It isn’t difficult to draw parallels between the 2017 Yankees and their world championship club from 1996. Both teams were assembled with a shrewd, careful blend of established veterans and blossoming youngsters, and whether or not the franchise wins its 28th title this October, there’s a sense of a dynasty looming — reminiscent of what the fans’ mindset was during the mid-90s.
But perhaps it’s more precise to compare this season’s squad to one that was more so on the brink of success, according to former Yankee catcher Jim Leyritz.
“I would put this team around 1994-95 before I would put them at ’96,” Leyritz told Bronx Pinstripes in a phone interview on Friday.