The New York Yankees can make history Saturday with a victory. But not many fans will realize just how momentous the victory could be for the Bronx Bombers.
James Paxton has an opportunity to make a lasting impression for New York Yankees fans Saturday. But while the left-hander’s first start with the club is important in and of itself, there is a historical milestone on the line.
If New York wins Saturday, it will be the team’s 500th win in the new Yankee Stadium.
When the team switched stadiums, it left behind decades full of legacies and memorable games, plays and seasons. Although, there have already been multiple historical moments in the park since it was officially opened in 2009.
The Yankees hoisted the World Series trophy the first year they played in it. Fans also watched baseball legends Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera play their final career games in the stadium.
Fans have yet to see some events occur, such as a no-hitter or a Cy Young or MVP season, but New York has provided them with fireworks nonetheless.
Yet what is arguably most striking is that during the past 10 years, New York has accumulated a home record of 499-312. That’s the best home record of any team during that span, per MLB beat reporter Richard Justice.
And it could be home to a new Yankees dynasty, even though the club still has yet to reach the World Series since 2009. It has a chance to bring a new sense of glory to the stadium.
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New York has already made some history in the park by hitting more home runs than any other team in a single season. And players feel confident they will break the record once again this season.
The Yankees also have an opportunity to record back-to-back 100-win seasons for the first time in the stadium. The last time that happened was during the 2002, 2003 and 2004 season.
What is somewhat surprising is that fans still pack the stadium most nights. New York has attracted more than three million fans in every season since its opening. But the Yankees still have yet to reach the four-million mark, which happened every year between 2005 and 2008.
The current roster and front office staff are in what could be a golden era for the franchise. General manager Brian Cashman spent big bucks on relief pitchers and made some smart acquisitions and signings.
While the team’s history in Yankee Stadium has been filled with some frustration after a glorious opening season, this year’s club has the opportunity to shift the momentum. And it starts Saturday when the team can claim its 500th win at its newer home.