Entering 2019, the New York Yankees haven’t won a championship in almost a decade. That simply will not do for several Yankees fans.
We are officially at DEFCON 1 when it comes to the New York Yankees. This is absolutely not a drill.
The Yankees have not raised the Commissioner’s Trophy since the night of Nov. 4, 2009, after Hideki Matsui singlehandedly crushed the Philadelphia Phillies.
For obvious reference, the year is 2019. The San Francisco Giants have won three World Series in that time span. The enemy Boston Red Sox have won two titles.
And the Yankees, the greatest franchise in the history of sports, have won absolutely none in the last 10 years.
Before you officially panic, realize that fans of this franchise have been overtly spoiled for essentially their entire existence. There were the championship years in the 30s, 40s, 50s and early 60s. We can’t look past the Core Four years either.
But this is uncharted territory for many, so cue the panic-stricken Twitter rants and the monthly freak-outs when the Yankees lose a close game.
It has been such a long time since the Bombers were on top of the baseball world that the world has changed dramatically. Let’s take a trip back to 2009 and explore what the world was like back when things were great for the New York Yankees.
Money, Money, Money
2009 was a decade ago so naturally, things were far less expensive. Or … were they?
Back in 2009, gas was priced on average at $2.73 per gallon. In 2019, gas prices are projected to be around $2.70. Who knew that 2009 would be such an expensive time for gas guzzling vehicles?
Want to send a letter? Stamps are an easy fix, costing just 42 cents back in 2009. Today? They cost 50 whole cents. Man, no wonder people don’t write letters anymore as they did back in 2009.
In the Spotlight
Of course, 2009 featured some blockbusters in the cinema. Perhaps the biggest film to come out of 2009 was Avatar, a cinematic masterpiece which grossed well over $2.5 billion. It is still the highest-grossing film in history.
Well, 2019 just started by going back to 2018, the highest-grossing film was Avengers: Infinity War with only $2 billion. Clearly, 2009 came out with some better, ground-breaking films.
What about in music? In 2009, the Billboard Top 100 named “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas as their top song of the year. They also claimed the fourth spot on the list with “I Gotta Feeling.”
Lady Gaga also ruled the charts in 2009, where she also became a household name.
What about this year? So far a new lady has ruled the charts by the name of Ariana Grande. Grande’s single “Thank U, Next” is currently sitting at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Top 100.
In Other Sports News
Yes, there were other sports going on during 2009 besides Major League Baseball. Hard to believe, but it certainly is true.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were still relevant. Far before the Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell drama, the Steelers were collecting championships, as they did in 2009 when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals.
What about the NBA? Before the Golden State Warriors were a blip on anyone’s radar, the Los Angeles Lakers still ruled the NBA. They beat the Orlando Magic in just four games.
2009 was also the year of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, with Federer claiming two titles while Nadal took one.
Historical Events
2009 was also a year for history to be made. Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first black President of the United States in January. Jan. 15 was also the day that the Miracle on the Hudson occurred when Chesley Sullenberger made a daring landing to rescue Flight 1549.
But perhaps the most important thing to happen in 2009 was the New York Yankees on top of the baseball world again for the first time since 2000.
The Bombers haven’t been to the Fall Classic since 2009 and now, right before the 2019 season starts, fans are ready for another. Can the Yankees gift their fans with another championship before they die? Or will we all have to suffer through our entire lives in a losing existence?
Stop the dramatics, people. It’s a new year and a new season. Let’s see what 2019 brings. Hopefully, it has a similar outcome to 2009.
