My disdain for the New York Yankees began at a young age. Back then, it had nothing to do with how much money they spend or how successful the franchise is.
Rather, my disdain stemmed from the fact that I could never turn on Fox Saturday Baseball to see my favorite team play. Instead, it seemed every Saturday it was the New York Yankees playing against (fill in the blank) and I’d have to stick to reading about “my team” in the boxscore of my local newspaper.
I wasn’t lucky enough to have access to ESPN while I was growing up in the 90’s so all I had were those Saturday afternoon games on FOX. Sure, I was able to witness the resurgence the Yankees enjoyed during the last half of that decade, but I MOSTLY didn’t enjoy it.
As I’ve grown, and my baseball fandom has matured, I still find myself rooting against the team in the Bronx at every turn. I would be lying if I said envy doesn’t play a large role because I’ve never witnessed “my team” (Milwaukee Brewers) play in a World Series, let alone win a few titles.
James Franco’s character in the movie “The Interview” liked to say a lot, “they hate us cuz they ain’t us” and that saying fits the Yankees , and Yankees fans, like a glove. Hell, it could be their team slogan at this point.
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As a Brewers fan, I’ve grown up a fan of one the smaller market ballclubs in MLB. When The Crew set a franchise record with a $102.3 million payroll heading into the 2015 season it was big news around my part of the world. However, that’s like walking around money for the Steinbrenner’s and that can get frustrating as a fan.
I do want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the success that the New York Yankees have enjoyed throughout their storied history. As much as I hated having to watch the Bronx Bombers damn near every weekend, I couldn’t wait to watch them come October.
It helps that the Brewers haven’t played a whole lot of October baseball. However, watching greats like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada in the playoffs is an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. Jeter played the game the way it’s supposed to be played and would have been among my favorite players growing up had he not donned the pinstripes.
Hatred for the New York Yankees is a good thing for Major League Baseball, it’s as normal as hearing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” During the seventh inning stretch. It’s what helps keep the appeal alive for a baseball fan whose team wasn’t fortunate enough to make it to October. I know I tune into every postseason just to cheer against the Yankees, and the Red Sox now too. If they’re playing each other, then it’s time to cheer for the National League.