Part 2/7:
Imagine the executives gathered around the table, a bottle of Jack, red wine, or maybe a cold white on hand. The harsh reality of the situation sank in as they weighed their options. The Yankees were not just losing a player; they were at risk of losing their standing as a cornerstone of baseball. Their identity hinged on being the team that fans across continents identified with, proudly displayed by caps over capes in cities as far-flung as New Zealand and Europe.
With Steve Cohen’s aggressive management of the Mets, the landscape was changing. The Yankees were feeling the pressure; New York was becoming a two-team race, and fan turmoil was palpable. Executives commenced their deliberation with some utmost urgency, pondering their next steps.