1993 New York Yankees

The final standing	2nd in AL East (Failed to reach postseason)
Regular season record	88–74 (.543)
Post-season record	Did not qualify
Divisional rank	2
ALDS record and opponent	Did not play
AL rank	3
ALCS record and opponent	Did not play
World Series record and opponent	Did not play
Manager	Buck Showalter
Captain	Don Mattingly
Top batter	Home runs: Danny Tartabull (31), Mike Stanley (26),  Paul O’Neill (20) BA: Dion James (.332), Paul O’Neill (.311), Jim Leyrtiz (.309) Runs: Danny Tartabull (87), Wade Boggs (83), Don Mattingly (78) RBI: Danny Tartabull (102), Don Mattingly (86), Mike Stanley (84)
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA)	Jimmy Key: 18-6, 3.00 Scott Kamieniecki: 10-7, 4.08
Attendance record	2,416,942 (5th of 14)

1993 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 1993 New York Yankees emerged from the shadows of a gloomy past. Memories of the 1980s lingered like a persistent fog, and a Sports Illustrated cover in 1991 pondered the enigma: “Whatever happened to the Yankees?” But then, like a meteor streaking across a dark sky, the 1993 season burst forth with promise.

The overture began with a stumbling 6-7 start, a few false notes in a symphony of uncertainty. A particularly agonizing loss to the Royals, marked by a circus catch that snatched victory away, could have been a harbinger of doom. Yet, the 1993 New York Yankees pivoted. A captivating 49-33 run followed, reaching its zenith on August 26 when they stood proudly 19 games over .500.

The allure of the 1993 New York Yankees wasn’t just in their 88-74 record but in the pulsating drama of a pennant race. Tied for first on September 9, they faced setbacks, including a disheartening 5-game losing streak that left them 7.5 games adrift of the Toronto Blue Jays. The dream of a division title slipped away, but the Yankees closed the season with a defiant rally, winning five of their last seven and finishing seven games behind.

This wasn’t a script written in the predictable language of championships; it was a story of unexpected crescendos and decrescendos. Mike Stanley, once a baseball enigma, transformed into a hitting virtuoso behind the plate for the 1993 New York Yankees. Paul O’Neill, the protagonist of an offseason trade, defied expectations, evolving from a platoon player to an All-Star virtuoso. Veterans like Jim Leyritz and Randy Velarde played their parts with versatility, adding dynamic layers to the ensemble.

The cast of characters in the 1993 New York Yankees was as diverse as the notes in a jazz composition. Dion James, with his smooth left-handed swing, added a touch of elegance. Jim Abbott, the one-handed wonder, became an inspiration. Young talents like Pat Kelly and Bernie Williams painted the canvas with their promising strokes. Don Mattingly, the enduring veteran, crafted a melody of hits that resonated like a familiar tune.

Yet, it wasn’t just about the numbers on the scoreboard. The 1993 New York Yankees were a group whose personalities shone as brightly as their achievements. Paul O’Neill’s fiery distaste for losing became the team’s anthem, and Jim Abbott’s inspiring journey embodied the spirit of resilience. The departure of less savory characters, like Mel Hall, added a note of redemption to the melody.

What set the 1993 New York Yankees apart was not their place in the standings but their refusal to conform to the norms of expensive acquisitions. This wasn’t a team assembled with checkbook diplomacy. No, this was a group forged through trade, nurtured in the farm system, and bound by a shared determination to defy expectations.

In the grand narrative of baseball, the 1993 New York Yankees may not have clinched the ultimate prize, but they left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. Their legacy isn’t confined to championships; it resides in the collective heartbeat of a fanbase that found joy, excitement, and a sense of belonging in the most unexpected of seasons. The 1993 Yankees weren’t just a team; they were a living testament to the fact that sometimes, the most captivating stories are the ones that dance to their own, unscripted rhythm.

Jim Abbott’s miracle moment for 1993 New York Yankees

On the canvas of the 1993 New York Yankees season, one vivid brushstroke stands out—an awe-inspiring no-hitter pitched by the remarkable Jim Abbott on September 4th, 1993. In a sport where two hands are considered the norm, Abbott, born without a right hand, not only defied expectations but etched his name in the annals of baseball history with one of the most iconic performances ever witnessed.

Abbott’s journey was more than just a baseball narrative; it was a story of determination and the belief that anything was possible. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, he faced the teasing and bullying of playgrounds, but surrounded by a support system that saw only potential, Abbott emerged as a multi-sport talent. His prowess as both a baseball pitcher and a football quarterback at the University of Michigan propelled him into the national spotlight, earning him the prestigious James E. Sullivan award as the best amateur athlete in the country.

Pitching with a seamless grace that seemed almost magical, Abbott’s unique style involved positioning his glove on his stump to seamlessly transition from throwing to fielding. Teammate Don Mattingly recalled the perpetual amazement of watching him perform this feat, likening it to a magic trick that kept everyone in awe.

However, the crowning jewel in Abbott’s illustrious career came on that fateful day in 1993 when he took the mound against the Cleveland Indians. Facing a lineup of formidable batters, including power hitter Jim Thome and the promising Manny Ramirez, Abbott was coming off a previous game where he was “absolutely shelled” by the same team.

Yet, on this day, Abbott and his catcher, MattNokes concocted a plan involving more curveballs and breaking balls. The result? A no-hitter. As Abbott glanced at the scoreboard in the fifth inning, he realized they were winning 4-0, and more importantly, the opposing team had no hits against the 1993 New York Yankees.

The final inning was nerve-wracking, with over 27,000 fans in the stadium and Abbott’s teammates adhering to the “stupid superstition” of ignoring him in the dugout. The tension reached its peak in the ninth inning when a bunt attempt by Kenny Lofton rolled foul, but Abbott retired him and secured his place in MLB history.

The aftermath was a celebration in New York, with Abbott signing autographs, taxi cabs honking, and people running across the street. But the legacy of Jim Abbott transcends that singular day. A role model for disabled children across the country, Abbott’s impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond.

Retiring in 1999 at the age of 32, Abbott continued to inspire through the speaking circuit, sharing his message of hope. Mattingly attests to the profound impact Abbott has had, stating that he’s possibly influenced more people than 99.9% of anyone who has played the game. Abbott, still in touch with many of the kids he encountered, sees the determination in their eyes and finds hope in their journeys.

As Abbott reflected on his life, he acknowledged that his disability, far from hindering him, propelled him to places he might not have reached otherwise. His story, like the trail he blazed, remains an enduring testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that challenges can be overcome with unwavering determination.

1993 New York Yankees season in videos

Postseason

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in regular season)

1993 New York Yankees roster

Name	Age	B	T	Ht	Wt	DoB	Yrs	G	GS	WAR	Salary
Jim Abbott	25	L	L	6′ 3″	200	Sep 19, 1967	5	32	32	1.6	$2,350,000
Paul Assenmacher	32	L	L	6′ 3″	195	Dec 10, 1960	8	26	0	0.4
Wade Boggs HOF	35	L	R	6′ 2″	190	Jun 15, 1958	12	143	137	4.3	$2,950,000
Andy Cook	25	R	R	6′ 5″	205	Aug 30, 1967	1st	4	0	0
Steve Farr	36	R	R	5′ 10″	198	Dec 12, 1956	10	49	0	0.3	$1,500,000
Mike Gallego	32	R	R	5′ 8″	160	Oct 31, 1960	9	119	111	4.5	$1,575,000
Paul Gibson	33	R	L	6′ 0″	165	Jan 4, 1960	6	20	0	0.4
John Habyan	29	R	R	6′ 1″	195	Jan 29, 1964	8	36	0	0.3	$600,000
Neal Heaton	33	L	L	6′ 1″	197	Mar 3, 1960	12	18	0	-0.3	$250,000
Sterling Hitchcock	22	L	L	6′ 1″	200	Apr 29, 1971	2	6	6	0.1	$109,000
Steve Howe	35	L	L	6′ 1″	180	Mar 10, 1958	9	51	0	-0.6	$2,500,000
Mike Humphreys	26	R	R	6′ 0″	185	Apr 10, 1967	3	25	7	-0.2	$112,000
Mark Hutton	23	R	R	6′ 6″	240	Feb 6, 1970	1st	7	4	-0.3
Dion James	30	L	L	6′ 1″	170	Nov 9, 1962	9	115	83	1.4
Domingo Jean	24	R	R	6′ 2″	175	Jan 9, 1969	1st	10	6	0.4
Jeff Johnson	26	R	L	6′ 3″	200	Aug 4, 1966	3	2	2	-0.6	$125,000
Scott Kamieniecki	29	R	R	6′ 0″	195	Apr 19, 1964	3	30	20	1.6	$150,000
Pat Kelly	25	R	R	6′ 0″	180	Oct 14, 1967	3	127	119	2.4	$160,000
Jimmy Key	32	R	L	6′ 1″	185	Apr 22, 1961	10	34	34	6.3	$4,900,000
Jim Leyritz	29	R	R	6′ 0″	190	Dec 27, 1963	4	95	72	3.2	$152,000
Kevin Maas	28	L	L	6′ 3″	195	Jan 20, 1965	4	59	40	0.1	$255,000
Don Mattingly	32	L	L	6′ 0″	175	Apr 20, 1961	12	134	131	2.7	$3,820,000
Hensley Meulens	26	R	R	6′ 4″	200	Jun 23, 1967	5	30	15	0.2
Sam Militello	23	R	R	6′ 3″	200	Nov 26, 1969	2	3	2	-0.2	$118,000
Rich Monteleone	30	R	R	6′ 2″	205	Mar 22, 1963	7	42	0	-0.4	$250,000
Bobby Munoz	25	R	R	6′ 7″	237	Mar 3, 1968	1st	38	0	-0.2
Matt Nokes	29	L	R	6′ 1″	185	Oct 31, 1963	9	76	58	0.6	$2,500,000
Paul O’Neill	30	L	L	6′ 4″	200	Feb 25, 1963	9	141	122	2.9	$3,833,333
Spike Owen	32	B	R	5′ 9″	165	Apr 19, 1961	11	103	88	0.7	$2,250,000
Melido Perez	27	R	R	6′ 4″	180	Feb 15, 1966	7	25	25	-0.4	$2,450,000
Dave Silvestri	25	R	R	6′ 0″	180	Sep 29, 1967	2	7	7	0.5	$109,000
Lee Smith HOF	35	R	R	6′ 5″	220	Dec 4, 1957	14	8	0	0.5
Andy Stankiewicz	28	R	R	5′ 9″	165	Aug 10, 1964	2	16	3	-0.1	$138,000
Mike Stanley	30	R	R	6′ 1″	185	Jun 25, 1963	8	130	113	4.8	$675,000
Frank Tanana	39	L	L	6′ 2″	180	Jul 3, 1953	21	3	3	0.2
Danny Tartabull	30	R	R	6′ 1″	185	Oct 30, 1962	10	138	137	3.5	$5,050,000
Randy Velarde	30	R	R	6′ 0″	185	Nov 24, 1962	7	85	61	2	$1,050,000
Bob Wickman	24	R	R	6′ 1″	207	Feb 6, 1969	2	41	19	-0.2	$116,000
Bernie Williams	24	B	R	6′ 2″	180	Sep 13, 1968	3	139	139	2.5	$150,000
Gerald Williams	26	R	R	6′ 2″	190	Aug 10, 1966	2	42	15	-0.2	$109,000
Mike Witt	32	R	R	6′ 7″	185	Jul 20, 1960	12	9	9	-0.2	$2,166,667

1993 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

November 1992

• Nov 3: Tim Burke becomes a Free Agent.
• Nov 3: Roberto Kelly traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Joe De Berry (minors) and Paul O’Neill.
• Nov 4: Jesse Barfield becomes a Free Agent.
• Nov 6: Curt Young becomes a Free Agent.
• Nov 6: Greg Cadaret’s player rights sold to the Cincinnati Reds.
• Nov 8: Steve Howe becomes a Free Agent.
• Nov 17: Charlie Hayes selected as the 3rd pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 1992 expansion draft.
• Nov 17: Carl Everett selected as the 27th pick by the Florida Marlins in the 1992 expansion draft.
• Nov 17: Brad Ausmus selected as the 54th pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 1992 expansion draft.

December 1992

• Dec 4: Spike Owen signed as a free agent.
• Dec 6: Jerry Nielsen, J.T. Snow, and Russ Springer traded to the California Angels for Jim Abbott.
• Dec 7: Mike Draper drafted by the New York Mets in the 1992 rule 5 draft.
• Dec 7: Sherman Obando drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1992 rule 5 draft.
• Dec 7: Kirt Ojala drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 1992 rule 5 draft.
• Dec 8: Steve Howe signed as a free agent.
• Dec 10: Jimmy Key signed as a free agent.
• Dec 15: Wade Boggs signed as a free agent.
• Allan Anderson sent to an unknown team in an undisclosed transaction.

January 1993

• Jan 29: Fernando Seguignol signed as an amateur free agent.

February 1993

• Feb 2: Neal Heaton signed as a free agent.

March 1993

• Mar 27: Kirt Ojala (earlier draft pick) returned by the Oakland Athletics.

June 1993

• Jun 3: Mike Jerzembeck drafted in the 5th round of the 1993 amateur draft, signed on June 17, 1993.
• Jun 3: Frank Lankford drafted in the 17th round of the 1993 amateur draft, signed on June 14, 1993.
• Jun 3: Chad Moeller drafted in the 25th round of the 1993 amateur draft but not signed.
• Jun 3: Craig Dingman drafted in the 36th round of the 1993 amateur draft, signed on May 22, 1994.
• Jun 7: Danny Rios signed as an amateur free agent.
• Jun 18: Paul Gibson signed as a free agent.
• Jun 28: Darwin Cubillan signed as an amateur free agent.

July 1993

• Jul 27: Neal Heaton released.
• Jul 30: John Habyan traded to the Kansas City Royals; Paul Assenmacher received from the Chicago Cubs in a 3-team trade involving Karl Rhodes going to the Chicago Cubs from the Kansas City Royals.

August 1993

• Aug 19: Victor Zambrano signed as an amateur free agent.
• Aug 31: Andy Cook released.
• Aug 31: Rich Batchelor traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Lee Smith.

September 1993

• Sep 17: Jeff Johnson released.
• Sep 17: Kenny Greer traded to the New York Mets for Frank Tanana.

October 1993

• Oct 15: Rich Monteleone, Rafael Quirico, and Carlos Rodriguez become Free Agents.
• Oct 25: Lee Smith becomes a Free Agent.
• Oct 27: Dion James, Mike Witt, Steve Farr, and Frank Tanana become Free Agents.
• Oct 29: Steve Farr becomes a Free Agent.
• Oct 29: Frank Tanana becomes a Free Agent.

1993 New York Yankees player debuts

• Andy Cook – 05-09-1993 – 25 years old
• Mark Hutton – 07-23-1993 – 23 years old
• Domingo Jean – 08-08-1993 – 24 years old
• Bobby Munoz – 05-29-1993 – 25 years old

1993 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

Pos	Name	Age	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA
C	Mike Stanley	30	130	491	423	70	129	17	1	26	84	1	1	57	85	0.305
1B	Don Mattingly	32	134	596	530	78	154	27	2	17	86	0	0	61	42	0.291
2B	Pat Kelly	25	127	451	406	49	111	24	1	7	51	14	11	24	68	0.273
SS	Spike Owen	32	103	367	334	41	78	16	2	2	20	3	2	29	30	0.234
3B	Wade Boggs	35	143	644	560	83	169	26	1	2	59	0	1	74	49	0.302
LF	Dion James	30	115	378	343	62	114	21	2	7	36	0	0	31	31	0.332
CF	Bernie Williams	24	139	628	567	67	152	31	4	12	68	9	9	53	106	0.268
RF	Paul O’Neill	30	141	547	498	71	155	34	1	20	75	2	4	44	69	0.311
DH	Danny Tartabull	30	138	611	513	87	128	33	2	31	102	0	0	92	156	0.25
IF	Mike Gallego	32	119	465	403	63	114	20	1	10	54	3	2	50	65	0.283
UT	Jim Leyritz	29	95	305	259	43	80	14	0	14	53	0	0	37	59	0.309
UT	Randy Velarde	30	85	253	226	28	68	13	2	7	24	2	2	18	39	0.301
C	Matt Nokes	29	76	238	217	25	54	8	0	10	35	0	0	16	31	0.249
DH	Kevin Maas	28	59	177	151	20	31	4	0	9	25	1	1	24	32	0.205
OF	Gerald Williams	26	42	71	67	11	10	2	3	0	6	2	0	1	14	0.149
LF	Hensley Meulens	26	30	61	53	8	9	1	1	2	5	0	1	8	19	0.17
OF	Mike Humphreys	26	25	40	35	6	6	2	1	1	6	2	1	4	11	0.171
IF	Dave Silvestri	25	7	26	21	4	6	1	0	1	4	0	0	5	3	0.286
IF	Andy Stankiewicz	28	16	10	9	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
	Team Totals	29.8	162	6359	5615	821	1568	294	24	178	793	39	35	629	910	0.279
	Rank in 14 AL teams				3	4	1	3	10	2		14	1	3	7	1

1993 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

Pos	Name	Age	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER
SP	Jimmy Key	32	18	6	0.75	3	34	34	0	4	2	0	236.2	219	84	79
SP	Jim Abbott	25	11	14	0.44	4.37	32	32	0	4	1	0	214	221	115	104
SP	Melido Perez	27	6	14	0.3	5.19	25	25	0	0	0	0	163	173	103	94
SP	Scott Kamieniecki	29	10	7	0.588	4.08	30	20	4	2	0	1	154.1	163	73	70
CL	Steve Farr	36	2	2	0.5	4.21	49	0	37	0	0	25	47	44	22	22
RP	Bob Wickman	24	14	4	0.778	4.63	41	19	9	1	1	4	140	156	82	72
RP	Rich Monteleone	30	7	4	0.636	4.94	42	0	11	0	0	0	85.2	85	52	47
RP	Steve Howe	35	3	5	0.375	4.97	51	0	19	0	0	4	50.2	58	31	28
RP	Bobby Munoz	25	3	3	0.5	5.32	38	0	12	0	0	0	45.2	48	27	27
	John Habyan	29	2	1	0.667	4.04	36	0	21	0	0	1	42.1	45	20	19
	Mike Witt	32	3	2	0.6	5.27	9	9	0	0	0	0	41	39	26	24
	Domingo Jean	24	1	1	0.5	4.46	10	6	1	0	0	0	40.1	37	20	20
	Paul Gibson	33	2	0	1	3.06	20	0	9	0	0	0	35.1	31	15	12
	Sterling Hitchcock	22	1	2	0.333	4.65	6	6	0	0	0	0	31	32	18	16
	Neal Heaton	33	1	0	1	6	18	0	9	0	0	0	27	34	19	18
	Mark Hutton	23	1	1	0.5	5.73	7	4	2	0	0	0	22	24	17	14
	Frank Tanana	39	0	2	0	3.2	3	3	0	0	0	0	19.2	18	10	7
	Paul Assenmacher	32	2	2	0.5	3.12	26	0	6	0	0	0	17.1	10	6	6
	Sam Militello	23	1	1	0.5	6.75	3	2	0	0	0	0	9.1	10	8	7
	Lee Smith	35	0	0		0	8	0	8	0	0	3	8	4	0	0
	Andy Cook	25	0	1	0	5.06	4	0	3	0	0	0	5.1	4	3	3
	Jeff Johnson	26	0	2	0	30.38	2	2	0	0	0	0	2.2	12	10	9
	Team Totals	28.6	88	74	0.543	4.35	162	162	151	11	4	38	1438.1	1467	761	695
	Rank in 14 AL teams		3	12		9				8	1	12	11	7	8	9

1993 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ team splits

Opponent (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
Baltimore Orioles (13)	7	6	0.538
Boston Red Sox (13)	7	6	0.538
California Angels (12)	6	6	0.500
Chicago White Sox (12)	8	4	0.667
Cleveland Indians (13)	7	6	0.538
Detroit Tigers (13)	9	4	0.692
Kansas City Royals (12)	6	6	0.500
Milwaukee Brewers (13)	9	4	0.692
Minnesota Twins (12)	8	4	0.667
Oakland Athletics (12)	6	6	0.500
Seattle Mariners (12)	7	5	0.583
Texas Rangers (12)	3	9	0.250
Toronto Blue Jays (13)	5	8	0.385

1993 New York Yankees monthly record

Month (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
April (21)	12	9	0.571
May (30)	17	13	0.567
June (28)	17	11	0.607
July (26)	14	12	0.538
August (28)	15	13	0.536
September (26)	11	15	0.423
October (3)	2	1	0.667

1993 New York Yankees All-Stars

• Wade Boggs
• Jimmy Key

1993 New York Yankees awards and honors

• Gold Glove Award: Don Mattingly
• Silver Slugger Awards: Wade Boggs, Mike Stanley

Other Achievements

• Jimmy Key finished 4th in AL Cy Young Voting.
• Buck Showalter finished 2nd in AL Manager of the Year Voting.

1993 New York Yankees set the stage for a dynasty

The early 1990s were a dark period for the New York Yankees, marked by a series of subpar seasons and a noticeable decline in performance. After a mere competitive era in the 1980s, the team faced a significant slump, culminating in a 74-87 record in 1989, the worst under owner George Steinbrenner. The subsequent years continued the downward trend, with losing records from 1990 to 1992, echoing a historic slump not seen since the early 20th century.

However, the winds of change began to blow after the 1992 season. The Yankees made strategic moves, signaling a shift in their fortunes. On November 3, 1992, they traded for Paul O’Neill, a move that initially raised eyebrows but would prove instrumental in the years to come. The team further strengthened its roster by signing Jimmy Key and Wade Boggs in December, adding valuable experience and talent.

The return of owner George Steinbrenner reinstated just before the 1993 season, added another layer to the team’s resurgence. A humbler Steinbrenner proved to be a more effective owner, contributing to the positive atmosphere surrounding the Yankees.

Under the guidance of second-year manager Buck Showalter, the 1993 New York Yankees started the season with promise. Winning records in three consecutive months, something not achieved since 1987, showcased the team’s newfound strength. The addition of key players like O’Neill, Key, and Boggs, along with the return of Steinbrenner, contributed to the team’s success.

As the season progressed, the 1993 New York Yankees remained competitive, challenging the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East. Notable performances from players like Bernie Williams, Mike Stanley, and Don Mattingly fueled the team’s momentum. August proved to be a crucial month, with the Yankees overcoming challenges and staying in contention.

The defining moment of the season occurred on September 4th when Jim Abbott threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. Despite the team’s bittersweet September and missing the playoffs, Abbott’s historic achievement symbolized a turning point for the 1993 New York Yankees.

The 1993 season laid the foundation for the Yankees’ future success. It marked the end of a prolonged period of struggle, with the team posting its first winning record since 1988. The additions to the roster, coupled with the emergence of young talents like Bernie Williams, set the stage for a dynasty in the late 1990s.

The subsequent years validated the promise of 1993. The team continued to build on its success, with the 1994 season showcasing its potential before a strike cut it short. In 1995, they returned to the postseason, and under new manager Joe Torre in 1996, the Yankees secured the first of four World Series titles in five years.

While the 1993 New York Yankees might not be the subject of movies or extensive literature, its significance lies in being the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround in the Yankees’ fortunes. For fans, it represented a beacon of hope after enduring the franchise’s darkest period in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The stage was set, and the Yankees were on the path to greatness.

How do you rate the 1993 New York Yankees?