1936 New York Yankees
Record: 102-51
Manager: Joe McCarthy
For the New York Yankees, 1936 was a year of change. After losing the two previous pennants to the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees found new life in 1936 and they found a star outfielder for the future.
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The Yankees were looking for a pennant, their first since 1932. For New York, this was a crucial period in team history. Prior to 1935, the Yankees had released the legendary Babe Ruth. Ruth played briefly for the Boston Braves in 1935 and retired from baseball.
For the Yankees, winning a series without Ruth in the lineup would be a good way to start their future and keep their legacy alive. That's what they did in 1936 with the offense led by Gehrig and DiMaggio. In his first season in the Major Leagues, DiMaggio hit 29 home runs and drove in 129 runs. His batting average was third on the team, trailing only Gehrig and Dickey.
Gehrig responded with an MVP season. He hit 49 home runs and drove in 152 runs and put up a .354 batting average. Dickey, the catcher, hit 22 home runs and drove in 107 and led the team with a .362 batting average.
Pitching was also a strong point for this Yankees' championship team. Six pitchers finished the regular season with double-digit wins. The records include: Ruffing (20-12, 3.85 earned run average); Pearson (19-7, 3.71); Hadley (14-4, 4.34); Gomez (13-7, 4.38); Malone (12-4, 3.80); and Broaca (12-7, 4.24).
For the Yankees, this team was the start of a World Series streak. New York would win all World Series from 1936-1939.