The Ballparks
From 1903 to 1912, the franshise were known as the New York Highlanders, as their first ballpark in New York was the Hilltop Park, the highest point in Manhattan. As Highlanders, the team did not enjoy much success, and finished in the second place twice, in 1904 and in 1910.
The team came to be known as the New York Yankees in 1913, when they changed their home ground to the Polo Grounds, which then was also known as the Brush Stadium up to 1919. They played at the Polo Grounds until 1922, and then moved into their own new stadium, the Yankee Stadium, when it opened on April 18, 1923.
Since 1923, up to now, the Bombers have called the Yankee Stadium their home. They shifted temporarily to the Shea Stadium for the 1974-1975 seasons, when the Stadium underwent extensive renovations, and reopened on April 15, 1976. The Yanks are building a new stadium, which is expected to be ready by 2009. The current and classic stadium is then expected to be completely demolished.
The Titles
They are considered one of the most successful franchises in MLB. In 39 appearances, the Bombers have won 26 World Series titles, surpassing the 24 won by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) – making it the most successful franchise in North American pro sports history!
Other than the 26 World Series titles, the franchise have 39 AL pennants, as well as 15 East Division titles, under their belt.
The franshise are the only team that is represented at every position at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Yankees Legends
The team had many talented players who later became the legends of the game.
The first that comes to mind is Babe Ruth, who was bought from the Boston Red Sox in 1920. Ruth happens to be the only player to hit 3 home runs twice in a World Series game. With 714 home runs, he is 3rd on the All-Time Home Run list.
Lou Gehrig – The Iron Horse – played for the Yankees his entire sporting career, from June 15, 1923 to April 30, 1939. In the 14 years between 1925 and 1939, he played 2,130 consecutive games, a record that got broken on September 6, 1995.
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