As a Yankees fan, you may have some reservations about the current team and recent history, but undoubtedly, you cherish many fond memories. The franchise proudly boasts 27 World Series championships, the most in MLB history. With just a couple of exceptions in the past century, the Yankees have consistently contended for championships or have been actively striving towards it.
Their winning legacy traces back to the acquisition of Babe Ruth from the Red Sox, which ignited a prolonged period of success that has kept the Yankees at the forefront of baseball ever since. Before Ruth’s arrival, the franchise experienced more lows than highs, with near misses in the quest for an AL pennant.
The Yankees’ inaugural season in 1903, then known as the New York Highlanders, saw a respectable performance under manager Clark Griffith, finishing fourth with a 72-62 record. Despite their decent showing, they never held the lead in the American League standings throughout the season. Their campaign began with a loss to the Washington Senators, and although they briefly climbed to second place, they never reached the top spot.
The following year, facing the defending champion Boston Americans (now the Red Sox) and pitching legend Cy Young, the Highlanders made a statement with a dominant 8-2 victory at Hilltop Park. Led by ace Jack Chesbro, they secured their first win of the season and their first-ever 1-0 start, briefly sharing the top spot in the standings.
While they couldn’t maintain their early lead in 1904, the Highlanders remained competitive throughout the season, coming agonizingly close to clinching the AL pennant. This historic victory marked the beginning of a journey for the Yankees, who would go on to become one of the most successful franchises in baseball history.
