The American League Championship Series matchup between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians showcases the best baseball rivalry that no one knows exists.
Forget that both squads have faced off in the postseason six times since the playoff era began. New York and Cleveland’s history goes back even farther.
It started in 1926, when Cleveland finished second to the Yankees after rallying to within two games of first in the season’s final days. Then, from 1951-53, Cleveland finished second behind New York while the Yankees unleashed a five-year championship dynasty on baseball. Cue winning 111 games and the pennant in ’54, only to be swept by another New York team: Willie Mays and the Giants.