Year 2023 was a concerning wake up call for the New York Yankees as they finished outside of the playoffs following a 82-80 record season. Despite the massive setback, the team made a pact to learn from the mistakes and regain the lost glory heading into the 2024 season.
This year’s roster was far better and stronger on paper. However, the execution was where the New York Yankees had a roller coaster ride. But all well that ends well as the team clinched the playoffs as well as AL-East division earlier this week. On the joyous occasion, manager Aaron Boone recalled the struggles the team endured lately.
Aaron Boone Highlights The Importance Of Yankees’ Playoff Milestone
(Adam Hunger/AP)
The New York Yankees finally clinched the AL East title after a 10-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night, bringing an end to a brief but tense two-day wait for the division crown. The Yanks, who stumbled in their first two chances to secure the division, rebounded in Game 159 to assert their dominance in front of a lively home crowd at Yankee Stadium. After an underwhelming 2023 season, where they finished fourth in the division, this triumph marks a full circle for the team, reestablishing them as the top dog in the AL East. Aaron Judge, soaking in the celebration, reflected on the long road back, saying, “It took us long enough.”
On the other hand, manager Aaron Boone said, “It means a lot. We’ve been through a lot as a team already this year.” The celebration in the clubhouse was lively, with players like Judge and Jazz Chisholm soaking in the champagne-soaked festivities. But even amid the celebration, the focus was already turning to the next challenge. With the division title secured, the Yankees now aim to wrap up home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs. As the team looks to capture its 28th championship, they’ll begin their postseason journey in the ALDS at Yankee Stadium. After last year’s disappointment, the Yankees are determined to make a deeper run and end their 14-year World Series drought. Judge summed up the team’s mindset saying that nothing is ever guaranteed. They wanted to make a statement to never repeat the 2023 season miss. Hence, the Bombers are back on top and ready for more.
Gerrit Cole Respects Orioles After Tough Division Battle
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe majority of the New York Yankees fans and analysts wrote off the team from the AL-East division race earlier this year, citing steep competition from defending division champions, the Baltimore Orioles. However, the Yanks proved the doubters wrong on Thursday. But Gerrit Cole had nothing but respect for the quality opponents.
Gerrit Cole agreed with the preseason narrative that rated the Baltimore Orioles highly. He respects the opposition that made the Yankees toil hard for the AL-East division. “You’re not stupid if you pick them over us,” Cole said. However, this season belongs to the Bronx Bombers, as they have been consistent and stronger than ever before in the recent past.
