It was a scene like no other. It looked like a scene from a movie that provokes tears from the people who watch it. A moment that all provided us one more argument as to how baseball has gone deep down into our hearts and made us all remember that yes, athletes want the money, but in the thick of things, comes the heart and pride of the people who play the game.
A team who was doubted because of the humongous payroll that they possessed, being able to sign players to mega-million contracts, but not being able to perform. A team who had players that admitted to using steroids and other illegal substances, which has helped the game of baseball be tainted. A team that is located in arguably, the most beloved and well-known city on Earth. A team that was known for past post-season miracles and glories, but could not relive them since 2000. However, yesterday, in game 6 of the 105th edition of the World Series, the New York Yankees were able to defeat the reigning champs, Philadelphia Phillies, to claim their 27th championship in franchise history, a record that has not been touched, and now, sits 17 ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals.
After a season of doubt and controversy, the Yankees were somehow able to overcome the odds and prevail on baseball's biggest stage.
Replaying their season in a short summary, the Yankees came into spring training in March with notifications of star players being out, free-agent signings, and other leaked controversies, sending them into unwanted turmoil.
First, came the signings of pitchers CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, signing them to 7 year, $161 million and a 5 year, $82.5 million contracts. Not long after that, they then picked up arguably the biggest hitter on the free agent list, first baseman, Mark Teixeira, swooping him for an unprecedented 8 year deal worth $180 million.
Then, the eventual downfall resulted for the Yankees, as sports fans all around the world heard that all-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, had admitted to using steroids in 2003 for the Texas Rangers. Not to mention, that they weren't able to have his services until mid-May because of a hip surgery.
After starting the season off horribly, highlighted by an embarrassing 22-4 loss in the hands of the Cleveland Indians, A-Rod proved to be the go-to guy, because that was when the future hall-of-famer showed that this year was his year.
His year to redeem himself. His year to make a statement for not only himself, but his teammates, the team management, their fans, and the whole world that was keeping a close eye on them.
Not shortly thereafter, they went on a tear, putting up amazing numbers, hitting home-runs from every angle, and eventually, posting the best record in baseball.
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After winning 103 of the 162 games, they started off the post-season, by sweeping the Twins and taking care of the Angels in 6 games during the ALCS.
Then came the World Series. After adopting the short rest method, Joe Giradi's team found new success, when CC Sabathia absolutely shut teams down during the play-offs even after pitching on 3 days rest. The most notable play came from Johnny Damon, who had a double steal, and definitely earned the respect of many of the game's top players, because they knew that the play had been one of the smartest plays in the book.
However, the who could forgets?
Mariano Rivera, who showed no signs of the old, aging process, by delivering one of the best performances by a closer in baseball history.
Hideki Matsui, who was named World Series MVP, after driving in 6 runs in the clinching game 6.
CC Sabathia, who pitched the best post-season of his life, proving once again that he is one of the game's most elite players.
Mark Teixeira, who lit up the whole season, but stepping his game up not necessarily with his stick, but with his glove.
However, to me, the best player for the Yankees this post-season, Alex Rodriguez, who finally won a championship ring, who finally performed in the post-season, driving in 18 runners, and who has closed another chapter in his detailed legacy.
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