Sports: What is a Dynasty?

Mocking You

New member
When talking about sports teams the term "dynasty" frequently comes up. But what is a dynasty? I'm sure opinions will vary, so let's see what people think. For example:

If a team wins the league championship (Super Bowl, World Series, etc.) three years in a row is that a dynasty? How about four years? What if they do that and then fail to make the playoffs for the next five years? Dynasty or not?

What if a team wins their conference/division four years in a row but fails to win the league championship (example: Buffalo Bills, early 1990's) Dynasty or not? Were they a dynasty within the AFC?

How about winning four championships in ten years, though none consecutively? Dynasty or not?

I think if a team/individual wins at least four championships in a row they can be considered a dynasty.

Or they win at least five championships within ten years, that's a dynasty. Or take any time span over 10 years, and if you've won at least half the championships you are a dynasty.

Thus:
The New York Yankees have been a dynasty at least three times. 1936 to 1943--6 world championships; 1949 to 1964--14 AL pennants and 9 WS championships in 16 years; 1996-2003--6 AL pennants, 4 WS championships (including going 12-1 in three WS in a row) Yes, yes, and yes to dynasties.

Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR: 6 Sprint Cup championships in 8 years, including 5 in a row. Definitely yes.

Boston Celtics, NBA: 1957-1969--won 11 NBA championships in 13 years, including 8 in a row. A resounding YES.

Chicago Bulls, NBA: 1990-1998--6 NBA championships (two sets of three in a row) I say yes.

What about the San Antonio Spurs? Since 1999 have 5 NBA championships and have not missed the playoffs. Also have the highest winning percentage, .707, of the four major team sports in the USA. I say no.

Green Bay Packers? In the 1960's, 5 NFL champions in 7 years including winning the first two Super Bowls. I say yes.

Pittsburgh Steelers? Four Super Bowl titles in six years, but they won in '74, '75 and '78, '79. I say no.

Dallas Cowboys: They made the playoffs a lot in the 1970's and they won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years (1992-1995). I'm not sure. Maybe.

New England Patriots: 2001-2004--Same as the Cowboys. 3 Super Bowl championships in 4 years. I'm going to say no. Had they won convincingly, perhaps I'd say yes.

Montreal Canadians, 1965-1969--4 NHL championships in 5 years. I say yes.

Montreal Canadians, 1975-1979--4 NHL championships in a row. I say yes.

New York Islanders, early 1980's--4 NHL championships in a row. I say yes.

Edmonton Oilers, 1983-1990--5 NHL championships in 8 years, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990. I'm gonna say yes.

So let's hear your opinions.

Oakland A's 1972-1974, won the WS three years in a row.

Big Red Machine from the 1970's?
 
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