NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 13: Manager Joe Girardi of the New York Yankees talks to former player Paul O'Neill during batting practice before playing against the Cleveland Indians on June 13, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Indians defeated the Yankees 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
When 29-year-old outfielder Paul O’Neill was acquired by the Yankees in an offseason trade with the Cincinnati Reds in 1992, there were no hints of a dynasty materializing in New York. What later became known as the “Core Four” was just in its infant stages, and the franchise’s goal of winning a world championship–or even a division title–lacked practicality.