New York Yankees: Why Alex Rodriguez and the Yanks Dominate Interleague Play

Interleague play has become a staple during the Major League Baseball season.

For the New York Yankees, interleague play is a testament to their dominance on the field.  According to MLB.com, since interleague play’s inception in 1997, the Yankees record of 151-106 is the best in baseball.

The Yankees roster has chalked up huge numbers during interleague play. Among the standouts are Alex Rodriguez, who leads with the all-time interleague record of 181 RBI and is tied for third overall with 48 home runs, and closer Mariano Rivera, whose 66 interleague saves are tops in the MLB.

Battling against the NL Central’s Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, Rodriguez was 9-24 with a .375 batting average. 

Likewise, Rivera earned three more saves in three innings of play, pitching one game against the Cubs and two against the Reds.

In their recent interleague series against the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs, the Yankees have proven that they are a team of contenders. Leading the Yankees in both series were second baseman Robinson Cano, who posted a bolstering .490 batting average, and CC Sabathia, who in two starts garnered a 3.00 ERA.

Though interleague play has led to an 11.8 percent increase in attendance, it still has left a bad taste in the mouths of many, including White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn.

When asked about interleague play, Dunn told the Chicago Tribune that "[t]he interleague thing is just awful" and “[i]t just ruins everything.”

Criticism aside, interleague play continues to be part of baseball and the Yankees are up for the challenge.