The New York Yankees is the professional team based in The Bronx, New York City , New York . The Yankees have won 26 World Series in 39 appearances; the St. Louis Cardinals and the Athletics franchise are tied for second with 9 World Series victories each, and the Dodgers franchise is second in World Series appearances with 18. The team began playing as the Baltimore Orioles in 1901, they were managed by John McGraw. In 1903-1912, the team was known as the New York Highlanders and played their first game in Washington , on April 22, 1903 , unfortunately they lost. The Highlanders enjoyed success only twice, finishing in second place in 1904 and 1910; but otherwise, much of their first fifteen years in New York was spent in the cellar.New York Yankees Jerseys