New York Yankees

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1901

  • Original Name/City: Baltimore Orioles

  • Current Ballpark: Yankee Stadium

  • World Series Titles: 27

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Bronx Bombers, The Pinstripes, The Evil Empire

A History of the New York Yankees

In 1901, the most successful franchise in North American professional sports began humbly as the Baltimore Orioles, a charter member of the American League. After two seasons, the franchise was moved to New York City in 1903 to compete directly with the National League's New York Giants.

Known as the "Highlanders" due to their home field, Hilltop Park, being one of Manhattan's highest points, the team had little success in its first two decades. The franchise's fortunes, and the course of baseball history, changed forever with one transaction: the 1920 purchase of slugger Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox.

With Ruth leading the way, the team, now officially named the "Yankees," became a powerhouse. They opened Yankee Stadium in 1923 — "The House That Ruth Built” — and established their first dynasty. The 1927 team, known as "Murderers' Row" and featuring both Ruth and Lou Gehrig, is still considered to be one of the greatest teams ever assembled.

This began a cycle of relentless dominance, with subsequent dynasties built around legends like Joe DiMaggio in the 1930s and 40s, and the Mickey Mantle/Yogi Berra-led teams that won nine pennants and five straight World Series from 1949-1960.

The Yankees' mystique grew through the decades, from the "Bronx Zoo" teams that won back-to-back titles in 1977-78, to the most recent dynasty of the late 1990s. Led by a home-grown "Core Four" of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada, the Yankees won four World Series in five years between 1996 and 2000, re-establishing their place at the top.

After opening the new Yankee Stadium in 2009 and winning their 27th championship in its inaugural season, the Yankees remain the benchmark for success in Major League Baseball.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1901: Founded as the Baltimore Orioles.

  • 1903: Relocated to New York and renamed the New York Highlanders.

  • 1913: Officially renamed the New York Yankees.

  • 1923: Won first World Series and opened Yankee Stadium.

  • 2009: Opened the new Yankee Stadium and won their 27th World Series.

Legendary Players

Babe Ruth (1920-1934)

  • The most important and transformative player in baseball history, "The Sultan of Swat" changed the game from one of strategy to one of power. He led the Yankees to seven pennants and four World Series titles, set home run records that lasted for decades, and his larger-than-life personality made him a global icon.

Lou Gehrig (1923-1939)

  • "The Iron Horse" was the heart and soul of the early Yankee dynasties. A Triple Crown winner and two-time MVP, he was known for his durability, playing in a record 2,130 consecutive games. His talent was matched only by his character, and his career was tragically cut short by the disease that now bears his name.

Mickey Mantle (1951-1968)

  • The most celebrated switch-hitter of all time, "The Mick" was the explosive, country-strong hero of the 1950s and 60s Yankees dynasty. Despite numerous injuries, he hit 536 home runs and won three MVP awards and a Triple Crown. He embodied the idyllic power and grace of a centerfielder in pinstripes.

Derek Jeter (1995-2014)

  • The definitive captain and leader of the modern Yankees, "Mr. November" was renowned for his consistency, clutch performances, and iconic defensive plays. A five-time World Series champion and member of the 3,000-hit club, Jeter was the face of baseball for a generation and the respected leader of the most recent Yankee dynasty.