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The New York Yankees, a name synonymous with success in Major League Baseball, often lead to debates about their greatest teams. With a legacy that spans over a century, fans and analysts ponder which squad deserves the title of the best ever. However, without the invention of a time machine, it is impossible to definitively answer this question. Nevertheless, advancements in technology, especially in the realm of video gaming, provide an innovative way to explore these historical matchups. One such tool is the game Out of the Park Baseball, which allows users to simulate various seasons using real-life data.
In this engaging simulation, we compiled every Yankees team from 1903 through 2025 into a single league. By disabling trades and other alterations, the rosters remained true to their historical form, providing an authentic glimpse into what might have been had these teams played each other.
The simulation results: an unexpected champion
After running through the simulated season, the standout team emerged as the 1938 Yankees, boasting an impressive 115-47 record. In reality, that squad secured 99 wins and clinched their third consecutive World Series title. Yet, in the simulation, the 1938 team was propelled by an extraordinary performance from Joe DiMaggio, who recorded an astonishing 11.2 WAR while batting .377 and hitting 57 home runs. This performance is particularly remarkable considering DiMaggio’s highest home run total in a single season was 46.
The offensive firepower of this team was complemented by historic seasons from other players. In fact, four additional teammates surpassed the 50-home run mark, including the legendary Lou Gehrig, who, despite showing early signs of ALS, contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Home run records shattered
This simulation showcased an astonishingly high offensive environment. Notably, the 1921 and 1927 versions of Babe Ruth, who hit 59 and 60 home runs respectively in real life, both exploded for 86 home runs in our simulation, proving that the game allowed for unprecedented offensive production. With six players eclipsing the actual single-season record of 73 home runs, it became clear that the simulation provided a unique and exaggerated perspective on offensive capabilities.
However, while the hitting was remarkable, standout pitching performances also emerged. For instance, Lefty Gomez from 1934 led the league with a 2.52 ERA over 221 innings, translating to a remarkable 210 ERA+. Surprisingly, the pitching WAR leader was Al Downing from 1962, who only pitched one inning in the major leagues that year. In the simulation, he excelled at controlling the long ball, allowing only nine home runs in over 200 innings.
Disappointing performances from fan favorites
Curiously, the teams typically regarded as the greatest Yankees squads—the 1927 and 1998 teams—did not qualify for the playoffs in this simulation. The 1998 team, despite a strong 95-67 record, finished 19th in a league populated by over 100 teams. Meanwhile, the 1927 team, despite the remarkable home run totals, managed only an 88-74 record due to inconsistent pitching.
One of the most surprising revelations was the performance of the 1910 Highlanders. In reality, they finished second in the American League, but in the simulation, they surpassed the 1998 Yankees by winning 97 games, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the simulation.
The playoff landscape
The playoff field featured teams such as the 1938, 1942, 1931, 1939, and others who not only excelled in the simulation but also had strong real-world credentials. Ultimately, the 1931 Yankees, who finished the regular season 106-56, emerged victorious in the All-Yankees World Series, defeating the 1938 team in a thrilling seven-game series. Babe Ruth was named the series MVP, hitting four home runs, including a crucial one in the decisive Game 7.
Interestingly, the real 1931 Yankees did not even make it to the World Series in their actual season, finishing 13.5 games behind the Philadelphia Athletics. This simulation demonstrates the fascinating divergence between reality and what could be imagined through the lens of modern gaming technology.