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Maybe This Eclipse Will Be a Good Thing for the Yankees

By Alex Mazer

HIAWATHA, KS - AUGUST 21: The sun is seen in full eclipse over a park on August 21, 2017 in Hiawatha, Kansas. Millions of people have flocked to areas of the U.S. that are in the 'path of totality' in order to experience a total solar eclipse. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
HIAWATHA, KS - AUGUST 21: The sun is seen in full eclipse over a park on August 21, 2017 in Hiawatha, Kansas. Millions of people have flocked to areas of the U.S. that are in the 'path of totality' in order to experience a total solar eclipse. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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With early season cornerstones like Aaron Judge and Aroldis Chapman struggling, New York Yankees fans have been searching for any excuse to be optimistic. Well, I found one: yesterday’s eclipse.

The heavily awaited and heavily televised eclipse that came yesterday was the first of its kind in 26 years. While I admit that it was somewhat underwhelming, maybe it carries a greater significance than just an astronomical phenomenon.

Since the MLB adjusted their schedule to 162 games in 1961, we have had four total eclipses like the one we had yesterday.

In those seasons, here is how the New York Yankees fared before it.

Date of Eclipse (Before)WinsLossesPCT
July 11, 19912528
July 22, 19903457
July 10, 19722028
July 20, 19633723
116136 0.460317

Then following those “society-altering” moments, observe the difference:

Date of Eclipse (After)WinsLossesPCT
July 11, 19914663
July 22, 19903338
July 10, 19724439
July 20, 19636734
1901740.521978

This may seem meaningless, but that noticeable improvement in performance is the difference between a winning record and a losing one.

A bit of a stretch? Of course. But we Yankee fans have reached a point of desperation, praying for any glimpse of consistency with our team.

Next: Despite Chapman’s Woes, Yanks Can Still Make Playoff Run

Instead of waiting for the stars to align, we’ll take the moon and sun aligning and hope that turns the New York Yankees around as we head towards the playoffs.

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