Is There Such A Thing As A "True Yankee"?

We always hear the term, "True Yankee". Does such a thing even exist? If yes, how does one become one? Do you need to win a championship? Must you play your entire career in pinstripes? Must you play most of your career in pinstripes? Do you need to exhibit class and grace? Do you need to perform well under pressure?

I think it's a very subjective thing. There's really no right or wrong answer. For me, it's purely a gut thing, but there are certain players that I do place in the "True Yankee" category.

Here's my "True Yankee" list from the past 35 years (I limited the listing to only players that I have watched in my lifetime). Did I miss anyone? Did I include anyone that's undeserving? I'd love to hear your thoughts.


Ron Bloomberg, Scott Brosius, Chris Chambliss, Horace Clarke, David Cone, Bucky Dent, Joe Girardi, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter, El Duque, Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter, Jimmy Key, Chuck Knoblaugh, Jim Leyritz, Sparky Lyle, Tino Martinez, Hideki Matsui, Don Mattingly, Ramiro Mendoza, Gene Michael, Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, Graig Nettles, Paul O'Neill, Andy Pettitte, Lou Piniella, Jorge Posada, Willie Randolph, Dave Righetti, Mariano Rivera, Mickey Rivers, Luis Sojo, Mike Stanley, Mike Stanton, Mel Stottlemyre, Randy Velarde, Chien-Ming Wang, Bernie Williams, Roy White, David Wells, John Wetteland.