Jack Curry of YES Network discusses greatness of 1998 New York Yankees

On the 25th anniversary of the New York Yankees winning the 1998 World Series over the San Diego Padres, Jack Curry of YES Network has released a book detailing what helped the Yankees become champions.

In his book, “The 1998 Yankees: The Inside Story of the Greatest Baseball Team Ever,” Curry details how the Yankees dropping a postseason matchup to the Cleveland Indians in 1997 set the table for the success that was to come that next season. New York put together a 114-48 record in the 1998 regular season, then rolled through the postseason, including gaining revenge on Cleveland in the ALCS and sweeping the Padres for the World Series title.

What made the 1998 New York Yankees such a powerhouse?

In an exclusive interview with me, Curry discusses the construction of the 1998 roster and how players from Derek Jeter (possibly the scariest postseason hitter of all time) and Bernie Williams to Orlando Hernandez and Scott Brosius made the Yankees such a powerhouse. He also discusses how the disappointment felt by Williams on how the 1997 postseason ended fueled not only the All-Star outfielder, but the rest of the Yankees as well.

One of the things I enjoyed personally about the book was Curry’s interviews with not only various members of the 1998 Yankees, but also some of the opponents who matched wits with the team that season. That includes Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who was very early in his MLB career when he faced the 1998 Yankees. Now part of the Red Sox coaching staff, Varitek sat down with Curry to give a detailed scouting report on New York’s 1998 batting order and how Red Sox pitchers tried to handcuff the power-packed lineup.

You can hear my interview with Curry, including his thoughts on the 1998 Yankees and the legacy of that team for the current version of the Yankees below.