<P> Changes occurred during the 1979 season . Former Cy Young Award - winning closer Sparky Lyle was traded to the Texas Rangers for several players, including Dave Righetti . Tommy John was acquired from the Dodgers and Luis Tiant from the hated Red Sox to bolster the pitching staff . During the season, Bob Lemon was replaced by Billy Martin . </P> <P> The 1970s ended on a tragic note for the Yankees . On August 2, 1979, Thurman Munson died after crashing his private plane while practicing "Touch and Go" landings . Four days later, the entire team flew out to Canton, Ohio for the funeral, despite having a game later that day against the Orioles . Martin adamantly stated that the funeral was more important, and that he did not care if they made it back in time . Bobby Murcer, a close friend of Munson's, was chosen to give the eulogy at his funeral . In a nationally televised and emotional game, Murcer used Munson's bat (which he gave to his fallen friend's wife after the game), and drove in all five of the team's runs in a dramatic 5--4 walk - off victory . Before the game, Munson's locker sat empty except for his catching gear, a sad reminder for his teammates . His locker, labeled with his number 15, has remained empty in the Yankee clubhouse as a memorial . When the Yankees moved across the street, Munson's locker was torn out and installed in the new Stadium's museum . The number 15 has been retired by the team . </P> <P> The 1980 season brought more changes to the Yankees . Billy Martin was fired once again and Dick Howser took his place . Chris Chambliss was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for catcher Rick Cerone . Thanks to Howser's no - nonsense attitude, Reggie Jackson hit . 300 for the only time in his career with 41 homers, and finished 2nd in the MVP voting to Kansas City's George Brett . The Yankees won 103 games and the AL East by three games over the 100 - win Baltimore Orioles, but were swept by the Royals in the 1980 ALCS . </P> <P> After the season ended, the Yankees signed Dave Winfield to a 10 - year contract . The Yankees fired Howser and replaced him with Gene Michael . Under Michael, the Yankees led the AL East before a strike hit in June 1981 . In the second half of the season, the Yankees struggled under Bob Lemon, who replaced Michael . Thanks to the split - season playoff format, the Yankees faced the second - half winner Milwaukee Brewers in the special 1981 American League Division Series . After narrowly defeating Milwaukee in five games, they breezed through Billy Martin and the Oakland Athletics in a three - game ALCS . In the World Series, the Yankees got off to a hot start by winning the first two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers . But the Dodgers fought back and stunned the Yankees by winning the next four games to clinch their first World Series title since 1965 . </P>

How many times have the yankees made it to the world series