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Yankees

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The New York Yankees are rich with prestige and history. You have a franchise worth around $1 billion dollars. They achieved 27 world championships and a few dozen more division titles. Their list of hall of fame is stretched a mile long. George Herman "The Babe" Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Johnny Mize, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Sparky Lyle, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson. The Yankees assisted in baseball's integration with their superstar catcher, Elston Howard. Owner, George Steinbrenner is respected, revered and reviled. Brash, bold and bombastic, his money and leadership re-ignited the francshise.

After the early legends past, new superstars like Mariano Riveria, Derek Jeter, Paul O'Neill, Jim Leyritz, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams, Mike Mussina, Andy Petitte, Robinson Cano, Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada emerged and have won four World Series from 1996-2000. For a half a century, the Yankees penciled themselves in postseasons, except during ill-fated, Don Mattingly years (1984-1994). However, Mattingly is bound for Cooperstown and perhaps, the greatest hitter in team history.

Consistent winning brought more fame and notoriety. Hollywood movies, "The Bronx Is Burning", "The Yankee Clipper", "61" etched the pinstripes into our minds. GQ (Gentlemen's Quarterly) magazines, front page on Sporting News and Sports Illustrated and Maxim featured Yankee stars in uniform, casual dress and exquisite attire. The Yankees played with a championship swagger. New Yorkers carried that swagger all across America. Merchandise sellers created baseball caps, jerseys, shirts, socks and shoes with special emblems. Fans styled in pinstripes and practice jerseys. East Coast rap stars such as, Fabulous, Jay-Z, Fat Joe (and his Terror Squad) wore Yankee hats in black, pinstripe, navy blue and brick red. Females purchased baseball caps in those colors, plus beige and hot pink. Designer jean began stitching NY in their clothes. The Yankee trend spread to the Midwest, Southwest and the West Coast.

The main reason why Boston has no claim to be considered a "nation"? Jim Rice and racism

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