The Greatest Rivalry in Sports 👊⚾️

You could argue that other sports have their own intense rivalries, such as Real Madrid vs Barcelona or Duke vs North Carolina or Alabama vs Auburn, but there's no doubt that the biggest rivalry in sports is between the Yankees and the Red Sox.

With the Yankees and the Red Sox set to face off tonight at 7:10 PM, it's the perfect time to delve into the rich history of their iconic matchups and explore how this rivalry originated.

The Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry is arguably the oldest in the world of sports. From brawls to curses, this rivalry possesses an undeniable charm.

Origin of The Rivalry

The intensity that the Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry is known for didn't truly emerge until 1938. In the first two decades of the 20th century, the Red Sox won five World Championships, while the Yankees sucked. However, in the following two decades, Boston became a second-tier team while New York claimed eight World Championships.

The Curse of The Bambino

The Red Sox made probably one of the worst decisions in the history of sports and sold the two-way player Babe Ruth to the Yankees on December 26, 1919, marking a pivotal moment in this rivalry. The then-owner of the Red Sox, Harry Frazee, needed money and was unwilling to meet Ruth's salary demands. Seizing the opportunity, the Yankees offered Ruth $100,000, a deal he couldn't turn down.

This trade is widely considered one of the worst in sports history due to the lasting impact it had on Boston’s organization and the legendary influence Ruth had as a Yankee.

After parting ways with Babe Ruth, the Red Sox endured an 86-year championship drought between 1918 and 2004, failing to secure a single World Series victory. This drought became famously known as "The Curse of the Bambino," named after Ruth, who was affectionately called the Bambino. During this 86-year span, the Red Sox made four World Series appearances, losing each one of them, before miraculously breaking the curse in 2004. On the other hand, the Yankees thrived, clinching four World Series titles during Ruth's tenure with the team.

Perhaps one of the most iconic moments that showcased the curse in action was during the 1986 World Series against the Mets when the Red Sox lost Game 6 due to a ball going under Bill Buckner's legs.

Yankees > Red Sox

When it comes to regular season games, the New York Yankees once again assert their dominance over the Boston Red Sox, holding a commanding 1,242-1,037 lead. However, when the postseason arrives, the teams find themselves on equal footing, with a deadlocked record of 12 wins apiece across five memorable matchups.

The 2004 Brawl

If we were to delve into every brawl that has taken place between the Yankees and the Red Sox, we'd be here all day. However, there is one particular brawl that stands out in my memory, and it took place in 2004 when both teams were finally at the top of their game.

On July 24th, 2004, the Yankees had secured a commanding 3-0 lead by the third inning against the Red Sox. Alex Rodriguez stepped up to the plate to face Red Sox pitcher, Bronson Arroyo. In the midst of a 1-1 count, Arroyo delivered an inside pitch that struck A-Rod on the elbow. The rest was history.

The curse is back 🤯

In recent years, a dark cloud seems to have loomed over the Yankees, yet many have chosen to turn a blind eye to this unsettling situation. It all began with the signing of Joey Gallo, a slugger fresh off a solid season with the Rangers, known for his ability to hit home runs. With his left-handed swing perfectly suited for the Yankees' short porch in right field, fans were filled with anticipation. However, in his 140 games with the team, Gallo's performance took an unexpected turn. He struggled, slashing a mere .159/.291/.368 with 65 runs scored, 25 homers, 46 RBIs, and a staggering 194 strikeouts. It was a level of underperformance that seemed almost impossible.

And then came Aaron Hicks this year. The decline of Hicks over the past three seasons has been disheartening to witness. It's easy to forget that he was once considered one of the premier center fielders in baseball. From 2017 to 2020, during his best seasons, Hicks posted an impressive 10.1 WAR, ranking 11th with a 123 wRC+. Among full-time center fielders, only Mike Trout, Lorenzo Cain, and Kevin Kiermaier accumulated more WAR than Hicks. Following his strong 2018 campaign, where he belted 27 home runs, the Yankees rewarded him with a seven-year, $70 million contract, a reasonable deal based on his past production.

However, his performance took a nosedive in the past two years, leading to Yankee fans expressing their frustrations game after game. Eventually, Hicks was released from the team, and the Orioles swiftly picked him up. During his time with the Yankees, his numbers were dismal, with a .188/.263/.261 slash line, one home run, and 13 hits in 76 plate appearances. His -0.5 WAR added insult to injury, solidifying his abysmal statistical profile. It's no wonder Yankee fans were relieved to see him absent from the lineup.

Interestingly, since his departure, Aaron Hicks seems to have found his stride away from the Yankees. In his 13 games with the Orioles, he is batting an impressive .333 with an OBP of .447.

While Gallo and Hicks may not be on the same level as Babe Ruth, there is undoubtedly something amiss within the organization. Could it be that the curse has shifted its focus? I'm inclined to believe so.

The Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry is steeped in history, controversies, and unforgettable moments. It continues to captivate fans around the globe as two storied franchises battle for supremacy on the baseball diamond. Here are our best bets for tonight’s game. 👇

Tanner Houck has posted a 15.6% swinging-strike rate in his last six starts. To put that into perspective, this would be tied for third among all qualifying starting pitchers. Look for Houck to rack up strikeouts against a punch-less Yankees offense that remains without slugger Aaron Judge.