New York Yankees History

Even an only cursory look at New York Yankees history shows that this team has played a huge role in shaping the look of baseball. Names associated with the team include Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and also Yogi Berra. Current manager Joe Girardi is working hard at keeping the spirit of the team--and its legacy--alive. What are some of the highlights of New York Yankees history?

Three names. Before the team became the New York Yankees in 1913, they were the New York Highlanders from 1903 to 1912. The name did not fit, but it was more apropos than the original name: Baltimore Orioles. Of course, fans have devised their own nicknames over the decades; some favorites are the “Bronx Bombers” and the “Pinstripers.”

From National League to American League. The main reason for there being New York Yankees history today, dates back to the 1901 and 1902 seasons. Western League president Johnson wanted to compete with the National League and decided to change his team’s name from a National League title to the American League designation. The New York Giants wanted nothing to do with the upstarts and the team had to start out in Baltimore. By 1903 the differences were ironed out and the team moved to New York.

Uneventful early New York Highlanders tenure. As the Highlanders, the team suffered through some uneventful seasons. Its luck changed in 1904, when Jack Chesbro set a new record of single-season wins. Thereafter, the team’s morale caught on fire, but tight purse strings made it difficult to realize growth.

Ruppert fortune finances Yankees. As the owners of the team lacked the finances to foster it, they sold the franchise to Jacob Ruppert and another party in 1915. Ruppert was an excellent choice. New York Yankees history shows that he had received a rather sizable inheritance and was willing and able to bankroll the previously cash-strapped team.

Yankees debut at the World Series. In 1921 the team went up against the New York Giants in their first World Series game. The relationship between the teams had been good up to this point. Being asked to move out of the stadium they shared with the Giants afterward, the Bronx became the new home for the team.

Gifted players join the team. In 1920, Babe Ruth made the team. Bob Meusel and Lou Gehrig came up later in the decade. Joe DiMaggio came on board in 1936. Twelve years later, Mickey Mantle brought his skill to the table. Since then Yogi Berra, Elston Howard, Roger Maris, Jim Hunter, Darryl Strawberry and Alex Rodriguez also put their marks on New York Yankees history.

While it is impossible to tell where the team will go in 2011, New York Yankees history shows that smart roster decisions have served it well in the past and will most likely do so in the future.