I listened and participated in quite a bit of Yankee chat this year. It wasn't something I planned, but I was fascinated by the difference in expectations. Many Yankee fans couldn't care less about the winning season streak, it seems, being thoroughly embarrassed by the team's finish. Comments from both content creators and fans consistently bring up the higher expectations that are ineluctably tied to the city itself and the legacy of George Steinbrenner (demand excellence). They scoff at simply being competitive as a trait of losing and middling franchises. The World-Series-or-bust mentality, to my mind, diminishes the simple enjoyment of the season and individual player excellence. This year, Cole's performance is a good example. It's acknowledged but not truly enjoyed like Sandy Alcántara's Cy Young season last year was among Marlins' fans.
I listened and participated in quite a bit of Yankee chat this year. It wasn't something I planned, but I was fascinated by the difference in expectations. Many Yankee fans couldn't care less about the winning season streak, it seems, being thoroughly embarrassed by the team's finish. Comments from both content creators and fans consistently bring up the higher expectations that are ineluctably tied to the city itself and the legacy of George Steinbrenner (demand excellence). They scoff at simply being competitive as a trait of losing and middling franchises. The World-Series-or-bust mentality, to my mind, diminishes the simple enjoyment of the season and individual player excellence. This year, Cole's performance is a good example. It's acknowledged but not truly enjoyed like Sandy Alcántara's Cy Young season last year was among Marlins' fans.