Yankees Owner ‘Confused’ by Fans’ Anger Amid Offensive Struggles

Yankees fans have been less than thrilled by the team’s offensive performances of late, and they’ve been vocal about it on social media. 

During an interview with Michael Kay of the YES Network, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner was asked about the anger from the fan base.

Steinbrenner admitted he was “confused” by fans’ reaction at such an early point in the season, urging supporters to remain patient amid the onslaught of injuries plaguing the team.

“I understand they’re upset. I’m a little confused this year, being the third week of June, why they’re so upset. But, they’re upset, and that’s going to get my attention, of course,” said Steinbrenner. “Everybody just needs to know that we’re working hard on all fronts to get this back on the rails and start playing like we were for a couple weeks there in May.”

Steinbrenner referenced injuries to players such as Carlos Rodon and Aaron Judge as reasons for the disappointing month of June, but stressed things would improve when they return.

In June, the Yankees rank dead last among MLB teams in OPS at .623 and batting average at .196. The team has collected just 96 hits in the month. No other team has fewer than 111 (Mariners). The Yankees are 6-9 during that span and currently sit third in the AL East at 40-33. They’re 10 games behind the first-place Rays.

“If we don’t make the playoffs, and we’re healthy the second half of the year … and we get the team we intended to be on the field, on the field, then I’m going to be asking some tough questions,” Steinbrenner said when asked about potentially making organizational changes.

With 89 games left on the season docket, Steinbrenner insisted fans remain patient, suggesting that a fully healthy Yankees team “can be a force.”