Big Phil
Registered User
- Nov 2, 2003
- 31,703
- 4,148
Simple question, more complicated and hard answer I would presume. Why 1995? Because this was the first time in 14 years the Yankees made the playoffs and after 1995 they had a dynasty, the last one in baseball, but it was a great one with great teams. Since that dynasty another championship and other close calls and they have always been contenders. The Canadiens, not at all. 1995 they trade Roy and the mystique of the Canadiens is forever gone. Since then, mostly mediocrity.
But what about up until 1995?
Things to factor in are championships at this point. 24 for Montreal, 21 for Yankees. Not to mention players, Hall of Famers, reverence from the rest of the league, dynasties (both teams have multiple dynasties), dominance of individual teams, etc.
Both franchises have what most consider the best single season team of all-time. Montreal in 1977 and New York in 1927. I consider Ruth the best player of all-time so the Yankees have that, while Montreal doesn't. Both teams have at least three guys in the top 10 of all-time though. The Yankees have a bit more of a lull than the Habs did. After 1964 it was no man's land for a decade and even in parts of the 1980s they were sometimes a reckless team. Montreal had scarce Cups after 1979 but even so were better in the 1980s than the Yankees.
The Yankees would have the better dynasty though. The DiMaggio years starting in 1936 were probably a better run than the 1950s Habs and arguably the 1970s Habs.
But it's close, so call it!
But what about up until 1995?
Things to factor in are championships at this point. 24 for Montreal, 21 for Yankees. Not to mention players, Hall of Famers, reverence from the rest of the league, dynasties (both teams have multiple dynasties), dominance of individual teams, etc.
Both franchises have what most consider the best single season team of all-time. Montreal in 1977 and New York in 1927. I consider Ruth the best player of all-time so the Yankees have that, while Montreal doesn't. Both teams have at least three guys in the top 10 of all-time though. The Yankees have a bit more of a lull than the Habs did. After 1964 it was no man's land for a decade and even in parts of the 1980s they were sometimes a reckless team. Montreal had scarce Cups after 1979 but even so were better in the 1980s than the Yankees.
The Yankees would have the better dynasty though. The DiMaggio years starting in 1936 were probably a better run than the 1950s Habs and arguably the 1970s Habs.
But it's close, so call it!