Rivalry Renewed: Red Sox, Yankees

In a rivalry as old as baseball itself, New York and Boston are back it. This year we’ve already seen animosity between the two clubs, along with many parallels. The longtime enemies are fighting for the best record not only in the American League East but the entire league. These early games are going to have a lasting impact on the rest of the season.

In the first series of the year, we had the first Red Sox-Yankees fight that actually felt like it meant something in a long time. Joe Kelly immortalized himself by standing up for his teammate and himself after hitting Tyler Austin. Not since Jason Varitek shoved his mitt into A-Roid, I mean A-Rod’s face have I been so excited. This excitement between two fanbases and two longtime rivals is exactly what baseball needs to stay alive. As the season series swings to the Bronx, we can only expect more fireworks across the board.

Both Boston and New York have prolific outfielders from their systems and big bats brought in this offseason. Aaron Judge, Andrew Benintendi, and Mookie Betts could be the starting outfield for the AL All-Star team for years to come. All three players have excellent defensive abilities and can hit. Giancarlo Stanton and JD Martinez are sluggers brought in this offseason to help put up runs for the Yankees and Sox respectively. The parallels among these clubs can only help to further the rivalry.

Rarely do games played in April and May have an effect on the postseason, but that’s exactly what’s happening this year. Every head-to-head game for these clubs has a little extra meaning on top of the rivalry. Each game could affect home-field advantage as these two teams race for first place.

This is what gets kids begging parents to go to baseball games in Boston and New York again. A renewed rivalry is what gets those same kids dreaming about representing their city against its deepest rival. On top of it is the fact that it will likely be Boston and New York competing deep into October with one team representing the American League in the World Series. Baseball has been looking for a saving grace, well here come Boston and New York fighting for every inch.

Follow me

@Dan_PerSources on Twitter.