Gregory Hold | Yankees Fan

The Yankees tend to draft, sign, or develop players that are of all-star, or even Hall of Fame, caliber – more so than other teams.  Playing in New York on arguably the world’s most famous team, you have a great opportunity to market your own brand.  The following are the five most popular Yankees over the last 25 years.

5) Andy Pettitte: With more postseason wins than anyone else to pitch a baseball, Andy Pettitte was the anchor of the Yankees starting rotation from the 90’s all the way to their championship in 2009. He may be even higher on this list if he did not leave for the Houston Astros in the mid 2000’s.

4) Hideki Matsui: While not the most popular player in the United States, Hideki Matsui had the entire nation of Japan glued to a television when he made his debut as a Yankee. The left-handed left fielder was a core part of the Yankees during the 2000’s and ended on a high note winning World Series MVP in 2009.

3) Mariano Rivera: The greatest closer of all time falls at number 3 on this list. Mo dominated hitters for 19 years and he practically did it with just his cutter.  Many experts believe that Mariano’s cutter may be the best single pitch in MLB history and thus made him world famous.

2) Alex Rodriguez: By far the most hated player on this list, A-Rod is undeniably popular. The man is one of the richest baseball players of all time and continued to make headlines whether it was for his steroid use, outstanding play, or off the field relationship drama.

1) Derek Jeter: The face of baseball for almost two decades, Derek Jeter was what every parent wanted their son to act like. Sure his good looks factored into his popularity, but his ability to hit in the postseasons and be an MVP candidate year after year, led to Jeter to being the most famous Yankee in the past 25 years.

Yankees are excited about their future right fielder Aaron Judge.  Despite having an unimpressive rookie debut, the 24 year old outfielder will look to improve in his first full season and become the staple in right field the Yankees have been without for a long time.  Players such as Bobby Abreu, Nick Swisher, and Gary Sheffield have took on the role but none were impact players over a long stretch.  The following five players are the most impactful right fielders in Yankee history.

• Babe Ruth: Yeah no surprise here. The Great Bambino pitched and played all three outfield positions but spent the majority of his playing time in right.  The man with 714 homeruns and a ridiculous career OPS of 1.164 is the greatest right fielder in Yankee history.

• Roger Maris: While not originally loved by all Yankee fans, Roger Maris’ greatness was unquestionable after his 61 homerun season in 1961. Paired with Mickey Mantle in the outfield, these two are considered one of the best outfield duos in history.

• Paul O’Neill: “The Warrior” came over from Cincinnati via trade and he never looked back. He became the veteran leader of the World Series Champion teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000.  Timely hitting and fielding lead to the famous “Paul-O-Ne-ill!” chants from the Yankee faithful during the 2001 World Series.

• Reggie Jackson: Often considered the first big free agent signing in baseball, Mr. October quickly established himself as the best postseason hitter in the game. His remarkable 1977 World Series campaign will forever tie him to Yankee greatness.

• Dave Winfield: The only one on the list to not receive a ring with the Yankees, Winfield was the bright spot on a miserable run in the 1980’s for the Yanks. Winfield would eventually get a ring in 1992 with the Yankees’ A.L. East rival Toronto Blue Jays.