseball, and their legacies continue to be celebrated by fans and historians alike. 

The Greatest Teams in Team History:


The Yankees have also had some of the greatest teams in the history of baseball. Some of the most notable teams include the 1927 "Murderer's Row" team, which won 110 games and featured Ruth and Gehrig at their peak; the 1949-1953 team, which won five straight World Series championships; and the late 1990s teams led by Jeter, Rivera, and Bernie Williams, which won four World Series championships in five years. 

The Legacy of Yankee Stadium:


Yankee Stadium, the team's iconic home in the Bronx, has played an essential role in the team's history and legacy. The original stadium, which opened in 1923, hosted some of the most memorable moments in the history of the team and the sport, including Ruth's "called shot" in the 1932 World Series and Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series. The stadium was replaced by a new version in 2009, but the legacy of the original stadium continues to be celebrated by fans and the team alike. 

The Yankees in Popular Culture:


The Yankees have also had a significant impact on popular culture, both in the United States and around the world. The team has been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows, and their iconic pinstripes and interlocking NY logo are recognized worldwide. The team's success and legacy have also made them one of the most valuable franchises in sports, with Forbes estimating their value at $5.25 billion in 2021.



Sources:

"Forbes World's Most Valuable Sports Teams 2021" Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2021/05/07/the-worlds-most-valuable-sports-teams-2021-new-york-yankees-rise-9-spots-to-4th/?sh=6e082c964206

FAQs

Why is New York called the Yankees?

New York is called the Yankees because of the baseball team that bears the city's name: the New York Yankees. The group was founded in 1901 and was initially known as the Baltimore Orioles. In 1903, the couple moved to New York and was renamed the New York Highlanders. However, in 1913, the team's name was changed to the New York Yankees to reflect that they were the preeminent baseball team in the city. The term "Yankees" has a long history and is typically used to refer to people from the northeastern United States, particularly New England. The time initially referred to residents of the English colonies in North America and later came to be associated with the Union forces during the American Civil War. In baseball, the term "Yankees" has become synonymous with the New York Yankees, one of history's most successful and iconic sports franchises.

What is New York Yankees known for?

The New York Yankees are known for their long history and success on the baseball diamond. The team has won 27 World Series championships, the most of any team in Major League Baseball history. The Yankees are also known for producing some of the greatest players in the game's history, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. In addition to their success on the field, the Yankees are known for their iconic uniforms, featuring pinstripes and an interlocking NY logo. The team's home, Yankee Stadium, is also an iconic venue and has hosted some of the most memorable moments in the history of the team and the sport of baseball. Overall, the New York Yankees are widely regarded as one of the most successful and iconic sports franchises in the world and have played an essential role in the development and popularization of baseball.

Who is the most famous New York Yankee?

The New York Yankees have had many famous and iconic players throughout history, but one of the most widely recognized and celebrated is undoubtedly Babe Ruth. Ruth played for the Yankees from 1920 to 1934 and is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players ever. During his time with the team, Ruth led the Yankees to four World Series championships and set numerous records, including the single-season home run record of 60, which stood for 34 years. Ruth's larger-than-life personality and ability to hit towering home runs made him a beloved figure in New York and worldwide. He helped popularize baseball in the United States and beyond. Even today, nearly a century after he first donned the iconic pinstripes, Ruth remains one of the most famous and celebrated players in the history of the New York Yankees and baseball.

Ronald D. Spieker

Ronald D. Spieker is a dedicated sports blogger who has been a football fan since birth. With 7 years of experience in sports blogging, Ronald has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate commentator on all things football. He is known for his engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics in a way that is accessible to fans of all levels. Whether it's analyzing the latest game stats, delving into team strategies, or discussing the latest news from around the league, Ronald is always on top of the latest developments in football. His love for the sport shines through in every article he writes, and his readers appreciate his in-depth knowledge and insightful commentary. 

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