1991 New York Yankees

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1991 New York Yankees season: Summary

In the unfolding lore of the Bronx Bombers, the 1991 crusade marked a pivotal juncture, one filled with dizzying highs and demoralizing lows. Under the direction of their battle-tested skipper, Stump Merrill, the Yankees entered the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium prepared for a campaign that would be etched in baseball’s collective memory.  

As the story began, optimism brewed within the Yankee brotherhood, fueled by Doc Gooden’s admission that facing the likes of Don Mattingly regularly would prove a daunting task. Mattingly himself stepped into the batter’s box, oozing stoic determination, aiming to propel the Yankees lineup to heightened excellence.  

But the fates had a tempestuous tale in store, one that would test the mettle of the Yankee warriors. Over 162 hard-fought contests, each marking a gripping chapter in this spiraling saga, triumphs and tragedies walked hand-in-hand. When the smoke cleared, 71 sweet victories had been savored, but 91 bitter defeats had been painfully endured.  

When the final page was turned to close the book on this tumultuous 1991 epic, the Yankees found themselves dwelling in an unfamiliar 5th-place perch, a stark reality for a franchise accustomed to far loftier reaches. Trailing the glittering Blue Jays dynasty led by pioneering manager Cito Gaston by a cavernous 20-game margin, the Yankees faced a harsh truth—they had reached their nadir.

Behind closed doors, the chaos that engulfed the Yankee clubhouse hinted at omens of future obstacles. But also kindling within the Yankee spirit was a simmering resilience, one that would carry them through the storms ahead into a promising new dawn. 

In the sprawling landscape of baseball lore, the 1991 saga served as a poignant chapter in the legacy of the iconic Yankees—a story of anguish and glory, of stumbling before rising tall again. And while the players knew not what the coming years held, the trying campaign of ’91 prepared them well for feats destined to echo through eternity.

1991 New York Yankees start hit by challenges

The dawn of the Yankees’ new season mirrored the script of their previous campaign, a tale of mixed fortunes that ultimately culminated in a disheartening 6-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The echoes of defensive struggles and lapses in judgment persisted, setting a worrisome tone for the start of the season.

As the rain-soaked day continued, the Yankees found themselves entangled in a web of poor pitching and a pivotal defensive blunder that would prove costly. Catcher Matt Nokes, under the scrutiny of the elements, committed a critical error in the seventh inning. With two runners caught off base, Nokes, facing the rookie Milt Cuyler, opted to throw to second instead of advancing toward the base runner. This fateful decision denied the Yankees a crucial out.

The consequences of Nokes’ defensive misstep unfolded dramatically. Cecil Fielder, with a two-out double, broke the 4-4 tie and shattered the Yankees’ five-game winning streak in season openers. Manager Stump Merrill lamented, “We gave them an extra out in the inning. That’s what killed us.”

This defensive lapse became emblematic of the Yankees’ struggles, mirroring the woes that plagued them in the previous season. The team, teetering on the edge of mediocrity, could ill-afford such mistakes. The season opener, played under the watchful eyes of substitute umpires due to a labor contract delay, unfolded in a manner reminiscent of their past tribulations.

Despite positive sparks, including Tim Leary’s nine strikeouts, home runs from Kevin Maas and Mike Blowers, and solid contributions from Don Mattingly and Hensley Meulens, the narrative of the day was dominated by Nokes’ ill-fated decision.

In the aftermath, Nokes found himself in the spotlight, his mental error dissected by teammates and management. Mattingly, in a constructive tone, acknowledged, “You look at those things constructively, and you learn.” Yet, as the rain-soaked Yankees reflected on their missed opportunities and defensive blunders, the realization dawned that the ghosts of 1990 continued to haunt their early steps in the new season. The Yankees faced a familiar foe—themselves—and the journey ahead seemed fraught with challenges that mirrored the tribulations of the past.

1991 New York Yankees in videos

Postseason

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in Regular Season)

1991 New York Yankees roster

1991 New York Yankees: Player signing and trades

November 1990

• On November 5th, Free Agency was granted to Tim Leary, Dave Righetti, and Jeff Robinson.
• November 19th saw the signing of Tim Leary as a free agent, along with the release of Brian Dorsett.
• On the same day, November 21st, Ruben Rivera was signed as an amateur free agent.
• Steve Farr joined as a free agent on November 26th.

December 1990

• December 3rd marked Frank Seminara being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 1990 Rule 5 draft.
• The Padres traded Oscar Azocar to the Yankees on December 3rd, with a player to be named later received (completed on February 7, 1991, with Mike Humphreys).
• Free Agency was granted to Mike Witt on December 7th.
• Jim Walewander was signed as a free agent on December 9th.
• On December 31st, Scott Sanderson was purchased from the Oakland Athletics.

January 1991

• January 2nd saw the signing of Mike Witt as a free agent.
• Keith Hughes joined as a free agent on January 7th.
• On January 13th, Rick Cerone was released.
• Pat Sheridan was signed as a free agent on January 24th.

February 1991

• Dave LaPoint was released on February 17th.
• Steve Howe was signed as a free agent on February 21st.

March 1991

• On March 19th, Mark Leiter was traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Torey Lovullo.

April 1991

• Steve Balboni was released on April 1st.
• Scott Lusader was selected off waivers from the Detroit Tigers on April 5th.

May 1991

• Andy Hawkins was released on May 9th.
• On May 17th, Mike Blowers was traded to the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later and cash (completed on June 22, 1991, with Jim Blueberg).
• Bubba Carpenter was signed as an amateur free agent on May 23rd.

June 1991

• Lyle Mouton was drafted in the 5th round of the 1991 amateur draft on June 3rd and signed on June 18, 1991.
• Keith Garagozzo was drafted in the 9th round of the 1991 amateur draft on June 3rd.
• Bronson Heflin was drafted in the 45th round of the 1991 amateur draft on June 3rd, but he did not sign.
• On June 26th, Steve Adkins was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for David Rosario (minors).

August 1991

• Marty Janzen was signed as an amateur free agent on August 8th.

October 1991

• Free Agency was granted to Keith Hughes, Scott Lusader, and Jim Walewander on October 15th.
• On the same day, October 15th, Pat Sheridan was released.
• Chuck Cary was released on October 28th.

1991 New York Yankees debuts

• Darrin Chapin – 09-21-1991 – 25 years old
• Mike Humphreys – 07-29-1991 – 24 years old
• Jeff Johnson – 06-05-1991 – 24 years old
• Scott Kamieniecki – 06-18-1991 – 27 years old
• Pat Kelly – 05-20-1991 – 23 years old
• John Ramos – 09-18-1991 – 26 years old
• Carlos Rodriguez – 06-16-1991 – 23 years old
• Wade Taylor – 06-02-1991 – 25 years old
• Bernie Williams – 07-07-1991 – 22 years old

1991 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

1991 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

Record vs. opponents/ team splits

Monthly Record

1991 New York Yankees All-Star

• Scott Sanderson

1991 New York Yankees: Awards and honors

Gold Glove Award: Don Mattingly

All-Star Appearance: Scott Sanderson

Other Achievements: Stump Merrill finished 10th in AL Manager of the Year Voting.

1991 New York Yankees’ near-miss with Barry Bonds

In the shadows of the Yankees’ haunting 1991 season, characterized by defensive struggles and an apparent thirst for offensive transformation, the team’s bid to secure Barry Bonds emerged as a pivotal chapter in their quest for redemption. As the 1992 season loomed, Stick Michael, the architect at the helm, sought to reshape the Yankees’ destiny, recognizing the need for a formidable force to alter their fortunes.

Bonds, a deity in Pittsburgh alongside his assumed soul brother Bobby Bonilla, stood as the crown jewel of the free-agent market. The Yankees, hungry for a catalyst, engaged in negotiations with Bonds, envisioning a transformative presence that could illuminate the path to glory. Mutual interest blossomed; Bonds, the best hitter on the market, expressed a willingness to embrace the bright lights and the big city mentality of New York.

However, negotiations took an unexpected turn as Bonds and his agent pressed for a long-term, high-salary contract that stretched beyond Stick’s comfort zone. A standoff ensued over the coveted sixth year, a divergence that ultimately led to the Yankees withdrawing their offer. “We have to draw the line somewhere,” remarked Michael, unyielding in the face of Bonds’ financial demands.

The Yankees’ decision to part ways with Bonds paved the way for a shift in focus. The pursuit of pitching took center stage, with Greg Maddux emerging as a prime target. Michael, undeterred by the missed opportunity with Bonds, engaged in a six-hour meeting with Maddux and his agent, Scott Boras. The former Cubs ace was tantalized by the prospect of playing in New York, and the Yankees offered a five-year, $30 million contract.

As the Yankees awaited Maddux’s decision, the repercussions of the Bonds saga lingered. Questions arose about the alternate reality where Bonds donned the iconic pinstripes alongside a constellation of future legends. Would Bernie Williams be sacrificed to accommodate Bonds’ salary and ego? Speculation swirled about potential trades involving Jesse Barfield, Mel Hall, and others to retain key figures like Roberto Kelly and Bernie.

In the grand scheme of things, Michael, despite his fleeting regret over Maddux’s eventual choice to join the Braves, seemed to have navigated the tumultuous waters astutely. The Yankees may have missed out on Bonds, but the echoes of that decision would resonate through the years, sparking contemplation about the road not taken.

As the Yankees navigated the aftermath of their pursuit, the baseball world pondered the tantalizing “what-ifs.” Bonds, the elusive prize, slipped through their grasp, leaving the Bronx Bombers to grapple with the eternal question of how different their trajectory might have been had the iconic outfielder become a cornerstone of their revitalization efforts.

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