It’s nice to know the new kids still feel the loathing. The rosters have turned over completely since the heyday of 2003 and 2004, all the one-name wonders — Jeter, Papi and A-Rod; Pedro, Roger and Curt; Manny, Mo and Tek — long gone. The personalities may never be as familiar and vibrant again, but these teams are worthy heirs.

Consider everything we have seen in this series: grand slams from Mookie Betts and J. D. Martinez, overpowering heat from Chris Sale and Aroldis Chapman, home runs from Gary Sanchez, defensive wizardry from Didi Gregorius, 10 combined hits in the first two games from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

In other words, the superstars have done superstar things. Yes, the games have been long; these teams know no other way. But the talent is undeniable. You won’t find zany clubhouse characters like Johnny Damon or Kevin Millar, but the play on the field is still sublime — and feisty.

The benches actually cleared twice on Wednesday, in the third and seventh innings. Austin slid into second base in the third and spiked shortstop Brock Holt’s lower calf. Holt just stood there, telling Austin what he thought about it. Austin got a little closer, and suddenly 50 players had swarmed the field. Nothing much happened, though.