Up until around seventh grade, my two favorite sports were soccer and baseball. However, after realizing my true passion in sports was soccer and the fact that I was simply not very good at baseball, I went on a long hiatus in my following of America's pastime.
Even over the years when I did not follow baseball as much as other sports, I still kept my allegiance to the New York Yankees and attended games every season. But baseball just wasn't for me anymore.
Yet, over the last two seasons, the new-look Yankees team has sparked my interest in baseball again and I could not be happier about it. There's something about the youth and energy of this squad that makes baseball fun and exciting.
Taking a look at the players on the team, it is easy to see why the new personalities in the clubhouse are making splashes all around the league and in the media. The clear-cut face of the Yankees, Aaron Judge, went on an absolute tear last season en route to the Yankees being one game away from winning the American League pennant. This season, Judge has taken over an even larger role within the team, and possibly setting him up for a future captaincy with the Yankees which would be a massive honor.
This season, the addition of Giancarlo Stanton, the reigning MVP, has bolstered an already stacked lineup that includes players such as Gary Sanchez, one of the best catchers in the MLB. Although it is early in the season, one of the breakout stars is rookie Gleyber Torres. Being one of the most touted prospects in all of baseball, Torres took some time to be given a chance but has opened his Yankees career in spectacular fashion this season. Time will only tell if Torres will continue this run of form, but all signs indicate he will be an all-star for years to come.
My favorite player on the team, and one who embodies the new personality of the Yankees is Didi Gregorius. Sir Didi proved to be one of the Yankees breakout stars last season and is continuing his good play into this season as well. Personally, I love seeing Didi tweet after every win and interact with fans on a daily basis. There's something genuine about Didi and seeing him succeed is great for the Yankees and baseball in general.
Sure, you can call me a fake fan for not following the Yankees while they struggled in the years following the 2009 World Series. But I can confidently say I never stopped supporting the Yankees and in the years to come I see myself maintaining my rekindled love for baseball.
