The three installments of New Era’s recently released “Yankees/Red Sox Rivalry” campaign may arguably be some of the greatest sports commercials of all time. That’s a bold statement considering most Americans may never see them. Yet what they lack in mass appeal, these spots make up for in authenticity and pure comedic genius. So what makes these spots so great?

1. Star Power – Who better to represent the 90-year-old rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox than real life fans Alec Baldwin and John Krasinski (The Office). Starring as themselves, the two effortlessly and hilariously fill the roles of the cocky, impervious Yankees fan and the tirelessly loyal, sarcastic Red Sox supporter. Krasinski delivers lines like, “how are you a Yankees fan, at all. It’s like being a huge fan of fascism?” as if it’s a comment he’s made before in casual conversation. Not to be outdone, Baldwin channels the supreme pompousness of his 30 Rock character Jack Donaghy to explain how the Yankees don’t have a rivalry with the Red Sox, just like “lawnmowers don’t have a rivalry with grass.”
2. Authenticity – Never before has the passion, intensity, humor and absurdity of the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry been so masterfully captured on film. In Connecticut, we stand at the intersection where the Yankee Dynasty and Red Sox Nation collide. Odds are, if you live anywhere along the northeast stretch of I-95, than you’ve witnessed firsthand almost the identical trash-talking portrayed in these commercials between coworkers, in-laws, family members and best friends. And it is a fantastic thing to witness!
3. Commitment to a Market – Not only is this campaign specifically geared towards one segment of the country, its relevance is somewhat limited to the times that the two clubs are playing one another. That’s pretty amazing when you consider the amount of money New Era has shelled out for two of television’s biggest stars and premium air time on Comedy Central, ESPN, FOX, YES and NESN. Granted New York and Boston are two of the largest media markets in the world, and the Northeast is the wealthiest region of the US – that still leaves 82% of the population who aren’t in on the joke.
4. Ridiculously Funny – As one blogger put it, the spots “make me want to punch a baby they’re so awesome.” His words, not mine!

Judge for yourself: