"Aaron Judge is overrated." ? pic.twitter.com/17eKvpTq3O
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 15, 2017
Calling all New York Yankees fans to pitch in and help the man who spurred on the Bombers’ 2017 postseason run.
The excitement of the 2017 New York Yankees was represented by one thing: the “Thumbs Down” celebration. Originating out of an away game that needed to be played at Citi Field due to Hurricane Irma, the disapproval of a Mets fan at the Yankees’ success became a rallying cry for the rest of the season.
The Yankees would go on to win the Wild Card game, come back from a 2-0 series deficit to the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS, and ultimately lose Game 7 of the ALCS to the Houston Astros.
While an ALCS exit doesn’t sound like the most glorious Yankees season of all time, it was certainly one of the most exciting. With low expectations coming into the season, the Yankees ended up making the playoffs on the back of runaway Rookie of the Year award winner Aaron Judge. We witnessed huge steps forward for the perpetually electric Luis Severino, the full emergence of Aaron Hicks, the continued rise of Didi Gregorius, and the unstoppable offensive force of Gary Sanchez.
Then, following a home run by newly acquired Todd Frazier, the Yankees received the rallying cry that they desperately needed to finish off the season strong. The thumbs down from a disapproving Mets fan.
It immediately became the sign of success for the electric young Yankees. Every extra-base hit was commemorated with a thumbs down to the dugout. Todd Frazier had shirts created for the whole team. They won 20 games from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 to finish 91-71 and make the Wild Card Game against the Minnesota Twins. We all know what happened from there…
#2 on the list of Top Postseason Moments … How about that exhilarating Wild Card Game?!
Home runs from Sir Didi, Gardy and Judge and 8-plus strong innings from the bullpen turned a 3-0 deficit into a wild 8-4 win. pic.twitter.com/9HNOCYcz2r
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 22, 2017
Now, we must repay the favor that “Thumbs Down Guy” did for us two years ago.
Gary Dunaier, also know as “Thumbs Down Guy,” has fallen on hard luck of late. Due to some medical issues, he’s having some financial troubles. He recently set up a GoFundMe account to reach $2,000 just to help him get through this month. That goal has already been surpassed, but we can do better.
I implore all Yankees fans to look back at their fond memories from the 2017 season and help Gary out. He gave us the rallying cry that almost led to a trip to the World Series during a “rebuilding” season. Let’s rally together and help get Gary completely back on his feet, not just through this month. We owe him.
And who knows, maybe the outpouring of support from the Yankees baseball community will lure him away from that disaster scene in Queens. Let’s add another Yankee fan to the mix.
