What Were the New York Yankees Originally Named and Known As?

Popularly known as, ‘The Pinstripes’ or ‘The Bronx Bombers’, New York Yankees are one of the oldest franchises in MLB. However, the richest franchise currently, they were not always known as the ‘New York Yankees.’

Established in 1901, the Yankees back then were, in fact, known by the name of one of the current baseball teams. Here is a throwback to the original name of the 27-time World Series winners.

New York Yankees were known as the Baltimore Orioles

Don’t confuse yourself with the current baseball team Baltimore Orioles, as the two have no relation. Back in 1901, Ban Johnson, who was the president of the minor league, established the team Baltimore Orioles. The minor league was known as the Western League, hence he changed the name to the American League (AL), and further requested National League to add AL in major league baseball.

However, the National League discarded the request; hence, Johnson himself declared his league as the official major league in 1901. Ban Johnson had a desire to name his team New York, back then as well, but again, the NL came in his way.

Why did Ban Johnson name the team Baltimore Orioles?

Ban Johnson’s dream of naming his team after New York City was shattered by the National League team. It was NL’s team New York Giants, now known as the San Francisco Giants, who blocked Johnson from establishing a team in their city. Hence, Ban Johnson had to form his team in another place, Baltimore, Maryland.

After around 12 years, the team was officially named the New York Yankees. Although, they had already moved their base to New York City in 1903, after solving the dispute with the NL team. However, the team was known as the New York Highlanders.

The century-old team, New York Yankees, has come a long way in establishing their dominance as one of the top teams. However, since 2009, the franchise has not clinched the Fall Series title.

Do you think in the 2022 season, the team has a chance of making a comeback?

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