Top Ten Yankees through the Years
One of the most iconic names in baseball is the team name “New York Yankees”, and along with it have come some equally as famous players. The Yankees have had so much talent come through their stadium, names including Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra and Mickie Mantle to name a few. Though there are several arguments about who the greatest players of the game are it is no question who the top ten are from the New York team. Based on up to date career statistics these players have a ninety year span of talent between them. These players may not have top score in all parts of the game but they have all set certain records that either have yet to be broken or held for a longer time than most students have been alive.
While many questions in baseball can be argued over and over without result, the question of who is the greatest Yankee is a simple one. Babe Ruth is undeniably the greatest Yankee of all time. Beyond simple being a great Yankee Rader refers to Ruth as being a “pivotal figure in establishing the greatest dynasty in baseball history, that of the New York Yankees”. Babe Ruth forever changed the game; his hitting ability inspired not just baseball players but also the nation. Beyond the numbers, we can gauge Ruth’s greatness through looking at the longevity of his fame. Even today Babe Ruth is a household name and more recognizable then any other historic baseball player. As Ruth acquired his slugging average of .847, he was able to personify the American dream.
The Iron Horse’s consecutive game streak of 2,130 games easily makes him a legend and his hitting records and Triples crown puts that legend at number two on our list. When Lou Gehrig’s career was tragically caught short, by what is now comm...
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...ing two similar ones from Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx for being the youngest player to hit 500 home runs and then later 600 home runs. He is a phenomenal player but unfortunately again there will always be a question of whether this was because of his talent after several years or if his records should be more attributed to the drugs.
Based on statistics and other aspects of the game these are a few of the top players of the Yankees, as one of the oldest teams in the game there was a lot of talent that went through. These men however were the ones who stood out the most for one reason or another, we honor them as the top ten Yankees due to the talent and effort they placed in a game that was so close to their hearts. Yes more players will come though the team and possibly break their records but these men will still remain some of the largest names in Yankee history.
The one achievement which makes both of these players a cinch for the Hall of Fame is the feet that they both reached in the 1992 season. That achievement was getting their 3000th career hit.
He hit 600 home runs (5th most all time), won 10 gold gloves, and made 13 All Star Games. In almost 150 years baseball history, only the great Willie Mays can match Ken Griffey Jr. in these statistical categories. However, despite these extraordinary stats, Ken Griffey Jr. may be the ultimate “What Could Have Been” player. An incredibly promising career was derailed in the latter half by chronic injuries that robbed him of hundreds of games. If not for these injuries, Griffey was well on his way to becoming the Home Run King (Stark, 2010) and possibly the greatest player ever. Despite these setbacks, Griffey is still revered as one of the greatest and most popular MLB players ever. The savior of baseball in Seattle and the lone star to stay above the darkness of the steroid era, Griffey will go down in history as a legendary athlete.
To continue, Lou Gehrig has been the Yankees all time hits leader until September 11th 2009 when Derek up to the plate. He hit a base hit, under the diving glove of the first baseman, against the Baltimore Orioles. Jeter was always about hard work and how it pays off in the end, and knowing the Captain he was all about winning "The whole experience has been overwhelming," Jeter said. "This is more than I could 've imagined" (Kepner, Tyler). When breaking the all time Yankee hit record he got a standing ovation from the crowd, hugs from his teammates and claps to go with that as he stood alone on first
...rst all time in total accumulated bases with 6,856. He was second all time in at bats with 12,364. He was third all time in hits with 3,771. He was third all time in runs scored with 2,174. He was also third all time in games played with 3,298. He was elected into the Hall Of Fame in 1982. His autobiography, I had a Hammer, was published in 1990. In 1999, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of breaking Babe Ruth’s record, Major League announced the Hank Aaron Award, given to the best overall hitter in each league.
"Ruth's Record of 700 Home Runs Likely to Stand for All Time in Major Leagues." New York Times 14 July 1934: 8.
1910 to 1920 was the one of the greatest decades for Major League Baseball. Many amazing events occurred during this decade; although, some devastating and extremely sad events also occurred. Half of these years were taken up by war, even many Hall of Fame players served. This decade still ended up being a great one for Major League Baseball. From Hall of Fame greats to Negro League pitchers, this decade produced greats. The 1910’s also set up the 1920’s for amazing players too.
This is the team that Ruth, Gehrig and Mantle played for. Twenty-seven time world champions. The most valuable sports franchise in history. The ownership pays the top baseball players in the world over $200 million per year to ensure competitive ballgames and victory. They have more Hall of Fame inductees than any other team in history. The most recognized sports franchise in the world. People on the other side of the world would kill to see the Yankees and their favorite players right before their very eyes. The classiest organization in all of sports, even forbidding hair below the lower lip. The Yankees are forever being mentioned in pop-culture: songs, movies, television shows, etc. The Yankee hat is the most beloved and coveted piece of sports apparel that exists. From Nelson Mandela to Jay-Z, and from Rudy Giuliani to Muhammad Ali, some of the greatest and most influential men who have ever lived sport the Yankee cap with pride. Yankee Stadium is the cathedral of sports. The perfectly manicured grass and electricity of the crowd and fellow fans is breathtaking. You can explore the history in the Yankees Museum, where signed memorabilia, World Championship trophies, and other astonishing pieces of history are put on display for the fans. Or visit Monument Park, and pay visit to the plaques belonging to the greatest who have ever played. Hungry? Your choices are endless. Sit down for a five-course meal at NYY Steak for one of the best steaks that New York has to offer. Or stop at Lobel’s Gourmet Steak Sandwiches for some mouthwatering pulled pork. Enjoy a draft beer at the Malibu Rooftop Deck, while overlooking the Manhattan skyline; or order up a Hurricane from the Mohegan Sun Sports Bar and enjoy the game overlooking centerfield. And finally wash it all down with a delicious milkshake from Johnny Rocket’s. Yankee Stadium offers well over 100 concession and dining options. A trip to Yankee Stadium will
Next to future hall of famer shortstop Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano was just as recognized in New York. His face was all over the city on television as well as street signs.
For the better part of the 20th century, African American baseball players played under unequal opportunity. On one side of the field, European descendants were given a license to play this children's game for money and national fame. While on the other side of the field, African slave descendants were also given a license to play - as long as they didn't encroach upon the leagues of the Caucasians. What was left over for African American player in terms of riches was meager at best. Though the fortune wasn't there, the love and fame within the African American communities made the players of the Negro Baseball League legends.
should know Babe Ruth is for the most important reason, that being the way he
To conclude Mickey Charles Mantle was one of baseball’s best players. Mickey finished his career with one Triple Crown, three American League MVPs, four American League Home run and Slugger Leaders, fifteen All-Star Games, one Gold Glove, and a Hall of Fame induction.
Gehrig was among one of the greatest to ever play the game of baseball. He played alongside powerful names such as Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio. Gehrig was often referred to as the “iron horse” and impressed everyone with his statistics in the game. Some of his impressive statistics include averaging 147 RBIs per season holding an all time record of 184 RBIs in 1931, winning the Most Valuable Player award twice, winner of a Triple Crown, holding the re...
does have downfalls in his reputation and his actions throughout the long term of his life, but he still changed the game of baseball and gave people hope while doing so. When all the fame, rush of the spotlight, youth, and the wild side of Babe ruth settled down, his great qualities and the good he did really started to shine through. He did fill the stands of baseball by giving people hope and thrill throughout the war time and Great Depression (Family). He set stunning records that would forever be remembered in the baseball community and in the United States in general. It requires a unique and special hero to continue to have the effect that Babe Ruth still has today. Babe Ruth does deserve to be recognized as one of the most influential people in
This game of a stick and ball has captivated the United States during good and bad times. In either time most of us today can remember stories of players from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. These are legendary figures in the sport of baseball that have are celebrated as hero’s and in scandal, i...
Baseball fans, in addition to behaving insanely, are also fascinated by baseball trivia. Every day they turn to the sports page and study last night's statistics. They simply must see who extended his hitting streak and how many strikeouts the winning pitcher recorded. Their bookshelves are crammed full of record books, team yearbooks, and baseball almanacs. They delight in remembering such significant facts as who was the last left-handed third baseman to hit an inning-ending double play in the fifth game of the playoffs.