by James Vletstra
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The Greatest Yankees Moments of All-Time!
The New York Yankees are rich in history. They celebrate their great history every year with Old Timers Day and other celebrations. Of course, the Yankees are also constantly adding to their history. In looking back over their long and successful history, there are countless moments that would be considered great.
I have ranked my top 250 Yankees moments.
Not all of these were accomplished by the Yankees, but they were at least involved. I will be releasing (in groups of 25) what I feel are the Top 250 Moments in Yankees history.
I hope you enjoy reliving each of these memories as much as I did putting them together. Feel free to share yours in the comments.
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THE TOP 250 MOMENTS IN YANKEES HISTORY: Part 7, 100-76
100. October 26, 2000 Yankees Win First Subway Series in 44 years
The Yankees defeated the Mets in 5 games. Derek Jeter was named WS MVP
99. August 29, 1972 Murcer Hits for the Cycle
In what would ultimately be a 7-6 walk off win in 11 innings, Bobby Murcer hit a cycle against the Rangers
98. May 24, 2015 Bernie Williams Honored
Bernie Williams received a plaque in Monument Park and had his number 51 retired
97. October 5, 1950 DiMaggio 10th inning Home Run
Allie Reynolds pitched yet another World Series gem. In the 6th inning Joe DiMaggio made an over the shoulder catch of a ball near the 400’ sign. In the top of the 10th DiMaggio hit a homer that would be the difference in the score.
96. October 26, 1999 Curtis Strikes Twice
In Game 3 of the World Series, Chad Curtis hit a home run in the fifth inning. In the bottom of the tenth, he came to bat with the game tied at 5. Curtis hit the second Home Run of the evening, to walk it off
95. September 4, 1993 Abbot Throws No-Hitter
Jim Abbot was born without a right hand. He did not allow this to hinder his success. He threw his gem against the Cleveland Indians for a 4-0 win
93. October 23, 1996 Leyritz Does It Again
The Braves jumped out to an early 6-0 in Game 4 of the World Series. They were still up 6-3 in the 8th inning when Jim Leyritz delivered a 3-run homer. The Yankees eventually won it in 10 innings
92. October 10, 1923 Casey At The Bat
This was the very first playoff game in Yankees Stadium. The score was tied at 4 in the 9th inning. Future Yankees manager Casey Stengel was at bat for the Giants. He hit an inside-the-park home run to the area that eventually will house the monuments in play. The Giants won 5-4
91. August 23, 2015 Pettitte Honored
Andy Pettitte received his plaque in Monument Park. His number 46 was also retired
90. September 24, 1925 Ruth Hits Ultimate Grand Slam
On a Thursday afternoon in front of 1000 fans, the White Sox took a 3 run lead in the 10th inning. Babe Ruth came to bat with the bases loaded and hit the first ultimate grand slam in American League history to give the Yankees a 6-5 win
89. September 30, 1934 Gehrig Wins Triple Crown
There has only been 18 Triple Crown winners since 1878. That is, a player leading the league in batting average, Home Runs and RBIs in one season. Yankees first base legend accomplished this on the last day of the 1934 season with a .363 average, 49 HRs, and 166 RBIs
88. June 19, 2015 ARod Hits 3000
In a 7-2 victory over the Tigers, Alex Rodriguez hit a home run off of Justin Verlander for his 3000th career hit
87. October 13, 1960 Mazeroski Hits Walk-Off
The Yankees dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series. So much so that Bobby Richardson of the Yankees was named WS MVP, as the voting took place prior to the final dramatics. Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski stepped up to the plate, series tied 3-3, game tied 9-9, and he delivered the first ever walkoff homer in a decisive final game
86. August 22, 2015 Posada Honored
The Yankees spent much of the summer celebrating former players from the latest dynasty. On this particular Saturday, Jorge Posada received his plaque in Monument Park as well as having his number 20 retired
85. October 9, 1996 Fan Interferes With Ball in Play
In Game 1 of the ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles, Derek Jeter hit a long fly ball to right. Jeffrey Maier reached over the wall and grabbed it. It was ruled a home run and the Yankees were well on their way to advancing to the World Series. Today, instant replay would have ruled him out and who knows how it would have all turned out
84. August 3, 1974 Ford Number Retired
Prior to this, only six Yankees numbers had been retired. So when 16 joined the other immortals, it was quite an accomplishment. However, in 1974, Yankees Stadium was under construction as the team played at Shea Stadium. So Ford didn’t receive a plaque for 13 more years
83. October 8, 1939 Yankees Win 8th World Series
The Yankees were up 3 games to none, tied at 4 in the top of the 10th. Joe DiMaggio was up with 2 men on base. DiMaggio hit a single and came all the way around to score as the catcher lay on the ground unable to get to the ball. The sweep gave the Yankees a record 4 straight World Series
82. May 14, 2017 Jeter Joins Core 4
The Captain, Derek Jeter, once again is center stage as he is presented with a plaque in Monument Park and his number 2 was retired
81. July 4, 1983 Rags Throws No-Hitter
On Independence Day, Dave Righetti no hit the Boston Red Sox 4-0
80. November 1, 2001 Soriano Walks-Off
With the Yankees down 2-0 in the 5th game of a Series tied at 2, Scott Brosius hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to tie it. In the bottom of the 12th, Alfonso Soriano hit the game winning RBI single
79. October 4, 1953 Yankees Win 16th title
With the score tied at 3 in the bottom of the 9th, Billy Martin had the game winning RBI single to clinch the Series 4 games to 2. It was a record 5 consecutive championship for the Yankees
78. May 17, 2002 Giambi Hits Ultimate Grand Slam
On a rainy Bronx evening, the Minnesota Twins scored 3 runs in the 14th inning to take a 12-9 lead. Jason Giambi had recently signed as a free agent, replacing fan favorite Tino Martinez. Giambi stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and soon sent all the fans home happy with a game winning Ultimate Grand Slam
77. April 18, 1952 DiMaggio Number Retired
The Yankees retired Joe DiMaggio’s number 5 from use
76. October 31, 2001 Mr. November
The Yankees trailed in the series 2-1. Bottom of the 9th, Diamondbacks up 3-1, 2 outs. Tino Martinez blasts a two run homer. The clock turned midnight. Soon after Derek Jeter hit a walk-off homer to earn the nickname Mr. November
