Ranking the 21st Century World Series Champions: 2009 Yankees at No. 4
As we evaluate the 25 World Series champions since the year 2000, one can’t help but wonder how the 2009 Yankees claimed the fourth spot on this list.
The Long Wait for the Yankees
From the perspective of the Yankees, the year 2009 represented the culmination of a long-awaited return to glory. The team hadn’t clinched a championship since 2000 and faced heartbreaking losses in both 2001 and 2003. bet games Additionally, there was the memory of letting the Red Sox stage a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the 2004 American League Championship Series.
For many teams, a nine-year championship drought might not seem significant—especially for a franchise that had consistently stayed competitive during that period. However, for the Yankees, who had celebrated championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000, waiting nine years felt like an eternity, particularly with the Red Sox capturing titles in 2004 and 2007.
A Dominant 2009 Season
The 2009 season marked the end of that wait, and the Yankees did so with considerable authority. They achieved an impressive record of 103 wins, greatly aided by the addition of free agent Mark Teixeira betso88 new site. Teixeira not only won a Gold Glove at first base, but he also joined a lineup featuring future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, as well as Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Canó, and Johnny Damon. Additionally, Hideki Matsui had a stellar season as the designated hitter, hitting .509 with 28 home runs, although his contributions often took a backseat to the accomplishments of his teammates.
While the pitching rotation may not have been the strongest, it was far from weak. CC Sabathia emerged as a Cy Young contender and served as the team’s anchor. jili 50 deposit A.J. Burnett threw an impressive 207 innings as an above-average starter, while Andy Pettitte also had a commendable season at age 37. Although the back end of the rotation was less consistent, the bullpen—featuring Phil Hughes, David Robertson, and the legendary Mariano Rivera, who recorded a 1.76 ERA with 44 saves at 39 years old—ensured that pitching troubles didn’t impact their October performance.
Playoff Success
The Yankees navigated the ALDS with ease, sweeping the Minnesota Twins in three games. The ALCS was more challenging, yet New York triumphed over the 97-win Los Angeles Angels in six games, with Sabathia earning two wins and being named series MVP after pitching 16 innings and allowing just two runs.
World Series Triumph
In the World Series, the Yankees faced the defending champion Phillies from 2008, winning the series four games to two. While there were powerful sluggers on the roster during the regular season, no one made a greater impact in the World Series than Hideki Matsui. He posted an impressive .615 batting average, alongside .643 on-base and 1 phwin. app.385 slugging percentages, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs over six games. Notably, in Game 2, his crucial solo home run against Pedro Martinez broke a tie and propelled the Yankees to victory. In Game 6, Matsui again went deep off Pedro to give New York an early lead and contributed another run with a single, helping secure the 7-3 win and the World Series title. taya777 casino login
With a legacy like this, it’s clear that the 2009 Yankees hold a significant place in baseball history. What do you think makes a championship team truly memorable?
