The Greatest New York Yankees players by position in the last 50 years

Today I am continuing my list of the greatest players for each team in the last 50 years by position (1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF, C, right-handed, and left-handed starting pitchers, relief pitchers and DH). Criteria is players must have played at least (5) years on team since the 1973 season. Note players who started prior to 1973 can be included, however only what they accomplished since the 73 season will be considered. There were many factors in the selection process. Were they Hall of Famers? Were they consistent, league leaders? Did they win any awards (MVPs, Cy Youngs gold gloves)? And how much post season success did they have? I will be doing 1 team a week. Starting with teams in the American League East. This week’s team is the New York Yankees. Here is my list of greatest Yankees players in the last 50 years (by position). Note the time and accomplishments are listed only with Yankees (since 1973).

First Base- Don Mattingly (1982-1995)- MVP, Batting champion, 9X Gold glove award winner.

Second Base- Robinson Cano (2005-2013)- 2X Gold Glove award winner. Finished in top 5 MVP voting 3X.

Third Base- Alex Rodriguez (2004-2016)- 2X MVP with Yankees. 2X HR champion.

Shortstop- Derek Jeter (1995-2014)- HOF, ROY, WS MVP, 5X Gold glove award winner

Left Field- Dave Winfield (1981-1988)- HOF, 4X Gold glove award winner.

Centerfield- Bernie Williams (1991-2006)- Batting champion, ALCS MVP, 4X Gold glove award winner.  

Right Field- Paul O’Neil (1993-2001)- Batting champion, 4X WS champion with Yankees.  

Catcher- Thurman Munson (1973-1979)- MVP, 3X Gold glove award winner.

Designated Hitter- Reggie Jackson (1977-1981)- HOF, WS MVP, HR champion.

Right-handed starting pitcher- Mike Mussina (2001-2008)- HOF, 3X Gold glove award winner with Yankees.

Left-handed starting pitcher- Ron Guidry (1975-1988)- Cy Young award winner. 5X Gold glove award winner.

Relief pitcher- Mariano Rivera (1995-2013)- HOF, WS MVP, ALSC MVP, All-time saves leader.

Notes. Lots of great players with a couple of tough selections. At second base, it was between Cano and long time Yankee Willie Randolph. I took Cano, who was a better consistent hitter. He hit .309 in his 9 years as a Yankees. Although Graig Nettles was a terrific third baseman, it was no question that Alex Rodriguez was the choice with his 2 MVPs at the position. The Yankees never had any great left fielders for a long period of time. Ricky Henderson was the best in the last 50 years; however, he did not play a full 5 seasons with the team. Although Dave Winfield played more games in right field, he did play 3 full seasons as the Yankees left fielder, so he gets the nod over the other options. Right field was between O’Neil and Aaron Judge. I considered Judge based on his MVP last season, but had to give the nod to O’Neil, who was a key member of 4 championship teams. Catcher was another tough decision. I took Munson over Posada based on his MVP and terrific post season numbers (.357 lifetime average in postseason, including .373 in World Series). The last tough decision was left-handed starting pitcher between Guidry and Andy Pettitte. I took Guidry based on having one of the greatest pitching seasons ever, And, Guidry had more 20 game win seasons than Pettitte.

Next up will be the Tampa Bay Rays.