The Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees, two of the American League’s oldest franchises, share a history that stretches back more than a century. Cleveland, a founding member of the league in 1901, and the Yankees, who joined in 1903, have been rivals for over 120 years, with their paths crossing in several memorable postseason battles.
The two teams have faced each other in the playoffs six times: in 1997, 1998, 2007, 2017, 2020, and 2022. New York holds a narrow advantage in these encounters, with 15 wins compared to Cleveland’s 12. Before the Wild Card era began in 1994, both teams were part of the American League East, preventing any postseason meetings during that time.
With this year’s American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Yankees-Guardians rivalry now ranks as the second-most frequent playoff matchup in Major League Baseball history, behind only the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry, which boasts 11 postseason meetings.
This recurring playoff showdown between New York and Cleveland highlights the sustained success and competitive nature of both franchises. Each series has added to their rich rivalry, producing intense games and unforgettable moments. As they prepare to meet again, both teams are aware of the weight of their shared past, looking to add another chapter to their postseason history.
The consistent postseason appearances by both clubs over the years reflect the strength and resilience of their organizations. Fans can expect another hard-fought, thrilling contest as these two teams battle once more, in what has become one of baseball’s most enduring playoff matchups.
1997 ALDS, Guardians beat Yankees 3-2
The 1997 American League Division Series between the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians) and the New York Yankees was a defining chapter for both teams. Cleveland, still seeking its first championship since 1948, was determined to rebound after a disappointing 1996 postseason exit, despite having a 99-win season. With hopes of ending their city’s long title drought, Cleveland entered the playoffs eager to avenge their loss to the Baltimore Orioles from the year prior.
The challenge awaiting Cleveland was immense. They faced the defending World Series champion Yankees, who were in the midst of a dominant stretch that would soon include four titles in five years. But 1997 would be a brief interruption to that reign.
Sandy Alomar Jr., Cleveland’s star catcher, was instrumental in the series. Fresh off his All-Star Game MVP performance earlier that summer in Cleveland, Alomar posted a .316 batting average with two home runs. His defining moment came in Game 4, when he launched a game-tying home run off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera in the eighth inning, a pivotal hit that helped force a decisive Game 5.
Cleveland’s pitching staff, a mix of youthful promise and veteran leadership, delivered under pressure. Rookie Jaret Wright, just 21 years old, played a key role alongside veteran Orel Hershiser. Wright’s performance in Game 5, where he pitched 5 1/3 solid innings, set the stage for Cleveland’s 4-3 win. Manny Ramirez’s two-run double and Matt Williams’ RBI single in the third inning provided the offense Cleveland needed to clinch the series.
The Yankees, though defeated, had standout performances from Derek Jeter and Paul O’Neill. Jeter hit .333 with two home runs, while O’Neill posted a .421 average with two homers and two doubles. Pitcher David Wells was a bright spot, tossing a complete game in Game 3, allowing just one run on five hits in a 6-1 Yankees win.
While Cleveland advanced to the World Series, their journey ended in heartbreaking fashion, losing Game 7 to the Florida Marlins on a walk-off single by Edgar Renteria. For the Yankees, the loss proved a brief stumble, as they resumed their dominance in the years that followed. The 1997 ALDS remains a pivotal moment in the postseason rivalry between the two franchises, setting the stage for future October battles.
1998 ALCS, Yankees win 4-2
In the 1998 American League Championship Series, the New York Yankees avenged their prior year’s loss to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), winning the series in six games and paving their way to a World Series title.
Scott Brosius, the Yankees’ third baseman, was instrumental in the team’s victory. He hit .300 in the ALCS, adding a double, a home run, and driving in six runs, leading the team in RBIs. Brosius’ standout performance was a precursor to his eventual World Series MVP honors, as he proved to be a clutch presence in the postseason.
On the mound, David Wells was the Yankees’ ace, earning the ALCS MVP title for his dominant outings. Wells started two games in the series, posting a 2.87 ERA while striking out 18 batters and issuing just two walks over 15 2/3 innings of work. His reliability and composure in key moments gave New York the upper hand.
Despite falling short, Cleveland’s offense remained potent throughout the series. Jim Thome, who later entered the Hall of Fame, put on a power display, hitting four home runs and driving in eight runs. Manny Ramirez also provided a spark, batting .333 with two home runs, showcasing the firepower Cleveland possessed at the plate.
One of Cleveland’s highlights came from their pitching staff, as Bartolo Colon pitched a complete game in Game 3, leading his team to a 6-1 victory. Colon’s dominant performance kept Cleveland in the series, but it wasn’t enough to overcome New York’s depth and consistency.
This ALCS further solidified the growing postseason rivalry between the Yankees and Cleveland, with New York’s triumph contributing to their late 1990s dynasty. For Cleveland, it marked another frustrating step in their pursuit of a long-sought World Series title.
2007 ALDS, Cleveland goes ahead 3-1
The 2007 American League Division Series between the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) and the New York Yankees is best remembered for the infamous “bug game” in Game 2. A swarm of midges descended upon Progressive Field in Cleveland, creating chaos and notably affecting Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain. The insects distracted Chamberlain, leading to a wild pitch that allowed the tying run to score in the eighth inning.
The series took a dramatic turn during that same game, which remained tied at 1-1 through regulation. In the 11th inning, Cleveland’s Travis Hafner delivered a walk-off single, securing a 2-0 series lead for the Indians. While the Yankees responded with an 8-4 win in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, Cleveland closed out the series in Game 4 with a 6-4 victory, advancing to the American League Championship Series.
Cleveland’s offense was dominant throughout the series. Grady Sizemore batted .375 with a home run and a triple, while Jhonny Peralta shined with a .467 average and three doubles. Victor Martinez contributed by hitting .353 with a double and a home run, and veteran Kenny Lofton chipped in, batting .375 with four RBIs.
The Yankees saw strong individual performances as well, particularly from Robinson Cano, who hit .333 with two home runs and a double, and Johnny Damon, who also added two homers. Andy Pettitte delivered a standout pitching performance in Game 2, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings. However, the Yankees’ bullpen, hampered by the “bug game” and other struggles, could not match Cleveland’s overall consistency.
For Cleveland, the series victory over the Yankees was a significant postseason milestone, highlighting their resilience against a powerhouse team. The bizarre “bug game” has since become a memorable part of baseball folklore, showcasing how unpredictable elements can impact high-stakes playoff matchups.
2017 ALDS, Yankees steal series 3-2
The 2017 American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and Cleveland was defined by high-stakes bullpen duels, with the Yankees’ relief corps emerging as the difference-makers in a tightly contested five-game series. Cleveland initially looked set to advance, jumping to a 2-0 lead behind their dominant bullpen trio of Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, and Bryan Shaw.
In the opener, Cleveland shut out the Yankees 4-0. Game 2 saw the Yankees jump on Cleveland ace Corey Kluber, tagging him for six runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Despite the offensive surge, Cleveland’s bullpen stabilized the game, allowing their team to claw back from a five-run deficit and win 9-8 in extra innings.
Down 2-0, the Yankees responded with a dramatic comeback, winning three straight games to take the series. Masahiro Tanaka’s brilliant seven scoreless innings in Game 3 kept New York’s hopes alive, while Greg Bird’s solo shot off Andrew Miller in the seventh secured a 1-0 win.
In Game 4, defensive struggles plagued Cleveland. Four errors led to six unearned runs for New York, giving the Yankees a 6-0 lead that they never relinquished, forcing a decisive Game 5 back in Cleveland.
The Yankees sealed the series in Game 5 with a 5-2 victory, thanks to clutch relief pitching from David Robertson and Aroldis Chapman. The duo combined for 4 2/3 hitless innings to close out the game and send New York to the ALCS.
This series showcased the critical role of bullpen depth in postseason success, with the Yankees’ relievers outlasting Cleveland’s in pivotal moments. It also underscored the Yankees’ resilience, as they rebounded from a 2-0 deficit to win three straight and advance.
Yankees beat Guardians for 2020 AL Wild Card
The 2020 American League Wild Card Series introduced a new playoff format, bringing the New York Yankees and Cleveland together for a best-of-three showdown. The Yankees’ offensive firepower proved overwhelming, as they swept the series on the road, racking up 22 runs over two games.
In Game 1, the Yankees flexed their muscle at the plate, blasting four home runs courtesy of Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, Brett Gardner, and Giancarlo Stanton. Gerrit Cole delivered a dominant pitching performance, striking out 13 batters over seven innings without issuing a walk. His command, paired with the Yankees’ relentless offense, propelled New York to a resounding 12-3 win.
Game 2 was a much tighter contest, with Cleveland jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. However, the Yankees’ bats wouldn’t be silenced. They responded with three home runs, including a grand slam by Gio Urshela, keeping them in the game. The Yankees’ resilience shone in the ninth inning when Gary Sánchez tied the game with a sacrifice fly, and DJ LeMahieu followed with a clutch go-ahead single. Aroldis Chapman sealed the 10-9 win, striking out three batters in the bottom of the ninth to clinch the series.
The series underscored the Yankees’ explosive offense and ability to rally from behind, while also highlighting standout pitching performances when needed. With the sweep, New York moved on in the postseason, continuing their dramatic rivalry with Cleveland.
2022 ALDS, Yankees triumph 3-2
The 2022 American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians was a tightly fought contest, stretching to five games. In the opener, Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole set the tone with a strong outing, allowing just one run over 6 1/3 innings. Home runs by Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo powered New York to a 4-1 win.
Cleveland struck back in Game 2 with a 4-2 victory in extra innings. José Ramírez sparked the 10th-inning rally with a double, followed by key hits from Oscar Gonzalez and Josh Naylor. Emmanuel Clase was instrumental, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings to close out the win.
The momentum shifted dramatically in Game 3, as Cleveland staged a thrilling ninth-inning comeback. Down by two runs, the Guardians scored three times, capped by Gonzalez’s walk-off, two-run single, giving them a 2-1 series lead.
Facing elimination, the Yankees responded in Game 4 with a 4-2 win in Cleveland. Bader continued his hot streak, hitting his third home run of the series, and Cole delivered another strong performance with seven solid innings on the mound.
In the decisive Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, New York clinched the series with timely homers from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Nestor Cortes pitched five effective innings, and the Yankees’ bullpen combined for three scoreless innings to secure the 5-1 win.
This series highlighted the grit of both teams, with clutch hitting, dramatic turnarounds, and strong pitching performances throughout. The Yankees’ resilience, especially after a Game 3 heartbreak, proved pivotal in their advancement to the ALCS.
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