The last time David Robertson wore Yankees pinstripes before Tuesday, all of his defensive teammates were older than 30. The starting pitcher was 39. The right fielder and the shortstop were 40. It was the Yankees’ second of four consecutive seasons (and counting) without taking part in a playoff series.
Robertson blew the save that night — Sept. 25, 2014 — and in the moment, he did not appreciate the poignancy of the plot twist. After serving up two home runs to Baltimore in the top of the ninth inning that tied the score, 5-5, Robertson thrashed around the clubhouse tunnel in dismay.