"Everybody says we hated the Yankees. We didn't hate the Yankees. We just hated the way they beat us"

Al Lopez's quote speaks with the competitive spirit of sports. It is a pointer that while rivalries can be extreme, they are eventually rooted in respect. The quote recommends that the dislike of the Yankees was not out of hatred, however out of aggravation at being not able to beat them. It is a reminder that competitors is healthy which it is okay to be irritated when you do not win. It likewise speaks to the concept that regard is made through competitors, which even in the midst of a rivalry, regard needs to be given to those who are much better. Eventually, Al Lopez's quote is a tip that competition is healthy which respect should be provided to those who are better.