Last night’s thrilling game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox might have just reignited the timeless rivalry.
People have been claiming for years the rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox just isn’t what it used to be.
No, it likely isn’t. I wasn’t alive during the days of Bucky Dent’s epic home run. I wasn’t present during the days of the Babe Ruth trade. But right now, this rivalry is as exciting as I’ve seen it in a long time.
With one game, a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory for the Yankees, the rivalry is alive and well and looks like it will be for years to come.
Recently, the games between the two teams seem to be just that: just games. Last night, there was a different energy, almost a desperation in the air. Both teams desperately wanted to win that game and pulled out all the stops to get it done.
Neither team was content with losing. As Aaron Hicks blasted his two-run shot and showed unabashed emotion while rounding the bases, you knew the rivalry was back.
When you likely chewed off all your fingernails watching Aroldis Chapman struggle with his command, walk the bases loaded and miraculously escape while only giving up one run, you knew the rivalry was on track to be great again.
When you watched Hicks make possibly the smartest play we’ve seen all season long and saw Todd Frazier make an incredible pick to complete the double play, you knew this rivalry will never die.
Because it’s the Yankees and the Red Sox. They have a history. The last few seasons, only one of these teams were competing for a playoff spot when they faced off. Now, they both are vying for first place, just like in the good ole’ days.
That is the key to making this rivalry great again. We think back to the last time the Yankees and Red Sox played a meaningful series. Luckily, stat guru Katie Sharp has that for us.
1st time since Aug. 30, 2011 Yankees-Red Sox started series this late in season, teams in 1st/2nd place, w/in 5 games of each other.
— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) August 11, 2017
And now, they’ve got the fresh faces who are young, hungry and willing to fight for their team. Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and now Rafael Devers. These guys are good and ready to rekindle that rivalry that was once so prominent in all of sports.
The late-inning drama only adds to the excitement. The Yankees exploded for five runs in the bottom of the eighth and, like the rivalry of day’s past, the Red Sox didn’t go down without a fight.
THAT is the Yankees-Red Sox baseball we remember. Not just the lengthy games but the games that are never over until that final out is recorded.
With one game, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have shown that baseball is not dead and neither is their rivalry. Nope, these two teams are just getting started and this rivalry is ready to come back at full force.
