The New York Yankees claimed their 27th World Series Championship on Wednesday night, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games, thanks to some outstanding performances from some likely heroes and one unlikely hero:
Derek Jeter - As usual, Jeter hit over .400 for the series, and was especially effective against Phillies ace Cliff Lee, who none of the other Yankee batters could solve.
Johnny Damon - Also hit over .400 in what might have been his last games as a Yankee. His incredible at-bat in the 8th inning of game 4, and subsequent 2 steals on one pitch, were the turning point of the series.
Hideki Matsui - Despite not starting in 3 of the 6 games, Matsui managed to hit .615 for the series, with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. His 6 RBI performance in game 6 was one of the greatest in World Series history, and earned him the MVP. Matsui also could have been playing his final games in pinstripes.
Mariano Rivera - Was his usual dominant self, and somehow lowered his post-season ERA from 0.77 to 0.74 in the process. He single-handedly snuffed out the Phillies patented late-inning comebacks. When he entered each game, it was over.
Damaso Marte - In my mind, Marte should have been the series MVP. He masterfully handled the dangerous lefties Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in numerous key situations. His strikeout of Utley in the 7th inning of game 6 eliminated any chance the Phillies had to get back in the game. Would anyone have guessed Marte would be a key player in post-season before the playoffs started? I sure didn't...
Andy Pettitte - Gutted his way though two starts with not-so-great stuff, including the series clinching game 6 on 3-days rest. The Yankees had the right man on the mound when it counted. Pettitte now has 17 post-season wins, the most ever.
What do all of these players have in common? They've all won championships before. (Matsui, don't forget, won 3 titles in the Japanese league) It's difficult enough to win the World Series, but it's almost impossible to do without experienced players to lead the way.
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