When you think of the Yankees, there are so many moments and players that come to mind. I have been fortunate enough to witness the latest run of great Yankee teams from 1996 to today. Some people will tell you about Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Yogi Berra and how they ruled New York way back when. Today, I can tell you my three favorite Yankees of All-Time and why.
3- David Cone 1995-2000
He was the ace of the staff upon his arrival in 1995 and lived up to the expectations that came along with it. His 140 pitch outing in Game 5 of the 95 Divison Series against Seattle was gutsy. He laid everything he possibly had out on the field and that's what I liked about his most. He gave it everything he got. During his tenure in pinstripes, the Yankees won four World Series championships. He threw a perfect game in 1999 against the Expos. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball during his prime. Although at the end of his run in the Bronx, he was a shell of a pitcher he once was, he still had enough to get Mike Piazza out in Game 5 of the 2000 World Series against the Mets in a crucial spot. His funky windup, sweeping slider, and intense demeanor on the mound makes his one of my favorite Yankees of all-time.
2- Mariano Rivera 1995-Present
This should really be labeled as 1-B but nontheless, Rivera surely makes the list. 500 plus saves from a guy who wasn't a great starter. I have seen the evolution of Mariano first hand,as many of us have. A skinny young thrower, to a skinny old legend. His countless performances in the most pressurized situations makes him immortal. He did have some slips along the way, '97 ALDS against the Indians, '01 Game 7 World Series, '04 Game 4 ALCS, but between all that, he is the greatest pitcher in postseason history. His calm attitude as he enters the game, mostly with the game on the line, brings relief to an already intense moment. His humble attitude and strong personality make for a great baseball player. Who knows how much Rivera has left in the tank but once he's done, we will surely miss seeing a legend who was always in his prime, do his craft, as no one will ever be able to replicate his success.
1- Derek Jeter 1995-Present
How could he not be no. 1on the list. He is the symbol of success. Since his full time arrival in 1996 the Yankees have won 5 World Series titles and have become a global juggernaut, in part of the Captain's presence. From his Flip in 2001,to his dive in the stands in 2004, Jeter has been the backbone of the Yankees. In a time where scandals have hit most superstars, both on and off the field, Jeter has had none. His team first attitude,his everyday hustle, and his drive to win has won over New York over the last 15 years. Whatever he touches turns to gold. There is no higher standard in sports, than Derek Jeter. He is what the Yankees franchise symbolize, pride,power and tradition. Derek carries that with him everyday. His numerous accomplishments over his career can make anyone envious,but instead, they bring determination to everyone. He may not be the best player in baseball, or even the best player on his team, but Derek Jeter is Mr. Yankee. He is one of the best players of his generation and he is a future Hall of Famer. Along with Rivera, there is no one better, with the game on the line, with the lights shining bright, and with all eyes on him...that's why Derek Jeter is my favorite Yankee of All-Time!
3- David Cone 1995-2000
He was the ace of the staff upon his arrival in 1995 and lived up to the expectations that came along with it. His 140 pitch outing in Game 5 of the 95 Divison Series against Seattle was gutsy. He laid everything he possibly had out on the field and that's what I liked about his most. He gave it everything he got. During his tenure in pinstripes, the Yankees won four World Series championships. He threw a perfect game in 1999 against the Expos. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball during his prime. Although at the end of his run in the Bronx, he was a shell of a pitcher he once was, he still had enough to get Mike Piazza out in Game 5 of the 2000 World Series against the Mets in a crucial spot. His funky windup, sweeping slider, and intense demeanor on the mound makes his one of my favorite Yankees of all-time.2- Mariano Rivera 1995-Present
This should really be labeled as 1-B but nontheless, Rivera surely makes the list. 500 plus saves from a guy who wasn't a great starter. I have seen the evolution of Mariano first hand,as many of us have. A skinny young thrower, to a skinny old legend. His countless performances in the most pressurized situations makes him immortal. He did have some slips along the way, '97 ALDS against the Indians, '01 Game 7 World Series, '04 Game 4 ALCS, but between all that, he is the greatest pitcher in postseason history. His calm attitude as he enters the game, mostly with the game on the line, brings relief to an already intense moment. His humble attitude and strong personality make for a great baseball player. Who knows how much Rivera has left in the tank but once he's done, we will surely miss seeing a legend who was always in his prime, do his craft, as no one will ever be able to replicate his success.1- Derek Jeter 1995-Present
How could he not be no. 1on the list. He is the symbol of success. Since his full time arrival in 1996 the Yankees have won 5 World Series titles and have become a global juggernaut, in part of the Captain's presence. From his Flip in 2001,to his dive in the stands in 2004, Jeter has been the backbone of the Yankees. In a time where scandals have hit most superstars, both on and off the field, Jeter has had none. His team first attitude,his everyday hustle, and his drive to win has won over New York over the last 15 years. Whatever he touches turns to gold. There is no higher standard in sports, than Derek Jeter. He is what the Yankees franchise symbolize, pride,power and tradition. Derek carries that with him everyday. His numerous accomplishments over his career can make anyone envious,but instead, they bring determination to everyone. He may not be the best player in baseball, or even the best player on his team, but Derek Jeter is Mr. Yankee. He is one of the best players of his generation and he is a future Hall of Famer. Along with Rivera, there is no one better, with the game on the line, with the lights shining bright, and with all eyes on him...that's why Derek Jeter is my favorite Yankee of All-Time!
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