First time’s a charm

Aaron Boone has an illustrious history to live up to as he makes his playoff debut as Yankees manager. Three of the past five managers to guide the Yankees to the postseason won the World Series in their first trip to the playoffs.

Joe Girardi

Girardi took over the Bombers in 2008, when they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Girardi’s squad bounced back in a big way in 2009, beating the Phillies in the World Series. Girardi kicked off his postseason managing career with a 3-0 sweep of the Twins and a 4-2 ALCS win over the Angels.

Joe Torre

Torre grabbed the reins from the fired Buck Showalter in 1996 and immediately cemented his place in Bronx history leading the Yankees to a World Series victory in his first season. He got little resistance along the way, winning his debut playoff series 3-1 over the Rangers and beating the wild-card Orioles 4-1 in the ALCS.

Buck Showalter

Showalter got just one chance with the Yankees in the postseason. Hired in 1992, Showalter led the Bombers to the AL wild card in 1995. His team got bumped from the ALDS in five games by the Mariners.

Dick Howser

Howser managed one midseason game for the turbulent 1978 championship squad before being given a full season in 1980. He led the Yankees to 103 wins but couldn’t get one in the postseason, losing three straight in the ALCS to the Royals.

Bob Lemon

Lemon took those volatile 1978 Yankees to the playoffs and won his debut series 3-1 over the Royals and finished things off with a 4-2 World Series victory over the Dodgers.