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The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty: The Game, the Team, and the Cost of Greatness
For an extraordinary handful of years around the turn of the millennium, the Yankees were baseball's unstoppable force. With four World Series championships in five seasons and a deep bench of legends and comers -- Clemens, Rivera, Williams, Soriano, Jeter, O'Neill -- they dominated the major leagues.
For the members of the team, though, baseball Yankees-style was a pressure cooker of anxiety, expectation, and infighting. As the spending and emotion spiraled, careers were made and broken, friendships began and ended, and a sports dynasty rose and fell.
In The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty, Buster Olney tracks the Yankees through these tumultuous seasons and into the scandals and disappointments of 2004, providing insightful portraits of the stars, the foot soldiers, the coaches, the manager, and the Boss himself. With unparalleled knowledge of the game and an insider's familiarity with the team, Olney also advances a compelling argument that the philosophy that made the Yankees great was inherently unsustainable, ultimately harmful to the sport, and led inevitably to that warm autumn night in Arizona -- the last night of the Yankee dynasty.
For the members of the team, though, baseball Yankees-style was a pressure cooker of anxiety, expectation, and infighting. As the spending and emotion spiraled, careers were made and broken, friendships began and ended, and a sports dynasty rose and fell.
In The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty, Buster Olney tracks the Yankees through these tumultuous seasons and into the scandals and disappointments of 2004, providing insightful portraits of the stars, the foot soldiers, the coaches, the manager, and the Boss himself. With unparalleled knowledge of the game and an insider's familiarity with the team, Olney also advances a compelling argument that the philosophy that made the Yankees great was inherently unsustainable, ultimately harmful to the sport, and led inevitably to that warm autumn night in Arizona -- the last night of the Yankee dynasty.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 25, 2023
Before Buster Olney became an acclaimed journalist at ESPN, he covered the Yankees for the New York Times. This is his account of the rise and fall of their dynastic years. Full review to follow.
March 25, 2015
As I Yankee fan from 1947 to today, of course I enjoyed the read. The structure of the book, stretching a detailed description the last game of the 2001 World Series from the beginning to the end, was well-conceived and well-executed.
The Boss (George Steinbrenner) comes off as a heavy, which he was, but I never forgot how much he wanted to win and how willing he was to pend his money to achieve that.
The Boss (George Steinbrenner) comes off as a heavy, which he was, but I never forgot how much he wanted to win and how willing he was to pend his money to achieve that.
March 27, 2016
Overall, I thought the book was pretty good. For any fans of baseball, unless you are an anti-Yankees maniac, you should enjoy reading this book. However, do not be fooled by the idea you have that the book incorporates all of the Yankees history from Babe Ruth and Yogi Berra to Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. Instead, the book really only talks about the Yankees' multiple trips to the World Series from 1996 to the World Series game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001, and a mini-biography for each player and significant member of the New York Yankees' front office, particularly its menacing, but successful, owner, George Steinbrenner.
However, I did not like the order in which the book was written. At times, I had a hard time keeping track of everything that was going on. Each chapter would go something like this, a member of the club was identified you were given their personality and the baseball impact they had for the club, but would often jump around to the player's later years, then its earlier years or vice versa without much warning. After everything about the player was mentioned, Buster Olney, the author, would jump to the 'Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty', the World Series game in 2001 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (I actually mentioned this strategy while writing an update earlier for this book.) To be honest, I was actually fond of the way Olney ended each chapter with events in chronological order of that World Series game, which usuallly involved the player the rest of the chapter had talked about.
To conclude, I would have have to compliment Buster Olney on his baseball knowledge more than his writing abilities. Also, do not let your hatred of the Yankees keep you from reading this book, believe me, I am a Red Sox fan.
However, I did not like the order in which the book was written. At times, I had a hard time keeping track of everything that was going on. Each chapter would go something like this, a member of the club was identified you were given their personality and the baseball impact they had for the club, but would often jump around to the player's later years, then its earlier years or vice versa without much warning. After everything about the player was mentioned, Buster Olney, the author, would jump to the 'Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty', the World Series game in 2001 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (I actually mentioned this strategy while writing an update earlier for this book.) To be honest, I was actually fond of the way Olney ended each chapter with events in chronological order of that World Series game, which usuallly involved the player the rest of the chapter had talked about.
To conclude, I would have have to compliment Buster Olney on his baseball knowledge more than his writing abilities. Also, do not let your hatred of the Yankees keep you from reading this book, believe me, I am a Red Sox fan.
August 3, 2018
Although I am a die-hard Red Sox fan this book was excellent for understanding to a point the Yankee organization. If you like sports especially baseball this is definitely worth checking out.
March 23, 2025
Slower burn, took a little time to get into it and Olney’s style of writing / presenting the story. Overall enjoyed it, lot of cool insider history. Go yanks
August 14, 2008
I hated this team when they were good but I really just have to respect them now. I'm not a Yankees fan but I love baseball and in my newly named tradition of reading a baseball book when baseball season starts this was the first one for no particular reason. It revolves around game 7 of the 2001 World Series against the Diamondbacks and mixes in nearly a chapter each on players, coaches and ownership.
Olney was the New York Times reporter covering the team when they won all those championships in the 90's and he really goes all out on the descriptions. Very detailed and insightful on the make up of the team and what made them so good together. So much of it had nothing to do with baseball skills.
A little slow sometimes but a very interesting read if you remember that team and how dominating they were in the 90's.
As soon as I finished it I found out Olney had just written a 50 page addendum to wrap up the Steinbrenner years. Of course.
Olney was the New York Times reporter covering the team when they won all those championships in the 90's and he really goes all out on the descriptions. Very detailed and insightful on the make up of the team and what made them so good together. So much of it had nothing to do with baseball skills.
A little slow sometimes but a very interesting read if you remember that team and how dominating they were in the 90's.
As soon as I finished it I found out Olney had just written a 50 page addendum to wrap up the Steinbrenner years. Of course.
May 27, 2012
The only really unfortunate thing about this book is the title, which Olney acknowledges as a mistake in the introduction. It's an account of how the Yankees dynasty of 96-01 was built, the relevant players and people, and although Olney doesn't shy away from the problems, it is a very positive account. He frames the book in the introduction (added in a newer edition) and epilogue with the root of the Yankees' problem and why it couldn't sustain success: George Steinbrenner.
I think most baseball fans will enjoy the story, but those that overly hate the Yankees will likely find it hard to read. Which would be too bad, because it's pretty great.
I think most baseball fans will enjoy the story, but those that overly hate the Yankees will likely find it hard to read. Which would be too bad, because it's pretty great.
July 30, 2025
In the six year period from 1996 to 2001, the New York Yankees played in the World Series 5 times, winning 4 of them in 1996 and in 1998-2000. This book by ESPN baseball expert Buster Olney examines the only one they lost in that time frame and specifically game 7 in which they lost when Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Arizona Diamondbacks their first, and so far only, championship.
The book digs deeply into the Yankee organization, from owner George Steinbrenner and his micromanagement of the club to players who were important to the success of the team. This included the superstars like Derek Jeter, other key players like Tino Martinez and David Cone (even though Cone was not on the team in 2001) and Chad Curtis. Even if a reader has read other books or material on the Yankees during that time frame, this is still a very interesting look at the team and one might find new information on those Yankee teams.
This type of information is inserted between chapters that describe an inning of game 7 on the 2001 World Series. If there is anything that makes the book less than enjoyable for a reader, it could be this back and forth between game 7 and the sections on the Yankee organization. I thought that structuring the book in this manner worked well, especially when the chapter on game 7 ended with a Yankee player making a hit or out and the next chapter would lead with something about that player.
It’s a different look at that time frame of the storied Yankee history. It also isn’t too critical of the team but doesn’t sugar coat the problems that were building up beneath all the winning. It’s a fair and balanced book that baseball readers should enjoy.
The book digs deeply into the Yankee organization, from owner George Steinbrenner and his micromanagement of the club to players who were important to the success of the team. This included the superstars like Derek Jeter, other key players like Tino Martinez and David Cone (even though Cone was not on the team in 2001) and Chad Curtis. Even if a reader has read other books or material on the Yankees during that time frame, this is still a very interesting look at the team and one might find new information on those Yankee teams.
This type of information is inserted between chapters that describe an inning of game 7 on the 2001 World Series. If there is anything that makes the book less than enjoyable for a reader, it could be this back and forth between game 7 and the sections on the Yankee organization. I thought that structuring the book in this manner worked well, especially when the chapter on game 7 ended with a Yankee player making a hit or out and the next chapter would lead with something about that player.
It’s a different look at that time frame of the storied Yankee history. It also isn’t too critical of the team but doesn’t sugar coat the problems that were building up beneath all the winning. It’s a fair and balanced book that baseball readers should enjoy.
August 12, 2023
With the Mets’ season in the toilet, I wanted to immerse myself in baseball stories from yesteryear. Even though I’m a Mets fan, the Yankee dynasty from the late 90s always captivated me, and I kept tabs on both teams during that time. The 2001 World Series and postseason were magical and much needed after September 11, and my memories of that time are very vivid. Even still, it was interesting to read about game seven and a Yankee team that I had a lot of respect (and envy) for. Buster Olney did a great job dissecting that glorious era for the Yankees.
March 5, 2025
good book
I love baseball and this book provides a good insiders view of what the Yanks did so well to keep winning. it was also sad to see how the organization mangled their own success.
I love baseball and this book provides a good insiders view of what the Yanks did so well to keep winning. it was also sad to see how the organization mangled their own success.
July 5, 2019
Lyrical. One of the best baseball books I’ve ever read. Certainly the definitive book on the dynastic Yankee teams of the 1990’s.
March 10, 2023
Really takes you into the lives and locker room of the New York Yankees of the Jeter-Rivera-O'Neil era. Very absorbing very enlightening writing.
August 27, 2012
This is a first-rate sports book. If I wanted to introduce a bookish friend to MLB and/or the Yankees, this would be a great selection. Thankfully this is not a player memoir, memoirs are so often full of personal anecdotes and tedious evaluations of a player's vices and virtues that they often reveal very little about baseball itself.
Olney's analysis of the Yankee organization is an exceptional look into all aspects of Yankee baseball. He goes back to 1996 when the Yankees became World Series regulars and follows their ups and downs through game 7 of the 2001 World Series against Arizona. It becomes very clear how Yankee baseball success has turned as much on player personalities and management attitudes as player talent.
Highly recommended by a Red Sox fan. "The Yankee Years" by Joe Torre (a mediocre book, at best) makes much more sense after reading Olney's book.
Olney's analysis of the Yankee organization is an exceptional look into all aspects of Yankee baseball. He goes back to 1996 when the Yankees became World Series regulars and follows their ups and downs through game 7 of the 2001 World Series against Arizona. It becomes very clear how Yankee baseball success has turned as much on player personalities and management attitudes as player talent.
Highly recommended by a Red Sox fan. "The Yankee Years" by Joe Torre (a mediocre book, at best) makes much more sense after reading Olney's book.
October 7, 2019
Excellent insight into one of the last baseball dynasties in the game. This book provides a great outlook on the pressures of performing to win at all cost, that all great players and coaches are end of the day normal humans liable to every human emotion.
As a baseball and Yankee fan, I was able to understand the differences in the dynasty team of 1996-2001 and the Yankee teams that followed after that.
Also gives a bit of insight into the way Steinbrenner ran the club and how he changed towards the later years in the mid to late 2000's.
A small peeve I may have is that the author should have dedicated few more pages to perspective of the dynasty team's core players such as Jeter and Rivera and how they felt the change in the team dynamics having played in different eras.
I would recommend this book to any baseball or Yankee fan.
As a baseball and Yankee fan, I was able to understand the differences in the dynasty team of 1996-2001 and the Yankee teams that followed after that.
Also gives a bit of insight into the way Steinbrenner ran the club and how he changed towards the later years in the mid to late 2000's.
A small peeve I may have is that the author should have dedicated few more pages to perspective of the dynasty team's core players such as Jeter and Rivera and how they felt the change in the team dynamics having played in different eras.
I would recommend this book to any baseball or Yankee fan.
June 3, 2022
A look inside one of the world’s biggest teams. Between 1996 and 2001, the Yankees were the best in baseball, including a three-peat of championships. However, the cost of success was a high-intensity, ‘must-win-now’ culture radiating from the front office to the fans on the terraces.
What struck me was how little joy for the game and, on the contrary, how much tension players, coaches and management had. An aging list and fatiguing veterans still managed to take the 2001 World Series all the way to the bottom of the ninth, in game 7.
On the verge of a four-peat, a pop-up, that could just as easily have fallen into the glove of Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, floated 10 feet over his head, scoring Arizona’s runner at third — to end a dynasty.
Buster Olney gives an insightful account on the end of great run, amid high expectations, anxiety and infighting.
What struck me was how little joy for the game and, on the contrary, how much tension players, coaches and management had. An aging list and fatiguing veterans still managed to take the 2001 World Series all the way to the bottom of the ninth, in game 7.
On the verge of a four-peat, a pop-up, that could just as easily have fallen into the glove of Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, floated 10 feet over his head, scoring Arizona’s runner at third — to end a dynasty.
Buster Olney gives an insightful account on the end of great run, amid high expectations, anxiety and infighting.
September 7, 2011
A pleasure, especially for the Yankee haters in the world.
February 14, 2022
I just love this book.
June 15, 2023
As a Yankees fan from youth (My dad was from New York and instilled the pinstripe lore), Nov. 4, 2001, was a very depressing night when Luis Gonzalez blooped that hit over a too-pulled in Jeter and won the game for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Buster Olney has done a really good job of describing that game and providing anecdotes for the players and coaches who appear in that game. It' reminiscent of Mark Frost's "Game Six," the book that details the sixth game of the 1975 World Series between the Red Sux and Cincinnati. In both books, game action is interspersed with stories about the players. There's Mariano Rivera, Paul O'Neil, Darryl Strawberry, Derek Jeter, Aaron Boone, coach Joe Torre and others.
Olney writes interesting stories about them that show their personalities. He also includes how the Yankees got the players and their impacts on the 2001 season.
There's also George Steinbrenner, whom Jim Bouton once said that Steinbrenner was "born on third base and thought he hit a triple." Olney shows Steinbrenner's manic obsession for getting the best team he can and his superstitions of not letting Fox network set up in the Yankees locker room for the championship presentation when it appeared the Yankees would win the seventh game.
He captures an era in baseball when the Yankees were great (although they've been great for many eras).
I found this book at the Thrifty Peanut in Shreveport, the best indy bookstore I've ever been to, but failed to buy it. Fortunately, our local library got it through interlibrary loan and I was able to read it.
While I like baseball history from the 1960s and 1970s more, this look at the Yankees' dynasty from 1996 to 2001 was enjoyable, too. It is baseball, after all.
Buster Olney has done a really good job of describing that game and providing anecdotes for the players and coaches who appear in that game. It' reminiscent of Mark Frost's "Game Six," the book that details the sixth game of the 1975 World Series between the Red Sux and Cincinnati. In both books, game action is interspersed with stories about the players. There's Mariano Rivera, Paul O'Neil, Darryl Strawberry, Derek Jeter, Aaron Boone, coach Joe Torre and others.
Olney writes interesting stories about them that show their personalities. He also includes how the Yankees got the players and their impacts on the 2001 season.
There's also George Steinbrenner, whom Jim Bouton once said that Steinbrenner was "born on third base and thought he hit a triple." Olney shows Steinbrenner's manic obsession for getting the best team he can and his superstitions of not letting Fox network set up in the Yankees locker room for the championship presentation when it appeared the Yankees would win the seventh game.
He captures an era in baseball when the Yankees were great (although they've been great for many eras).
I found this book at the Thrifty Peanut in Shreveport, the best indy bookstore I've ever been to, but failed to buy it. Fortunately, our local library got it through interlibrary loan and I was able to read it.
While I like baseball history from the 1960s and 1970s more, this look at the Yankees' dynasty from 1996 to 2001 was enjoyable, too. It is baseball, after all.
July 7, 2025
I don't know why this book is not more popular.
This is the story of the Yankees Dynasty from 1996-2001. The book is a play by play of game 7 of the 2001 world series, Yankees vs Diamondbacks while also giving personal profiles of the players, managers, coaches and Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees.
Olney details the mental make-up of the Yankees team during these years, how the team was built, and why this game, this night, the dynasty died.
I am not a huge fan of the name of the book, or the idea the Dynasty died that night, though you might say it was the beginning of the end. In 2002 the Yankees won 103 games and again won their Division and 2003, the Yankees again appeared in the World Series. 6 World Series Appearances in 8 Years. 4 World Series Wins in 8 Years, but I still loved the book. I also feel Olney's record of these years gives more credence to Torre's book The Yankee Years.
Great book for all Baseball Fans.
There is an updated version which I want to get. It discusses Torre's retirement, Steinbrenner's loss of power and Hank Steinbrenner running the team. I'd like to see Olney's insights on these aspects.
This is the story of the Yankees Dynasty from 1996-2001. The book is a play by play of game 7 of the 2001 world series, Yankees vs Diamondbacks while also giving personal profiles of the players, managers, coaches and Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees.
Olney details the mental make-up of the Yankees team during these years, how the team was built, and why this game, this night, the dynasty died.
I am not a huge fan of the name of the book, or the idea the Dynasty died that night, though you might say it was the beginning of the end. In 2002 the Yankees won 103 games and again won their Division and 2003, the Yankees again appeared in the World Series. 6 World Series Appearances in 8 Years. 4 World Series Wins in 8 Years, but I still loved the book. I also feel Olney's record of these years gives more credence to Torre's book The Yankee Years.
Great book for all Baseball Fans.
There is an updated version which I want to get. It discusses Torre's retirement, Steinbrenner's loss of power and Hank Steinbrenner running the team. I'd like to see Olney's insights on these aspects.
January 10, 2021
The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty was a great insight into what made the Yankee Dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s and why it did not continue. After completing the book I was most amazed that I had not come across such a terrific baseball book until nearly 20 years after the game it focuses on.
Olney goes into great detail on the key members of the Dynasty that won 4 championships in the 5 years prior to the 2001 World Series. He reveals the key to this success was the collective determination of the group and the intangibles that these key players and coaches brought. This book shows the teams that won championships were much different from the teams with high salaried homerun hitters and past their prime pitchers that followed.
A great book that dissects every play of the Diamondbacks victory in the deciding game all while providing a number of hilarious George Steinbrenner stories.
Olney goes into great detail on the key members of the Dynasty that won 4 championships in the 5 years prior to the 2001 World Series. He reveals the key to this success was the collective determination of the group and the intangibles that these key players and coaches brought. This book shows the teams that won championships were much different from the teams with high salaried homerun hitters and past their prime pitchers that followed.
A great book that dissects every play of the Diamondbacks victory in the deciding game all while providing a number of hilarious George Steinbrenner stories.
July 5, 2017
As a baseball fan, I was going to read this regardless of team. As a Red Sox fan, though, I expected more about the "cost of greatness" as mentioned in the title. This was more of a book that dedicated chapters to heralding individual players like Jeter, Rivera, Soriano, Clemens, etc but didn't talk too much about why the team had a dip in success after 2004. This makes sense, I suppose, since the framework of the book is based around one particular game. However, this can make for a grueling read as the game progresses very slowly in the book as the author jumps from one player chapter to the next.
A fine nostalgic read for Yankees fans or a solid read for baseball nuts, especially if you tuned into the exciting Sox/Yankees drama from the past decade.
A fine nostalgic read for Yankees fans or a solid read for baseball nuts, especially if you tuned into the exciting Sox/Yankees drama from the past decade.
June 21, 2021
Mr. Olney focuses on the seventh game of the 2001 World Series game between the Yankees and Arizona. But he goes about it obliquely, with a series of vignettes on Yankee and Diamondback players; not always the stars. He builds up to why this will end the dynasty, win or lose.
This was the George Steinbrenner Yankees, and while Olney notes the positive impacts he is overall not a fan. He sees Steinbrenner’s manner as demeaning and unnerving (tho the current reader of this 17 year old book will note that Brian Cashman is still GM).
Overall a fun and interesting work by a very knowledgeable reporter.
This was the George Steinbrenner Yankees, and while Olney notes the positive impacts he is overall not a fan. He sees Steinbrenner’s manner as demeaning and unnerving (tho the current reader of this 17 year old book will note that Brian Cashman is still GM).
Overall a fun and interesting work by a very knowledgeable reporter.
June 19, 2018
This book deals with the 7th game of the 2001 World Series between NY and Az. It meanders at times, dealing with the players involved, but it's primary focus is on the game itself. The starting pitchers were a former Red Sox (Clemens for NY) and a future Red Sox (Schilling for Az.).
Nancy and I had just moved to Arizona about 2 months before. Some of our new friends had open houses and we watched the games. That was the only time this Boston sports fan rooted for another team.
Nancy and I had just moved to Arizona about 2 months before. Some of our new friends had open houses and we watched the games. That was the only time this Boston sports fan rooted for another team.
May 2, 2019
Essentially the story line is about Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. However, much background is provided in the telling of the story. Intriguing to me is the fact that the 2004 ALCS almost made the title of this book redundant. The Yankees led that best of 7 series 3-0. The Red Sox became the only team in baseball to come back and win the next four games and series. Thus the impact of the book title remained.
May 30, 2022
A top notch example of the form, Olney weaves back and forth between the innings of game seven of the 2001 world series while touching on each key individual in the Yankee dynasty story. He manages to make a page turner out of a story where you know the end.
One note: my edition had an introduction which went through events post the book which would have been much better served narratively as an endnote. Would recommend reading that way.
One note: my edition had an introduction which went through events post the book which would have been much better served narratively as an endnote. Would recommend reading that way.
August 23, 2023
Entertaining but man can Buster barely contain oozing love and awe of the Yankees 1996-2000 era squads. It’s weird too reading this now especially w what has happened w guys like Curt Schilling, Chad Curtis, Roger Clemens, and Rudy Giuliani. In fact this book maybe made me a little bit more of a casual Red Sox fan bc it’s great knowing the future of the Yankees franchise after this is watching Boston win title after title after title
December 31, 2016
Well paced and executed with great research. A dynasty we will probably never again see in our lifetime. Definitely a must read, not just for Yankee fans. A great book by someone who clearly loves the sport of Baseball. I felt like I was watching a documentary in my head as I read this, the visuals he paints are very well done. Very solid book!
February 14, 2021
The writing style and narrative format is appreciably reminiscent of David Halberstam's "Summer of 49," can be seen as a sort of spiritual successor
The only flaw holding it back from a five star review are those it shares with Halberstam's, namely some factual errors and impossibilities like X Player playing Y Player in Z Year, when that could not have happened
The only flaw holding it back from a five star review are those it shares with Halberstam's, namely some factual errors and impossibilities like X Player playing Y Player in Z Year, when that could not have happened
August 17, 2022
This is the ultimate 1990s Yankee dynasty book. The flow of the book is captivating, with stories of the team throughout the dynasty years intertwining with Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. It is thrilling to see how it all came together. Heartbreaking to read about how it all ended. But it makes you appreciate that it even happened at all!
August 4, 2025
As the 2025 Yankees wallowed in the malaise of a mediocre season, I decided to give this book a read to remind myself of this franchise's late 90s glory. This book is a must-read for any Yankee fan, especially for younger fans like myself who never experienced the dynasty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews