Shying Away is Not An Option

By Ryan “The Goose” Gosiker

Since 2009, the New York Yankees have not been to or won a World Series. That is tied for the 2nd longest gap without a WS appearance in the history of the franchise which dates back to 1903. The Yankees are a perennial playoff team. They have only missed the playoffs 5 times since I was born in 1998. Every year they find a way to compete. Exhibit A is the fact that Derek Jeter played in 2,747 regular season games. 4 of them were games in which the team was eliminated from postseason contention. As you can likely tell, playing for the Yankees comes with plenty of high hopes and expectations. It means you cannot shy away from the expectations. The ones still here do not shy away. The ones no longer on the team likely shied away from the bright lights. This article is not a reaction to players. It is for the fans. I have seen a mentality behind some fans that having “World Series or bust” expectations is unfair and ridiculous. It is neither of those things. New York City expects winners. Winners are judged on championships. Charles Barkley was a terrific NBA player, but why can he not be mentioned with some of the greatest ever? Because he never won a title. Titles matter. They are not the end-all-be-all to me. They are to some. However, as a player, you need one. Aaron Judge needs a title. Juan Soto, despite being significantly younger than most on the roster, needs one to cap off this early portion of his career. The Yankees hold everything in high regard. You cannot have a beard. You cannot have your name on your jersey. The fanbase throws a tantrum when sponsorship patches were added to the uniform. You will not wear a new, fresh City Connect jersey, ever. This is all because of the rich history of the team. Well, you cannot just take the portion you love and apply it. You have to take all of it which includes being the winningest franchise in baseball history based on win percentage and World Series titles. This group of Yankees, the “Baby Bombers” were given passes to start their reign as young and inexperienced. Those excuses are over. Aaron Judge is not getting younger. This team NEEDS to win a World Series. Oh, and also, Juan Soto does not have a deal past this season. While he loves them now, there is 0 guarantee he stays a Yankee. So, as fans, this team is in World Series or bust mode. The only possible way this season is deemed a success is by winning the World Series. Anything less is a failure. You cannot run from it. Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!