NEW YORK — For the New York Yankees, the true hallmark of the season begins with the first game of the World Series.
While celebrating their playoff qualifications, triumphs in the AL East, Division Series, and celebrating their 41st pennant were merely preparations leading up to this pivotal moment.
When it comes to evaluating success, only championship rings matter, especially as Yankees are often compared to baseball legends such as Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and Mickey Mantle.
“Every day, I focus on bringing home a championship for our city and our team,” Yankees captain Aaron Judge stated at the onset of spring training in February.
“It has been a considerable time since we last reached that ultimate goal, but I believe the new team dynamics and some strategic changes we’ve made will guide us towards becoming the last team standing in the league.”
Making their World Series appearance for the first time since securing their 27th championship in 2009, the Yankees are set to commence play either in Los Angeles against the Dodgers or at home against the New York Mets starting on Friday.
The team’s core, primarily in their 30s, is driven by the desire to not only achieve but also to validate their careers through a championship win.
Giancarlo Stanton is entering his 15th major league season, Gerrit Cole his 12th, and Judge is in his ninth.
However, Stanton, known for his intense competitiveness, remains modest in his assessment of their progress thus far.
“In my view, we haven’t achieved anything yet,” he declared after Game 4 against the Guardians.
His determination was palpable during the celebration when teammate Gleyber Torres playfully suggested he take the AL championship trophy, which Stanton cradled like a baby, referencing a previous opposing player’s home run celebration.
At Yankee Stadium, the weight of tradition is felt instantly by newcomers.
The tunnel leading to the clubhouse is adorned with large images of the franchise’s iconic players.
The locker room features portraits of modern greats, consistently reminding each player of the accomplishments of past legends like Berra, DiMaggio, Gehrig, Ruth, and Mantle.
Even Hall of Famers like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, both champions five times over, interacted with the current roster during Old-Timers’ Day events this past August.
A 23-year-old shortstop, Anthony Volpe, articulated what defines the Yankees: “The essence of the Yankees is all about winning, especially the World Series.”
After a disappointing 2022 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with an 82-80 record, the Yankees returned with increased aspirations following the acquisition of Juan Soto from San Diego in December.
Soto introduced an air of confidence, donning a T-shirt at spring training that read “The Generational Juan Soto.”
His crucial performance during the postseason featured a decisive 10th-inning home run that sealed their 41st pennant.
The Yankees enjoyed a strong 50-22 start to the season, though a slump of 10-23 during part of the summer raised doubts about the team’s trajectory.
The addition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. from Miami prior to the trade deadline revitalized their performance, leading the team to finish with an AL-best record of 94-68, clinching a playoff spot after Game No. 152 and securing the AL East on the 159th game.
Stanton has showcased his postseason prowess with a batting average of .294, five homers, and 11 RBIs, while Soto is at .333 with three home runs and eight RBIs.
Judge has contributed two homers and six RBIs, despite an average of .161, and Torres has consistently set the pace, reaching base lead-off in eight of the nine playoff games.
The bullpen has seen vital contributions from Tim Hill, Jake Cousins, Tim Mayza, and Mark Leiter Jr., each brought in after being released by other teams or in trade-deadline dealings.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of readiness, addressing players during spring training, “Whether you think you’ll make the big club or not, you have to be prepared for the pivotal moments that can define a season.”
Boone acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the season and the impact of roster movements, stating that players brought in — even those who were previously viewed as cast-offs — can significantly influence the team’s success.
