New york yankees houston astros
A rivalry for the ages!
The New York Yankees and the Houston Astros have a rich history of competition, dating back to the 1960s. Here are some key facts and highlights from their rivalry:
Early Years: The Yankees and Astros first met in 1962, when the Astros were still an expansion team. The Yankees dominated the early years of the rivalry, winning 14 of the first 20 meetings.
Astros' Rise to Prominence: In the 1980s and 1990s, the Astros began to gain traction, led by stars like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and Nolan Ryan. They started to compete with the Yankees for division titles and even won the National League Central in 1997 and 1998.
Postseason Matchups: The Yankees and Astros have met in the postseason three times:
- 2004 ALCS: The Yankees won the series 4-3, with Mariano Rivera earning the save in Game 7.
- 2015 AL Wild Card Game: The Astros won 3-0, with Dallas Keuchel pitching a shutout.
- 2017 ALCS: The Astros won the series 4-3, with George Springer hitting a walk-off home run in Game 5 and the Astros coming back from a 3-2 deficit to win the series.
Recent Years: The rivalry has intensified in recent years, with both teams competing for division titles and playoff spots. The Astros have become a consistent force in the American League, while the Yankees have continued to be a dominant force in the league.
Notable Players: Some notable players who have played for both teams include:
- Andy Pettitte: Pitched for the Yankees from 1995-2013 and the Astros from 2013-2014.
- Carlos Beltrán: Played for the Astros from 2004-2007 and the Yankees from 2009-2011.
- Brian McCann: Played for the Braves from 2005-2013 and the Yankees from 2014-2016, and briefly played for the Astros in 2017.
Rivalry Highlights: Some memorable moments from the rivalry include:
- The 2004 ALCS, which saw the Yankees come back from a 3-2 deficit to win the series.
- The 2015 AL Wild Card Game, which saw the Astros shut out the Yankees.
- The 2017 ALCS, which saw the Astros come back from a 3-2 deficit to win the series.
Overall, the rivalry between the Yankees and Astros is one of the most intense and competitive in baseball, with both teams having a rich history and a strong desire to emerge victorious.