The New York Yankees celebrated a significant milestone this week as players and staff received their 2024 American League Championship rings ahead of their high-profile series against the Dodgers. While the moment was intended to honor their deep playoff run, Giancarlo Stanton ensured it didn’t distract from the bigger picture.
Stanton, a veteran presence in the Yankees clubhouse, addressed his teammates with a firm and focused message. “This isn’t the one we wanted,” he said, reminding everyone that the true goal is not just an AL pennant but the World Series title.
Empire State of Mind 🗽
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2024
The @Yankees are crowned AL East champions for the third time in six years #CLINCHED pic.twitter.com/LFVaYbSWgj
“I’d better not see any of you guys wearing these around,” the veteran added.
Notably, the Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series.
No Traditional Opening Day Flag-Raising For Yankees
The 2024 AL rings had diamonds, rubies, and sapphires enveloping the Yankees’ iconic top hat logo. Made of 14-karat white gold, they bore the inscription “American League Champions 2024” in bold block letters.
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However, the Yankees didn’t hold any field ceremony. They even skipped the traditional Opening Day flag-raising for the team’s 41st pennant due to the heartbreaking World Series loss.
Stanton was one of the standout performers in last year’s postseason run. He earned ALCS MVP honors after delivering four home runs and seven RBIs in the series against Cleveland. His impact continued in the World Series, where he added two more homers. But it wasn’t enough to secure the championship.
As they begin their new campaign against the team that denied them a title, the Yankees would surely look to use last year’s near-miss and those silver rings as fuel.
