15 Things No One Told You About Being A New York Yankees Fan

By William Chase

July 26, 2015

Things No One Told You About Being A New York Yankees Fan

New York Yankees Yankee Stadium — The New York Yankees are one of the most polarizing franchises in sports. The owners to the most World Championships (27) in sports, the Yankees' success dates back to 1903. People love ’em or they hate ’em. There is no in-between. Here are 15 things no one told you about being a New York Yankees fan.

The New York Yankees are one of the most polarizing franchises in sports. The owners to the most World Championships (27) in sports, the Yankees' success dates back to 1903. People love ’em or they hate ’em. There is no in-between. Here are 15 things no one told you about being a New York Yankees fan.

15. Yankees Fans Embody Passion

15. Yankees Fans Embody Passion

The Yankees have among the most loyal fanbases, which brings me to the right-field Bleacher Creatures of section 203. After the first pitch of every home game, the Bleacher Creatures chant the names of the starting defense, save for the pitcher and catcher, at the top of the first inning. The players wave or point in acknowledgement, and the chant moves to the next position player. There's even a book dedicated to the Creatures.

14. This Is Derek Jeter’s Town

From 1995-2014, captain since '03, Mr. November, or Captain Clutch, can do no wrong in New York. He seemingly always came through with the big hit, hit a home run for his 3000th hit, made the outstanding defensive play, won his last Yankee Stadium game with a walk-off hit, won 5 World Series rings. He is known for "the dive," and "the flip." The accolades go on. Jeter will never have to buy a meal in NYC again.

13. Yankees Had A Decade Of Futility. Once.

13. Yankees Had A Decade Of Futility. Once.

The Yankees miraculously have won the World Series every decade, with the exception of the 1980s. In fact, they missed the playoffs every year from 1982 until 1995. Even though Buck Showalter, manager 1992-1995, led the team to its first playoff appearance in 14 years, he was gone following the elimination to the Seattle Mariners, paving the way for Joe Torre.

12. In Torre We Trust

12. In Torre We Trust

Joe Torre played for the St. Louis Cardinals, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. He managed the St. Louis Cardinals, the New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves and was fired from all three. Then the Yankees came calling in 1996 and he promptly proved naysayers wrong, guiding the club to its first title since 1978. Winners again in '98, '99, '00, and appearances in '01 and '03, Joe Torre established himself as a Hall of Fame manager in New York.

11. The Yankees Boast The Greatest Collection Of Players

11. The Yankees Boast The Greatest Collection Of Players

Retiring a players' number is the ultimate achievement a franchise can give to a player. The Yankees have retired 19 of their own, the 20th being the universal retirement of Jackie Robinson's number 42. Derek Jeter's number 2 is likely the next to receive the honor. The Yankees rich, successful history would not be possible without great players, and the Yankees have the most retired numbers and Hall of Famers in history.

10. Aaron Boone Became Yankee Legend On One Pitch

10. Aaron Boone Became Yankee Legend On One Pitch

Aaron Boone had a largely unforgettable tenure with the Yankees. That is until game 7 of the 2003 ALCS versus the Boston Red Sox. Much like Bucky "Flippin" Dent's 1978 home run against the Red Sox propelling the Yankees and eliminating the Red Sox, Boone's home run off Tim Wakefield sent New York to the World Series. Boone was batting just .125 when he hit that knuckler on the first pitch. His brother Brett was in the broadcast booth.

9. The Yankees Have Dynasties Upon Dynasties

9. The Yankees Have Dynasties Upon Dynasties

There are only 14 teams in baseball history to win the World Series consecutively. The Yankees make the list six times. A streak of five straight (1949-1953), which is the most, four straight (1936-1939), the second most, three straight tying the Oakland Athletics, (1998-2000) and two straight (1927-1928, 1961-1962, 1977-1978).

8. Fans Pour Out In Record Numbers

8. Fans Pour Out In Record Numbers

The Yankees' lack of success on the field in 2013-14 (both years they missed the playoffs) didn’t deter the fan support. They led the AL in attendance, third overall in baseball, and averaged 42,520 fans per game in 2014. The season-long retirement tributes to Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter the past two years sure didn’t hurt, as fans flocked to see the members of the “Core Four” one last time.

7. Opposing Fans Think They're Clever Saying Yankees Buy Their Championships

7. Opposing Fans Think They're Clever Saying Yankees Buy Their Championships

Why? Having the top payroll in all of baseball, along with George Steinbrenner’s win-now at all costs philosophy for years breeds gossip. Except the Yankees don’t have the number 1 payroll anymore — Los Angeles Dodgers took over the top spot in 2014 — and the team has shown restraint from trading away top prospects in recent years. In fact, 12 teams ahead of the Yankees had a greater increase in payroll between 2014-2015.

6. Yankees Are Worth A lot

6. Yankees Are Worth A lot

The Yankees are tied for second in sports, first in baseball, for most valuable sports franchise on the planet: a whopping $3.2 billion, they moved up 2 spots from 2014 gaining an additional $700 million value increase. And to think George Steinbrenner purchased the team in 1973 for $10 million.

5. Yankees Fans Won't Forget Jeffrey Maier

5. Yankees Fans Won't Forget Jeffrey Maier

The Yankees trailed the Baltimore Orioles 4-3 in the of the bottom 8th inning during Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS. Derek Jeter, at the plate, tied it with a home run to right field. Jeffrey Maier became instant legend as his glove deflected the ball over the fence. What would be considered fan-interference today, Tony Tarasco and the Orioles pleaded their case, to no avail. The Yankees won the series 4-1 and went on to win the World Series.

4. Babe Ruth Did More Than Hit

4. Babe Ruth Did More Than Hit

The legend of Babe Ruth is as big as his girth. Largely considered the greatest player of all time, The Babe has many hitting records including home runs (714), RBIs (2,213), walks, (2,062), slugging percentage, (.690) and on-base plus slugging (1.164). Only the latter two still rank number 1. Ruth was also a great pitcher, winning 94 games and pitching to a 2.28 ERA. Ruth out-dueled the great Walter Johnson, winning 4 out of 5 decisions.

3. Yankees Celebrate Their History Like No Other

3. Yankees Celebrate Their History Like No Other

Old-Timers' Day is a special day held every year at Yankee Stadium, where all the Yankee greats and legends are invited back for pre-game ceremonies. The Yankees know how to throw a party, and nothing trumps celebrating decades of excellence like having everyone back. The iconic Yogi Berra is always the last to be introduced to a plethora of cheers.

2. You Have To Earn Your Pinstripes

2. You Have To Earn Your Pinstripes

No matter who you are, any player that puts on the pinstripes is under a giant microscope. It doesn't matter what you've done in your career prior to signing with the Yankees, it's almost as if nothing matters until you deliver a game-winning hit in front of the Yankee Stadium faithful. Only then are Yankee players fully accepted and embraced and thus have earned their pinstripes.

1. Expectations Are High

1. Expectations Are High

Always. No matter what. This is New York, and any player that puts on the pinstripes is expected to come through at all times. Not everyone can, and fans and media alike will constantly remind you about it. When the fanbase gets used to winning, any year that does not end with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes and the ultimate prize of the World Series trophy is considered a failure.

William Chase is a New York Yankees writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @William_Chase88 or add him to your network on LinkedIn and Google.

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15 Things No One Told You About Being A New York Yankees Fan

15 Things No One Told You About Being A New York Yankees Fan

By William Chase

July 26, 2015

Things No One Told You About Being A New York Yankees Fan

15. Yankees Fans Embody Passion

15. Yankees Fans Embody Passion

14. This Is Derek Jeter’s Town

14. This Is Derek Jeter’s Town

13. Yankees Had A Decade Of Futility. Once.

13. Yankees Had A Decade Of Futility. Once.

12. In Torre We Trust

12. In Torre We Trust

11. The Yankees Boast The Greatest Collection Of Players

11. The Yankees Boast The Greatest Collection Of Players

10. Aaron Boone Became Yankee Legend On One Pitch

10. Aaron Boone Became Yankee Legend On One Pitch

9. The Yankees Have Dynasties Upon Dynasties

9. The Yankees Have Dynasties Upon Dynasties

8. Fans Pour Out In Record Numbers

8. Fans Pour Out In Record Numbers

7. Opposing Fans Think They're Clever Saying Yankees Buy Their Championships

7. Opposing Fans Think They're Clever Saying Yankees Buy Their Championships

6. Yankees Are Worth A lot

6. Yankees Are Worth A lot

5. Yankees Fans Won't Forget Jeffrey Maier

5. Yankees Fans Won't Forget Jeffrey Maier

4. Babe Ruth Did More Than Hit

4. Babe Ruth Did More Than Hit

3. Yankees Celebrate Their History Like No Other

3. Yankees Celebrate Their History Like No Other

2. You Have To Earn Your Pinstripes

2. You Have To Earn Your Pinstripes

1. Expectations Are High

1. Expectations Are High

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Things No One Told You About Being A New York Yankees Fan

15. Yankees Fans Embody Passion

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14. This Is Derek Jeter’s Town

14. This Is Derek Jeter’s Town

13. Yankees Had A Decade Of Futility. Once.

13. Yankees Had A Decade Of Futility. Once.

12. In Torre We Trust

12. In Torre We Trust

11. The Yankees Boast The Greatest Collection Of Players

11. The Yankees Boast The Greatest Collection Of Players

10. Aaron Boone Became Yankee Legend On One Pitch

10. Aaron Boone Became Yankee Legend On One Pitch

9. The Yankees Have Dynasties Upon Dynasties

9. The Yankees Have Dynasties Upon Dynasties

8. Fans Pour Out In Record Numbers

8. Fans Pour Out In Record Numbers

7. Opposing Fans Think They're Clever Saying Yankees Buy Their Championships

7. Opposing Fans Think They're Clever Saying Yankees Buy Their Championships

6. Yankees Are Worth A lot

6. Yankees Are Worth A lot

5. Yankees Fans Won't Forget Jeffrey Maier

5. Yankees Fans Won't Forget Jeffrey Maier

4. Babe Ruth Did More Than Hit

4. Babe Ruth Did More Than Hit

3. Yankees Celebrate Their History Like No Other

3. Yankees Celebrate Their History Like No Other

2. You Have To Earn Your Pinstripes

2. You Have To Earn Your Pinstripes

1. Expectations Are High

1. Expectations Are High

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