New York City’s Top 5 Beloved Non-Championship Teams Of All-Time
5. Don Mattingly’s Yankees
Coming in to start the list is a team that, to be honest, wasn’t the most popular. A better description might be frustrating.
Other candidates included Jason Kidd’s New Jersey Nets, the 1992-93 New York Islanders, the Sack-Exchange New York Jets, and the 1979 New York Rangers.
Nevertheless, Don Mattingly’s New York Yankees take the No. 5 spot.
The sole reason? Well, because Mattingly was that popular among Yankee fans.
Not only could this team never win a title, they only made the postseason once in this era (1995). Guys like Ricky Henderson and Dave Winfield always allowed George Steinbrenner’s team to generate back-page publicity, but the lack of pitching always prevented them from winning the AL East crown.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media.
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