1976–1981
The Bronx Zoo
George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin, and Reggie Jackson -- chaos and championships. Two World Series titles, three home runs on three pitches, and the most turbulent clubhouse in baseball history.
Mr. October
Reggie Jackson→KEY PLAYERS
The Stars of The Bronx Zoo
Reggie Jackson
Bronx Zoo
Ron Guidry
Bronx Zoo
Thurman Munson
Bronx Zoo
Rich Gossage
ERA: 2.12
Bronx Zoo
Catfish Hunter
ERA: 3.58
Bronx Zoo
Graig Nettles
AVG: .253
Bronx Zoo
Lou Piniella
AVG: .295
Bronx Zoo
Chris Chambliss
AVG: .282
Bronx Zoo
Bucky Dent
AVG: .239
Bronx Zoo
Oscar Gamble
AVG: .258
Bronx Zoo
Fred Stanley
AVG: .222
Bronx Zoo
Mickey Rivers
AVG: .299
Bronx Zoo
Jim Spencer
AVG: .247
Bronx Zoo
Dick Tidrow
ERA: 3.60
Bronx Zoo
Bobby Brown
AVG: .255
Bronx Zoo
Bob Watson
AVG: .282
Bronx Zoo
Rudy May
ERA: 3.09
Bronx Zoo
Paul Blair
AVG: .220
Bronx Zoo
Cliff Johnson
AVG: .239
Bronx Zoo
Carlos May
AVG: .256
Bronx Zoo
SEASONS
1976–1981 Season by Season
Yankee Stadium reopens, Munson wins MVP, Chambliss hits the ALCS walk-off -- but the Big Red Machine sweeps the World Series
Mgr: Billy Martin
Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!
Mgr: Billy Martin
The Greatest Comeback in Baseball History
Mgr: Billy Martin / Bob Lemon
Thurman Munson's death, Billy Martin's return, clubhouse fights -- a back-to-back champion fractures from within
Mgr: Bob Lemon / Billy Martin
Strike-split season saved by first-half title; Righetti wins ROY but Dodgers rally from 0-2 to win the World Series
Mgr: Bob Lemon / Gene Michael
HISTORIC MOMENTS
Defining Moments of The Bronx Zoo
Yankee Stadium Reopens After Renovation
Yankee Stadium reopened on April 15, 1976, after a $160 million renovation.
Thurman Munson Named Captain and Wins 1976 AL MVP
Munson became the first Yankees captain since Lou Gehrig and won the AL MVP award.
Chris Chambliss's 1976 ALCS Walk-Off Home Run
Chambliss hit a walk-off homer in Game 5 to send the Yankees to their first World Series in 12 years.
Reggie Jackson's Three Home Run Game
Reggie Jackson hits three home runs on three consecutive pitches in Game 6 of the World Series, earning the nickname "Mr. October."
Yankees' First Cable Television Broadcast
The Yankees began broadcasting games on cable television, launching the regional sports network model.
Billy Martin Replaces Bob Lemon as Manager
Steinbrenner fired Bob Lemon and rehired Billy Martin for the second time.
Thurman Munson Dies in Plane Crash
Yankees captain Thurman Munson dies in a plane crash at age 32. His number 15 is retired and his locker remains empty.
Dave Winfield Signs Record Contract
The Yankees sign Dave Winfield to a 10-year contract worth an estimated $23 million, the richest deal in baseball history at the time.
The 1981 Players' Strike and Split Season
The 50-day players' strike created a split-season format that saved the Yankees' postseason.
1981 World Series: Dodgers Rally from 0-2
The Dodgers overcame a 2-0 series deficit to beat the Yankees in six games.
Dave Righetti's 1981 Rookie of the Year Season
Righetti won AL Rookie of the Year with an 8-4 record and 2.05 ERA in the strike-shortened season.
CHAMPIONSHIPS