Top 250 Moments: Part 3, 200-176

by James Vletstra

January 19, 2023

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The Greatest Yankees Moments of All-Time!

The New York Yankees are rich in history. They celebrate their great history every year with Old Timers Day and other celebrations. Of course, the Yankees are also constantly adding to their history. In looking back over their long and successful history, there are countless moments that would be considered great.

I have ranked my top 250 Yankees moments.

Not all of these were accomplished by the Yankees, but they were at least involved. I will be releasing (in groups of 25) what I feel are the Top 250 Moments in Yankees history.

I hope you enjoy reliving each of these memories as much as I did putting them together. Feel free to share yours in the comments.

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THE TOP 250 MOMENTS IN YANKEES HISTORY: Part 3, 200-176

200. October 8, 1995 Griffey Scores From First

In Game 5 of the ALDS, Ken Griffey Jr. was on first base in the bottom of the 11th, down 3-2 with another runner on third. Edgar Martinez hit what is known in Seattle as simply "The Double" to send Griffey home, saving the franchise and eliminating the Yankees from the playoffs

199. October 25, 2003 Yankees Lose World Series

The Florida Marlins defeated the Yankees 4 games to 2 at home

198. September 20, 2012 Hughes Fans 4

Phil Hughes strikes out 4 Blue Jays in one inning

197. May 7, 2000 Sheppard Plaque Dedicated

To commemorate his 50th year as Yankees Stadium PA Announcer, Bob Sheppard was honored with a plaque in Monument Park

196. July 19, 1940 Rosar Hits for the Cycle

Buddy Rosar hits for the cycle against the Cleveland Indians

195. September 26, 2004 Phillips Homers in First At Bat

133 MLB players hit a home run in their first at bat. Andy Phillips accomplished it against the Boston Red Sox

194. September 29, 1934 Ruth's Final HR as a Yankees

Babe Ruth hit his 708th career home run against the Washington Senators. At the time, his all-time total was more than double Lou Gehrig's, who had 348. Roger Hornsby (300), Jimmy Foxx (266), and Cy Williams (251) rounded out the top 5

193. August 21, 1988 Berra and Dickey Plaques

Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey are both honored with plaques in Monument Park. The two Hall of Fame catchers are often joined at the hip. Berra did not attend this event because of a feud he was having with George Steinbrenner

192. October 12, 1921 Yankees Lose Their First World Series

The Giants won the best of 9 series 5 games to 3 in the first Subway Series. All the games were played at the Polo Grounds. Babe Ruth was injured and didn’t start the final three games

191. October 13, 2004 Who’s Your Daddy?

Earlier in the season, Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez referred to the Yankees as his daddy. In Game 2 of the ALCS, the stadium was vibrating with chants of “Who’s your daddy” as the future Hall of Fame pitcher lost to the Yankees

190. June 10, 2002 Thames Homers in First At Bat

Before becoming the Yankees batting coach, Marcus Thames was a Yankees prospect. The very first pitch he saw in the majors was from Hall of Fame lefty Randy Johnson and he crushed a homer, earning a curtain call from the crowd

189. October 10, 1957 Yankees Lose World Series

The first of four fall classics between the Yankees and the Braves, Milwaukee won Game 7 at Yankees Stadium

188. October 7, 1904 Chesbro Wins 41st

Jack Chesbro of the Highlanders defeated the Boston Americans (Red Sox) to put the Highlanders in first place. It gave him a still standing record of 41 victories. Chesbro started two more times against Boston with the chance to secure their first pennant, however he lost both times

187. May 7, 1921 Meusel Hits his First Cycle

There’s been 339 cycles hit in MLB. In the 16th game of the 1921 season, Bob Meusel hit his first, against the Washington Senators

186. July 25, 1998 Allen Plaque Dedicated

“The Voice Of The Yankees” Mel Allen is posthumously honored in Monument Park with a plaque

185. July 28, 1940 Back-to-Back Twice

Joe DiMaggio and Charlie Keller hit back-to-back home runs twice in the same game. I have been unable to find out how rare this is or if any other teammates have accomplished this. I would appreciate any information

184. October 4, 1955 Yankees Lose World Series

The Brooklyn Dodgers finally defeated the Yankees after losing five previous times. The Dodgers won Game 7 at Yankees Stadium 2-0

183. July 18, 1987 Mattingly Ties Consecutive Home Run Record

Don Mattingly hit a home run in his 8th consecutive game. During this span he hit 10

182. September 2, 1996 Cone Returns from Aneurysm

After missing much of the year with an aneurysm, David Cone returns to face the Oakland A’s. He threw 7 no-hit innings before being removed as a precaution. Mariano Rivera gave up an infield single, the only hit of the day

181. April 29, 1976 McCarthy Plaque Dedicated

The Yankees' all-time winningest manager had a plaque dedicated to him to recognize his achievements

180. April 23, 1903 Franchise First Victory

For a team with an American League record 10,602 victories, they had to start with number one. It came against the Washington Senators

179. September 8, 1940 Gordon Hits for the Cycle

Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Gordon hit for the cycle in a win against Boston at Fenway

178. September 21, 1921 Yankees Clinch First Pennant

The Yankees have won 40 American League pennants to advance to the World Series. This was their first clincher

177. October 27, 1999 Yankees Win World Series at Home

The Yankees won their third World Series against the Braves. This was their 25th overall and secured their place above the NHL’s Montreal Canadians as North America’s winningest franchise. Mariano Rivera was named WS MVP.

176. June 21, 2014 Martinez Plaque Ceremony

Tino Martinez was honored with a plaque in Monument Park for his part in the late 90s dynasty