Why You Should Be a Yankees Fan, Now and Forever
Becoming a fan of the New York Yankees isn't just about supporting a team; it's about embracing an American tradition, a history of excellence, and an exciting future. This year in particular is primetime to hop on the Bronx Bomber bandwagon. The Damn Yankees may have indeed been damned… and they’re ready to redeem themselves. Especially after losing the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Thanks to that cross-country matchup, and in part to recent MLB rule changes, our national pastime is now soaring in popularity, and there may be new fans looking for a team to root for or longtime bleacher bums ready to reconsider their alliances. So forget the gripes about “The Evil Empire”. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider cheering on the Yankees today:
The Yankees Tradition
The Yankees are synonymous with baseball tradition. Even their uniforms are iconic. They’ve had the same legendary pinstripes since 1915, and that famous “NY” logo since 1909. Unlike other franchises who’ve suffered more than a few fashion faux pas over the years (watch a Padres-Astros game from the 1970s for some technicolor garishness), the Yankees know that classics never go out of style.
They’re also first to include numbers on their uniforms, a trend duplicated by every other team in baseball and in other sports. But unlike everyone else, the Yanks don’t include the players’ names, which is like a secret code for insiders. Diehard fans don’t need their roster namechecked; they know from the numbers who’s who.
And Bombers sure have their share of household names, like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson and Mariano Rivera, to name just a few. And so many of their stars have had their memorable moments, such as Babe Ruth's called shot, Lou Gehrig's heartfelt farewell, Don Larsen’s perfect World Series game and Derek Jeter's unforgettable walk-off win in his final home appearance. As a Yankees fan, you're not just following a team; you're part of a legacy that spans over a century.
They’re Winners
The Yankees have snagged 27 World Series titles and 40 pennants, more than any other team in Major League Baseball. In fact, no other American sports franchise has been so successful. This winning culture is ingrained in the team's ethos and creates a continuous drive to maintain high standards. The squad doesn’t believe in a “rebuilding year”; they expect to go all the way every time, which may seem like a lot of pressure, but it comes with the territory. Rooting for the New York Yankees means supporting a team that knows how to win and is constantly striving for the top.
Reinvestment in the Team
Haters love to complain about the Yankees’ tradition of snatching up all the talent with their inflated payroll, deriding them as “the best team money can buy.” But these gripes aren’t entirely true – other squads like the Dodgers, Mets and Red Sox have spent more in recent years. Nevertheless, the Yanks are always among the biggest splurgers… and rightfully so. According to Forbes, in 2024, they were valued at over $7.5 billion, two billion more than any other team and generated over $100 million more in revenue. So they’ve got the money to shell out and they do just that.
From the astounding $100K purchase of Babe Ruth from the Red Sox over a hundred years ago, through the wild George Steinbrenner era, and up to last year’s $300+ million roster, the owners have shown they’ll stop at no expense to acquire top-tier ballplayers. So while the cynics call them greedy, true fans call it reinvesting in the team and appreciate the commitment to staying competitive every season.
They’re Underdogs
The Yanks’ status as a powerhouse is so last century. Back then, they secured 25% of all World Series wins, but it’s now a whole new millennium and a whole new ballgame. Factors like the luxury tax and revenue sharing helped level the playing field, creating stiff competition across both leagues, leading to a greater variety of teams emerging as champions, including long-suffering franchises like the Chicago White Sox and Cubs.
The Bronx Bombers may have bookended the first decade with wins in 2000 and 2009, but that hardly makes them a modern legacy. In the 21st Century, the Cardinals also won twice and so did the Astros. And, of course, so did the Dodgers, routing the Yanks in 5 games in the latest Fall Classic. The Giants won 3 times in the 2010s, and the Red Sox have stifled any mention of the Curse of the Bambino by grabbing 4 new titles so far. So who’s the Evil Empire now? It’s high time the Yanks reclaim their top spot, and everyone loves a comeback story.
Champions in the Making
This might be the year the Yankees do it.
They’re stacked with talent, starting of course with Aaron Judge, winner of his 3rd MVP. And though the loss of Juan Soto and Gleyber Torres may seem like a setback, it’s paving the way for new talent, like Jasson Dominguez, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, another recent MVP. Add in up-and-coming Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm, and veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton, and the Bombers have got a modern-day Murderer’s Row who also promise to dramatically improve the team’s defense.
Speaking of defense, don’t forget that decorated pitching staff: 2023 Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole and 2024 Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, complemented by powerful lefties Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. And the acquisition of 2-time Reliever of the Year Devin Williams adds to an already impressive bullpen, ensuring the Yanks dominate on the mound deep into every game.
So there's never been a better time to don the pinstripes and become part of a rich history with a dedication to winning. Check out some of the best players in the game, who’ll prove they’re worth every penny of their generous salaries by bringing a championship back to the Bronx. Join the legacy, feel the excitement, and root for the Yankees!
Why do you love (or hate) the New York Yankees?
