Only A True New York Yankees Fan Can Pass This Quiz
- by Dylan Jacob
- – on
- in Sports
"One night I was watching a quiz show on TV and the question was, 'Name a baseball team synonymous with winning.' One girl said, 'Dodgers.' The other girl said, 'Giants.' That made me madder than hell. I kept saying, 'Yankees, you dummies.' And of course the answer was the Yankees." - Former Yankees second baseman Billy Martin.
The fiery ex-Yankee said it best, as did the quiz show he was referring to, because the Yankees define winning. They've won the most championships of any North American sports franchise and are among the most profitable teams in the world. They're the Bronx Bombers, the Pinstriped Pride, and they probably want to turn things around after a slow start this season.
Everyone now seems to know Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Giancarlo Stanton, but what about the Yankees as a whole? Do you know the easy questions mixed with tougher ones? Do you have a good grasp of the present while also understanding the past? That right there is why you're going to take this quiz.
We're writing this quiz in April 2018, so there are some references to the current season. Watch, me saying Giancarlo Stanton needs to turn it around will look silly if someone plays this in late June and he already has 30 home runs.
How many World Series titles do the Yankees have as of 2018?
If you're taking this quiz, we're going to assume you already answered this and didn't even bother reading this part because of how obvious the answer is. Maybe we should show more faith in you given that this is something that nearly every sports fans know because of how high the total is. Only the Montreal Canadians are even within five championships of the Yankees' extremely high number, so you know what to do. Go answer this one already, please.
What was the New York baseball team known as before the Yankees?
Let's flash it back over 100 years, when the New York Yankees had a different name. In fact, they had two names before the Yankees, one of which was the Baltimore Orioles. Yep, the Yankees shared the name of one of their current rivals from 1901-1902. We're actually looking for another name, the one the American League's New York baseball team had before changing their name in the 1910s. Do you want to try taking a guess as to the answer here?
When did the New Yankee Stadium open?
There's a fair argument to be made that the newer Yankee Stadium doesn't have the same atmosphere or "mystique and aura" of the House that Ruth Built, but we saw last postseason that Jeter's House can get plenty loud at the right time. The New Yankee Stadium is still a hitter's park and has led to many mammoth Aaron Judge home runs in the past two years, which is always fun because chicks dig the long ball. Or so they say.
Which Yankees legend is nicknamed "Mr. November?"
This is an easy one for anyone born after probably 1997, which is the year I was born and I know the answer so...yeah, you should get this one as well. The lore of this story is that the Yankees once played a World Series in late October and the clock turned to midnight on November 1. So when this player hit a walk-off home run and the cameras turned to this fan holding that sign, Mr. November was born.
Who is the winningest manager in Yankees history?
At this rate, it's probably not going to be Aaron Boone. The Yankees have had plenty of legendary managers over the years en route to winning 27 World Series titles, though we're looking at the most amount of games won as opposed to World Series one. The latter is a bit easier and is one of the following managers as well, but we want to see if you're able to figure out who managed to win the most games in pinstripes.
What is the area with the Yankees' retired numbers known as?
If a player (Aaron Judge) hits a home run into this area, it's a deep ball that is probably going to wind up on SportsCenter the next morning. Fans were glad to see the Yankees continue their tradition of keeping their retired numbers and plaques in an area accessible to fans for tours and pictures when they opened the new stadium, though fans should be cautious if they go during bating practice. What is this historic, nostalgic area known as?
How long was Lou Gehrig's then-record consecutive games streak?
Orioles shortstop/third baseman Cal Ripken Jr. broke this in 1995, but it seemed like this record was never going to break for a long time. It's a record that some fans and writers have gotten snippy about because both Gehrig and Ripken's managers would find ways to cheat to preserve the streak. Gehrig once began the game leading off at shortstop and was replaced in the bottom of the first inning so it counted. Oh well. What's the correct total?
Which team has more wins in the rivalry? Yankees or Red Sox?
We had to use a picture from the latest Yankees-Red Sox fight, one that felt like a perfect continuation of the rivalry's newest chapter. (Although, we do think the Red Sox' minor-league affiliate holding a promotional day where fans named Joe or Kelly - after Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly, who intentionally threw at Yankees first baseman Tyler Austin - get in for free is a bit much.) Through this point in April 2018, which team has more head-to-head wins?
Who was the first black player in Yankees history?
No, it certainly wasn't CC Sabathia, although there will be a case to be made that Sabathia is one of the top three black players in Yankee history. Because of the color barrier and baseball being a sport that still struggles with drawing black players, having stars like Sabathia or Mookie Betts or Adam Jones is great for the sport and its future. Hopefully, baseball can become a bit more diverse again. Who was the first black player on the Yankees?
How long was Joe DiMaggio's famous hitting streak?
This is one of those sports streaks I don't think anyone will manage to beat, especially now with sabermetrics deciding which pitchers face which hitters and the uptick in strikeouts. DiMaggio was always a dangerous hitter, but stepped his game up in 1941 en route to winning the American League MVP - and yes, I still think Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams might have deserved it more even with how many games DiMaggio hit safely in. What's the correct total?
Who held the Yankees' single-season rookie home run record before Aaron Judge?
Aaron Judge showed promise as a rookie in 2016, but no one could have imagined what we saw from him last season. Judge already had 30 home runs by the All-Star Break, which actually broke the old record. Correct, no Yankees rookie had hit over 30 home runs in a single-season. We were just as surprised as you to figure that out. Judge is off to a hot start this year as well and became the fastest player to hit 60 home runs. #AllRise
Who is the most recent Yankees pitcher to win the Cy Young Award?
There was a legitimate case for Luis Severino to win the Cy Young last year and, based on how he's pitched to start this season, he may have a case come this fall. (Although at this point, Houston's Gerrit Cole has to be the guy with how dominant he's been.) It's been a few years since the Yankees have had a Cy Young winner, though my money is on Severino to break that troubling trend. Who's the correct answer here?
How many home runs did Babe Ruth hit as a Yankee?
Yankee Stadium was the House That Ruth Built for a reason. Ruth was the first true power hitter in baseball history and finished his career with a then-record 714 home runs despite playing in a time of bigger, pitcher-friendly ballparks and so many Hall of Fame pitchers taking the mound against him. Over 600 of Ruth's 714 home runs came in New York, helping the Yankees become a perennial contender in the 1920s and setting them up to be a dynasty in the '30s.
What was Joe DiMaggio's nickname?
There are some Yankees who have had great nicknames on this list, although we'll be the first to admit that DiMaggio's was a byproduct of his time. If DiMaggio played now, it'd probably be something that is stupid, creative, and funny all at the same time. Or, we'd just call him "Joey DiMagg" or "J-DiMag"because we'd be lazy people. We are lazy people. DiMaggio was far from lazy, though, and his nickname replicated that. Leaving baseball to fight in World War II helped too.
Which of the following Yankees has not hit at least 50 home run in a season?
Until either Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton breaks it (Stanton seems to be turning it around!), Roger Maris holds the Yankees single-season record with 61 home runs. Duh. You might actually be surprised to know that the list of Yankees to hit 50 home runs in a season despite playing in stadiums tailor made for leaving the park is fairly low. Four separate players have done it a combined nine times, still low for Yankees' standards. Who doesn't make the cut here?
When was the Yankees' last losing season?
If it feels like the Yankees find ways to win every season, you're not wrong. It's been over 20 years since the Yankees have had a losing record and, since 1995, they've made the playoffs all but four times: 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2016. That's despite being brutally injured in 2013, relying on aging veterans in 2014, and both of those in 2016 mixed with an intent to tank. Good thing for all the young players, right? What's the correct year here?
The following Yankee has not won Rookie of the Year
Aaron Judge won Rookie of the Year in a decision everyone saw coming. Unlike basketball or football where playing in one game your first season means you're no longer a rookie (and why Donovan Mitchell deserves this year's ROY over Ben Simmons, but I digress), you're a rookie in baseball until you hit a certain number of at-bats, innings, or service time. Judge barely qualified as a rookie last year and ran away with the award. Who on here didn't win ROY?
True or False: Alex Rodriguez is among the top five home run hitters in Yankee history
Alex Rodriguez hit a lot of home runs when he was with the Yankees. Many were important (see, 2009 playoffs) and many went quite a long way. Some came late in blowout losses when A-Rod had previously been 0-3 with three strikeouts, but we digress. For all of the home runs that Rodriguez hit in his 13 seasons with the Yankees, did A-Rod end his career in 2016 among the top five home run hitters in Yankee history by homers hit in pinstripes?
Which Japanese Yankees player was nicknamed "Godzilla?"
If this nickname came out today, some might find it insensitive or offensive. Really, the nickname was given because of how dangerous this Japanese import - again, it's a baseball term, it's nothing meant to be offensive - was on the field and what he brought to the team. This player was a former star in Japan and quickly became a fan favorite with the Yankees as well, even if some of the teams he were on didn't show their true potential.
The following Yankee never won an MVP award
With Aaron Judge losing last year's MVP battle to Houston's Jose Altuve in a decision many Yankee fans are still bummed about, Alex Rodriguez is the most recent Yankee to be named the AL's best player. Hitting 54 home runs with 156 RBI in 2007 and carrying the Yankees to a Wild Card berth despite major injuries to the pitching staff will do that. A-Rod's won an MVP, but one of these Yankees never did. Anyone want to take a guess?
What is the Yankees' single-game strikeout record?
The Yankees actually set this one last year, which is why we're including it. You might remember the Yankees' infamous 18-inning win over the Chicago Cubs last May in a series that looked like the Bronx Bombers were going to be legitimate World Series contenders. And hey, they did finish one game shy, so last year was definitely more fun than anyone expected. How many times did the Yankees' hitters go down on strikes in their extra-inning win over the Cubbies?
Who was the first Japanese player in Yankees history?
While the color barrier was broken in 1947, it wasn't until the late 1990s and early 2000s that teams were starting to sign Japanese players to their rosters. Part of it was Japanese teams wanting a ton of money and part of it was...well, teams may have been skeptical about how the success would translate to the professional level. The Yankees were one of the teams to land a major Japanese player, which eventually led to Masahiro Tanaka. Who was it?
True or False: Lou Gehrig leads the Yankees in triples
Lou Gehrig may be a surprising player to put on this list, but keep one thing in mind: those smaller, home run friendly parks didn't come into play into much later. Guys were recording triples and inside the park home runs playing in stadiums with center field being 460 feet way from home plate. It's not improbable to think Gehrig or even Babe Ruth could have led the Yankees in triples. Is Gehrig actually the team's triples leader, or are we being hypothetical.
This former Yankee player never also managed the team
Aaron Boone is yet another former Yankees player to later manage the team, though saying that fans aren't happy with him would be an understatement. Boone's lack of managerial and coaching experience has led to several questionable moves, especially with his bullpen management. Boone can only hope he doesn't wind up like the following player-turned-managers, none of whom won a World Series in the Bronx. Actually, one of these doesn't fit the criteria. Can you figure out which former Yankee player never managed the team?
Who leads the Yankees in Gold Gloves won?
The Gold Glove doesn't mean what it once did, especially not with sabermetrics and analytics. Then again, the award lost some of its meaning when Rafael Palmeiro once won the Gold Glove at first base despite playing less than 20 games at the position that year. While fans may not take Gold Gloves into much account, the Yankees do have a history of spectacular defensive players winning their fair share of the award. Which of the following Yankees has the most Gold Gloves in team history?
True or False: The Yankees have WON a World Series with a walk-off hit
It's been nearly 20 years since the Yankees lost the 2001 World Series on a walk-off single by Luis Gonzalez (I don't want to talk about it) ad it's been nearly 20 years since a World Series ended on a walk-off hit. Through the 2017 World Series, only 11 World Series have ended on walk-off plays, though not all of them have been home runs or occurred in game 7. Have the Yankees clinched any of their 27 World Series titles with a walk-off hit of any kind?
What was George Steinbrenner's nickname?
I cannot believe that George Steinbrenner has been dead for nearly eight years. One of the most iconic owners in modern baseball history nearly always had something to say, whether it was insulting Hideki Irabu in one of many ways or saying that Don Mattingly needed to cut his hair. Or, as we saw in Seinfeld, begging George Costanza for a calzone. Hooray! Steinbrenner's sons Hank and Hal have been adequate owners, though we all still miss...wait what's his nickname again?
The following Yankee has not won the Home Run Derby
The show that Aaron Judge put on in last year's Home Run Derby was absolutely amazing, even if we saw the future Rookie of the Year struggle in the second half with a shoulder injury. It's just too bad that Judge hinted he's probably not going to participate in a Derby again, though the Yankees do still have Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton, and if he gets healthy, Greg Bird. Which of the following Yankees never won a Home Run Derby in pinstripes?
How many people, players or non-players, have been elected to the Hall of Fame as Yankees?
To clarify here, the Hall of Fame lists players, coaches, executives, and so forth as Hall of Famers with certain teams based on their affiliations. Derek Jeter will obviously be affiliated with the Yankees when he makes it next year and, if Mike Mussina makes it as well, he may also be affiliated with the Yankees. One player, Reggie Jackson, wears a Yankees cap on his plaque but is affiliated with Oakland. How many people are actually affiliated with the Yankees?
What is the Yankees' current youth movement called?
Given that nearly everyone calls the Yankees by this name at this point, you shouldn't have a problem getting this one right. It's a fun, alliterative name and it's one the Yankees have embraced with pride. If the Yankees win a World Series with their current young core, I almost want to see this on the championship banner. With a hashtag too. Let the Yankees have fun! If you haven't already answered this one, go and get this one right.
What Yankee Hall of Famer was nicknamed "Scooter?"
This Yankees great has been dead for over a decade, sadly, and we still miss him greatly. He was nicknamed "Scooter" because of his speed and agility despite his small stature. Awesomeness. He was a key World Series contributor for the Yankees' dynasty in the 1940s and 1950s and had a major impact on the franchise after his retirement, working with the team in various ways. Which of the following Yankees, if you haven't already guessed, went by the nickname "Scooter?"
Who is the winningest pitcher in Yankees history?
It's definitely not Luis Severino, though the young Yankees ace could challenge for that title if he stays healthy and keeps pitching how he has in the past year. It's an older Yankee, one who was a key contributor to many World Series teams and is enshrined in Cooperstown for his efforts. Even 50 years down the line, Yankee fans are going to be amazed at everything this pitcher did when the Bronx Bombers needed him most. Who's the answer here?
Who is second in saves after Mariano Rivera
Obviously, Mariano Rivera leads the Yankees in saves because he leads Major League Baseball in saves, though I'm curious to see how many of you know who's second on this list. Is Chapman already there after two-plus seasons in New York? Is it Dave Righetti, the starter-turned-closer who once threw a July 4 no hitter against Boston? What about Goose Gossage, who is slowly becoming blackballed by baseball for his hot takes? Could it be Sparky Lyle, the first reliever with walk-in music?
When did Yankee Stadium last host an All-Star Game?
It's been a few years since the Yankees hosted an All-Star Game though it has happened in the past 15 seasons and it was certainly a memorable game. We're excited to see a future All-Star Game in the new Yankee Stadium, which I do imagine will come within the next ten years or so. Major League Baseball loves putting their big games in big cities and if Los Angeles just got the 2020 ASG, New York City could be next. When was this?
What song does Yankee Stadium play after every Yankees win?
This is one that every Yankees fan - and every baseball fan - should know. It's a catchy song that fits the Yankees' culture and how many wins they've had since establishing themselves as New York's baseball team. I love the Yankees' theme song - Y! A! N! K! E! E! S! - but I'm happy the team opted for something else to play when they win games. It's even more special hearing this song after a World Series win. What's the song?