The late sixties and early seventies were a miserable time to be a Yankees fan. The once-great franchise floundered in mediocrity under CBS ownership, beginning an 11-year playoff-less stretch. In stepped George Steinbrenner, whose purchase of the team would usher in a period of drama and controversy, but also a return to their status as the Evil Empire of MLB.
The resurgence was not immediate, requiring a few years and several key additions to the team. The Yankees added Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson to a roster centered around team talisman Thurman Munson, as well as bringing back former player Billy Martin to man the helm.