2009 New York Yankees season
Encyclopedia
The 2009 New York Yankees season was the 107th season for the New York Yankees
franchise. The Yankees opened their new Yankee Stadium
on April 3, 2009, when they hosted an exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs
. The new stadium hosted its first regular-season game on April 16, when the Yankees played the Cleveland Indians
and their first playoff game against the Minnesota Twins
in the ALDS
on October 7, 2009. The Yankees swept the Twins in three games to win the divisional series. They won their 40th American League pennant
on October 25, 2009, defeating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
in six games to advance to the World Series
, where they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies
in six games to win their 27th World Series on November 4, 2009.
stepped down as the main decision maker for the team on November 20, as Major League Baseball's owners approved passing control to his youngest son, 39-year-old Hal Steinbrenner
. The patriarch of the Yankees success over three and a half decades since buying the team from CBS in 1973 had been in failing health, and had been reducing his role in the ownership the last several seasons. Despite his limited role, he remained as a team chairman with his two sons until his death on July 13, 2010.
made clear that there would be offseason changes. Mike Mussina
retired from baseball on November 20, 2008. Infielder Wilson Betemit
was traded to the Chicago White Sox
in a trade for Nick Swisher
on November 13, 2008. The Yankees declined options on first baseman Jason Giambi
and starting pitcher Carl Pavano
. Giambi went on to sign a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics
on January 1, 2009, and Pavano signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians
on January 6, 2009. Right fielder Bobby Abreu
signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
, and catcher Ivan Rodriguez
signed a one-year pact with the Houston Astros
. From those departures, the Yankees shed nearly $89 million from their payroll, enabling them to spend money to fix their team. Furthermore, the Yankees non-tendered the contracts of Chris Britton and Justin Christian
, allowing them to become free agents; Britton signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres
and Christian signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles
.
, along with relief prospect Kanekoa Texeira
, from the Chicago White Sox
for infielder Wilson Betemit
, relief prospect Jhonny Nunez
and starting pitching prospect Jeff Marquez.
On December 18, , the Yankees announced the signings of starting pitchers CC Sabathia to a 7-year deal worth $161 million and A. J. Burnett
to a 5-year deal worth $82.5 million. On January 6, , the Yankees signed first baseman Mark Teixeira
to a 8-year deal worth $180 million with a no-trade import. The signings of Sabathia, Teixeira and Burnett filled the Yankees' biggest needs: starting pitching and first base.
On December 22, the Yankees re-signed Chien-Ming Wang
to a 1-year deal worth $5 million, avoiding salary arbitration; they would later reach deals with Brian Bruney
, Melky Cabrera
, and Xavier Nady
.
On January 26, the Yankees re-signed Andy Pettitte
to a 1-year deal worth $5.5 million dollar contract with performance-based incentives.
The Yankees signed starting pitcher Sergio Mitre
to a split (minor/major league) contract, and signed former major leaguers such as Justin Leone
, Angel Berroa
, Doug Bernier
, Jason Johnson
, Kevin Cash
, John Rodriguez, and Todd Linden
; they also acquired catcher Chris Stewart
from the White Sox for a player-to-be-named later.
In addition, to prevent them from becoming eligible for the Rule 5 Draft
, they placed starting pitchers Wilkins De La Rosa, Christian Garcia, and Michael Dunn
, as well as relief pitcher Anthony Claggett
on the 40 man roster.
did not get his contract renewed and special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone
was fired as well. Former major leaguer Mick Kelleher
was hired as the new first-base coach, with Tony Pena
moving to bench coach, and Rob Thomson
moving to third-base coach.
, third baseman Alex Rodriguez
admitted to using steroids while playing for the Texas Rangers
during the 2001
–2003
seasons. This happened right before a hip injury to Rodriguez, and that stopped his playing time from early March until mid-May. A-Rod
would come back with a bang, having a 3-run homer on the first pitch he had seen since early spring training.
Former manager Joe Torre
, who at the time was managing with the Los Angeles Dodgers
, published a book called The Yankee Years
about his time in New York that criticized Steinbrenner, Cashman, and Rodriguez, among others.
of the Pittsburgh Pirates
.
They traded a player to be named later for Colorado Rockies minor leaguer Jason Hirsh
.
Hours before the trading deadline, the Yankees traded catching prospect Chase Weems to the Cincinnati Reds
for 3B Jerry Hairston Jr.
On August 7, 2009, the Yankees also traded for P Chad Gaudin
for a player to be named later.
They have signed several minor league free agents throughout the season such as Russ Ortiz
, Josh Towers
, Brian Peterson, and Yurendell de Caster. They also released players such as Jason Johnson
and Justin Leone
. Todd Linden
was sold to a Japanese League team per his request.
would start the season as the third baseman; Ramiro Pena
was assigned the back-up infielder spot.
Playing at Camden Yards, the Yankees lost the first two games of the season due to poor performances by starters CC Sabathia and Chien-Ming Wang
, though they rebounded to take the third game of the series as well as win the next two series they played against the Kansas City Royals
and defending AL East Champions Tampa Bay Rays
. On April 16, the Yankees played the first game in their new Yankee Stadium
, but they lost the game because of a shaky bullpen. They won the next game to split their first series at the ballpark. The Yankees were swept later in the month by the rival Boston Red Sox
in three games at Fenway Park
.
hit a three-run home run on the first pitch he saw of the season, giving the Yankees a 3-0 lead in a game they would go on to win 4-0 with the help of a four-hit shutout by Sabathia. On May 15, 16, and 17, the Yankees had three consecutive walk-off wins against the Twins, including a home run by Rodriguez in his first series at the new Yankee Stadium.
Late in the month, Phil Hughes, who had struggled as a starter, was moved to the bullpen. His addition stabilized the bullpen and helped to turn it from a liability to a strength, as he posted a stellar 1.40 ERA as a reliever, serving as a highly effective eighth-inning set-up man for closer Mariano Rivera
.
, Yankee GM Brian Cashman
flew down to Atlanta to motivate the team in a closed-door meeting. Initially, his words seemed to do little, as in the next game (6/24), the Yankees were being no-hit through six innings. After Brett Gardner
walked and was picked off at first base - a borderline call by umpire Bill Welke
- Joe Girardi
protested and was ejected from the baseball game by Welke. The next batter, rookie catcher Francisco Cervelli
, hit his first big-league home run to tie the game at 1, and the Yankees went on to win the game 8-4. Many sports analysts viewed this game as a major turning point in the Yankees' season.
and for the rest of the season, no other team would come within five games of first place.
became the all-time hits leader as a member of the Yankees (2,722), passing Lou Gehrig
on September 11, 2009. The hit was a single off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman
in the 3rd inning.
On September 22, 2009, after defeating the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees became the first team to clinch a playoff spot for the 2009 MLB post-season. By beating the Boston Red Sox
on September 27, the Yankees won their one-hundredth game of the season, and clinched the American League East Division title. This win proved especially significant because the Yankees had started out the season 0-8 against their rivals in Boston, and they ended up splitting the season series 9-9.
hit a three run home run, the 243rd home run of the team's season to date, breaking the team's previously set record in 2004 of 242. Later in the same inning he hit a grand slam
, breaking the American League
record for most RBI in one inning by a single player, setting it at seven (7). The last two at bats of Rodriguez's season allowed him to finish with 30 home runs and 100 RBI.
in the Division Series
, 3 games to 0. The two teams previously met in the 2003
and 2004
Division Series, with the Yankees winning both series in four games.
The Yankees won Game 1 behind a strong start from CC Sabathia, a pivotal two-run home run
by Derek Jeter
, two huge RBI singles by Alex Rodriguez
and a two-run homer by Hideki Matsui
.
Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 2, Alex Rodriguez hit a game-tying two-run homer off Twins closer Joe Nathan
. David Robertson
escaped a bases-loaded, no out jam in the Top of the 11th, and Mark Teixeira
lined a walk-off home run
off Jose Mijares
to lead off the bottom half to give the Yankees a 4-3 win.
Former Yankee Carl Pavano
threw shutout ball through 6 innings in Game 3 in what would turn out to be the final baseball game ever played at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
. However, in the top of the 7th, Rodriguez and Jorge Posada
each hit a home run to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the 8th, the Twins' Nick Punto
made a wide turn at 3rd base after a Denard Span
infield single with no one out, and was thrown out attempting to retreat back, killing the Twins' threat. The Yankees tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the 9th, and Mariano Rivera
shut the door in the 9th to give the Yankees their first postseason series victory since the 2004 ALDS.
Rodriguez played a pivotal role in the Division Series, hitting two home runs (both of which were game-tying), batting .455 (5-for-11), and collecting 6 RBI. Before 2009, Rodriguez had only 4 postseason home runs in a Yankee uniform, and hadn't batted above .300 in a postseason since 2004.
in six games in the ALCS
. This marks the franchise's 40th American League
pennant, and the first time the Yankees have defeated the Angels in a postseason series. Yankees ace CC Sabathia was named ALCS MVP
, with a 2–0 record in two starts against the Angels, and posting an ERA
of 1.13.
Sabathia hurled 8 brilliant innings in a Game 1 4-1 Yankee victory, helped by three uncharacteristic Angels errors.
In a classic Game 2, the score remained tied at 2 heading to the 11th inning. In the top half, Chone Figgins
broke out of his postseason slump by blooping an RBI single to left field to score Gary Matthews, Jr.
to give the Angels a 3-2 lead. However, in the bottom half, Alex Rodriguez
lined a home run into the short right-field porch off Angels closer Brian Fuentes
to tie the game at 3. In the bottom of the 13th, Maicer Izturis
threw away a potential double play ball from Melky Cabrera
to score Jerry Hairston, Jr.
with the winning run, giving the Yankees a 2-0 series lead.
The Angels returned the favor in Game 3 with a walk-off win of their own. Vladimir Guerrero
hit a huge game tying two-run homer off Andy Pettitte
with two out in the bottom of the 6th, and Jeff Mathis
laced a game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the 11th to win the game for the Angels, 5-4. This came after a controversial decision from manager Joe Girardi
to lift David Robertson
for Alfredo Aceves
with two out and no one on in the 11th. Aceves served up a single to Howie Kendrick
, followed by the Mathis double. Four solo home runs accounted for the Yankees' scoring, hit by Derek Jeter
, Rodriguez, Johnny Damon
, and Jorge Posada
.
Sabathia threw 8 more brilliant innings in Game 4, this time on three-days' rest. Melky Cabrera
sparked the Yankees with four RBIs, including a two-run single in the 4th. Rodriguez added a two-run homer, tying a postseason record with RBIs in eight consecutive games. Damon put the game away with a two-run homer in the 8th, and the Yankees won 10-1, putting them one win away from their 40th American League
pennant.
A.J. Burnett allowed four runs before recording an out in the bottom of the first inning of Game 5, but settled down soon thereafter. The Yankees rallied for 6 runs with two outs in the top of the 7th inning, including a 3-run double by Mark Teixeira
, a game-tying single by Hideki Matsui
, and a two-run triple by Robinson Cano
. However, in the bottom half, the Angels rallied for 3 runs of their own to regain a 7-6 lead. Phil Hughes allowed a game-tying RBI single by Guerrero and a go-ahead RBI single to Kendry Morales
. The Yankees threatened in the top of the 9th, but with two out and the bases loaded, Fuentes induced Nick Swisher
to pop out to shortstop Erick Aybar
on a 3-2 pitch to send the series back to New York.
In Game 6, Damon sparked the Yankees with a 2-run single in the bottom of the 4th to give the Yankees a lead that they would not relinquish. Pettitte hurled 6 1/3 strong innings, allowing only one earned run. Mariano Rivera
came on in the 8th for a 6 out save, but allowed an RBI single to Guerrero to make it a 3-2 Yankee lead. It was the first postseason run allowed by Rivera at home since 2000, and the only one he would give up in the 2009 postseason. In the bottom half, errors by Kendrick and Scott Kazmir
gave the Yankees two insurance runs, and Rivera shut the door in the 9th to give the Yankees their 40th American League pennant.
in the 2009 World Series
, 4 games to 2. The Phillies were playing for their second consecutive World Series
title and 3rd overall, and the Yankees won their first title since 2000
, and 27th overall. The two teams' previous postseason meeting came in the 1950 World Series
, with the Yankees sweeping the Phillies. After Jimmy Rollins
predicted that the Phillies would win the series in five games or "six if they were nice", the Yankees went on to win the series in six.
Cliff Lee
shut down the Yankees in a complete game 6-1 victory for the Phillies in Game 1, but the Yankees responded in Game 2 with a 3-1 win. Mark Teixeira
and Hideki Matsui
homered off Pedro Martinez
, and A.J. Burnett pitched 7 great innings.
The Yankees won Game 3 behind 6 gritty innings from Andy Pettitte
, coupled with the first instant replay-overturned home run
in World Series history by Alex Rodriguez
and homers from Nick Swisher
and Matsui.
In Game 4, the Yankees carried a 4-3 lead into the 8th inning. But with two out and no one on, Pedro Feliz
lined a solo home run to left off Joba Chamberlain
on a 3-2 pitch to tie the game. However, in the top of the 9th, Johnny Damon
grinded out a 9 pitch at bat with two outs off Phillies closer Brad Lidge
, lining a single to left center field. Damon then stole second base, and with the infield overshift on with Teixeira batting, Damon alertly stole an unoccupied third base. After Teixeira was hit by a pitch, Alex Rodriguez lined a double down the left field line to give the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Jorge Posada
added two insurance runs thereafter, and Mariano Rivera
pitched a perfect 9th to put the Yankees one win away from winning the series.
Burnett imploded in Game 5, allowing six earned runs in only two innings pitched. The Yankees rallied late, but fell short as the Phillies sent the series back to The Bronx
with an 8-6 win.
Matsui earned the World Series MVP award with a performance for the ages in Game 6. He became only the second player in baseball history to collect six RBIs in a World Series game, finishing a triple short of the cycle
. This included a 2-run home run
in the 2nd, a 2-run single in the 3rd, and a 2-run double in the 5th. Matsui finished the series with a .615 batting average
with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. Pitching on three-days' rest, Pettitte earned his 4th win of the postseason, becoming the first pitcher in baseball history to start and win the clinching game of all rounds in a single postseason (Derek Lowe did the same in 2004 but with one of his wins coming in relief). Rivera recorded the final five outs to give the Yankees their 27th World Series Championship, by far the most in the history of baseball and the most in North American sports.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
franchise. The Yankees opened their new Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
on April 3, 2009, when they hosted an exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. The new stadium hosted its first regular-season game on April 16, when the Yankees played the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
and their first playoff game against the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
in the ALDS
2009 American League Division Series
The American League Division Series consisted of two concurrent best-of-five game series that determined the participating teams in the 2009 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a "wild card" team played in the two series. The ALDS began on Wednesday, October 7 and...
on October 7, 2009. The Yankees swept the Twins in three games to win the divisional series. They won their 40th American League pennant
American League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Championship Series , played in October, is a round in the postseason that determines the winner of the American League pennant...
on October 25, 2009, defeating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
in six games to advance to the World Series
2009 World Series
The 2009 World Series was the 105th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Philadelphia Phillies, champions of the National League and defending World Series champions, and the New York Yankees, champions of the American League...
, where they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
in six games to win their 27th World Series on November 4, 2009.
Passing of control
George SteinbrennerGeorge Steinbrenner
George Michael Steinbrenner III was an American businessman who was the principal owner and managing partner of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. During Steinbrenner's 37-year ownership from 1973 to his death in July 2010, the longest in club history, the Yankees earned seven World Series...
stepped down as the main decision maker for the team on November 20, as Major League Baseball's owners approved passing control to his youngest son, 39-year-old Hal Steinbrenner
Hal Steinbrenner
Harold Z. Steinbrenner, known as Hal, is part owner of the New York Yankees with his brother Hank Steinbrenner, the co-chairperson, and a general partner for the Yankees...
. The patriarch of the Yankees success over three and a half decades since buying the team from CBS in 1973 had been in failing health, and had been reducing his role in the ownership the last several seasons. Despite his limited role, he remained as a team chairman with his two sons until his death on July 13, 2010.
Offseason departures
After the Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the first time since , General Manager Brian CashmanBrian Cashman
Brian McGuire Cashman is an American Major League Baseball executive for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Cashman was born in Rockville Centre, New York and raised in Washingtonville, New York. He was raised in an Irish Catholic family. He moved with his family to Lexington, Kentucky, where his...
made clear that there would be offseason changes. Mike Mussina
Mike Mussina
Michael Cole Mussina , nicknamed Moose, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees ....
retired from baseball on November 20, 2008. Infielder Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
was traded to the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
in a trade for Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
on November 13, 2008. The Yankees declined options on first baseman Jason Giambi
Jason Giambi
Jason Gilbert Giambi is an American professional baseball first baseman with the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball.He was the American League MVP in 2000 while with the Oakland Athletics, and is a five-time All-Star who has led the American League in walks four times, in on base percentage...
and starting pitcher Carl Pavano
Carl Pavano
Carl Anthony Pavano is an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently with the Minnesota Twins.-Early career:...
. Giambi went on to sign a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
on January 1, 2009, and Pavano signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
on January 6, 2009. Right fielder Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu
Bob Kelly "Bobby" Abreu , nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Luche", is a Major League Baseball left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim....
signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
, and catcher Ivan Rodriguez
Iván Rodríguez
Iván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
signed a one-year pact with the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
. From those departures, the Yankees shed nearly $89 million from their payroll, enabling them to spend money to fix their team. Furthermore, the Yankees non-tendered the contracts of Chris Britton and Justin Christian
Justin Christian
Justin Barnett Christian is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Baseball career:...
, allowing them to become free agents; Britton signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
and Christian signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
Offseason acquisitions
The Yankees began retooling the team, when they acquired first baseman/outfielder Nick SwisherNick Swisher
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
, along with relief prospect Kanekoa Texeira
Kanekoa Texeira
Kanekoa Jacob Texeira is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees organization of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:...
, from the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
for infielder Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
, relief prospect Jhonny Nunez
Jhonny Núñez
Jhonny J. Núñez is a right-handed relief pitcher in professional baseball.-Career:Núñez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in...
and starting pitching prospect Jeff Marquez.
On December 18, , the Yankees announced the signings of starting pitchers CC Sabathia to a 7-year deal worth $161 million and A. J. Burnett
A. J. Burnett
Allan James "A. J." Burnett is a right-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the New York Yankees. Previously, he played for the Florida Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays...
to a 5-year deal worth $82.5 million. On January 6, , the Yankees signed first baseman Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
to a 8-year deal worth $180 million with a no-trade import. The signings of Sabathia, Teixeira and Burnett filled the Yankees' biggest needs: starting pitching and first base.
On December 22, the Yankees re-signed Chien-Ming Wang
Chien-Ming Wang
Chien-Ming Wang is a Taiwanese Major League Baseball pitcher. He was initially signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees for the 2000 season, and played for the Staten Island Yankees...
to a 1-year deal worth $5 million, avoiding salary arbitration; they would later reach deals with Brian Bruney
Brian Bruney
Brian Anthony Bruney is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and Chicago White Sox....
, Melky Cabrera
Melky Cabrera
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17...
, and Xavier Nady
Xavier Nady
Xavier Clifford Nady VI is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman, who is a free agent.-Amateur career:The St. Louis Cardinals originally drafted Nady in the 4th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft after he was named Northern California Player of the Year in his senior...
.
On January 26, the Yankees re-signed Andy Pettitte
Andy Pettitte
Andrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
to a 1-year deal worth $5.5 million dollar contract with performance-based incentives.
The Yankees signed starting pitcher Sergio Mitre
Sergio Mitre
Sergio Armando Mitre is a American professional baseball pitcher.-Background:Mitre is of Mexican American descent. He grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, where he trained in the arts of kenpo, boxing and wrestling due to frequent street fights.Mitre graduated from Montgomery High School in San Diego,...
to a split (minor/major league) contract, and signed former major leaguers such as Justin Leone
Justin Leone
Justin Paul Leone is an American professional baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. He is an alumnus of St. Martin's University....
, Angel Berroa
Angel Berroa
Ángel Maria Berroa Selmo is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. Berroa was selected as the 2003 American League Rookie of the Year.-Early career:...
, Doug Bernier
Doug Bernier
Douglas Bernier is a second baseman, who is currently in the New York Yankees organization. He is an alumnus of Oral Roberts University....
, Jason Johnson
Jason Johnson
Jason Michael Johnson is starting pitcher for the Camden Riversharksin the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He throws and bats right-handed.-Career:...
, Kevin Cash
Kevin Cash
Kevin Forrest Cash is an American professional baseball catcher who is in the Texas Rangers organization. He has played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Houston Astros.-Early life:Cash played for Northside Little League in Florida when they made...
, John Rodriguez, and Todd Linden
Todd Linden
Todd Anthony "Moose" Linden is an outfielder in the North American League for the Edmonton Capitals organization.-Early life:...
; they also acquired catcher Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart (baseball)
Christopher David "Chris" Stewart is a professional baseball player who currently plays in Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants. Stewart, a catcher, has played in the majors for the Chicago White Sox, the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres...
from the White Sox for a player-to-be-named later.
In addition, to prevent them from becoming eligible for the Rule 5 Draft
Rule 5 draft
The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
, they placed starting pitchers Wilkins De La Rosa, Christian Garcia, and Michael Dunn
Michael Dunn (baseball)
Michael G. Dunn is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins.-Baseball career:Dunn played collegiate baseball for the Community College of Southern Nevada from 2003 to 2005...
, as well as relief pitcher Anthony Claggett
Anthony Claggett
Anthony Paul Claggett is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.-Career:...
on the 40 man roster.
Coaching changes
Third base coach and former player Bobby MeachamBobby Meacham
Robert Andrew Meacham is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who spent his entire six year career with the New York Yankees...
did not get his contract renewed and special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone
Rich Monteleone
Richard Monteleone is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and coach. In 2008, he was the special pitching instructor for the New York Yankees, but was fired on October 14, 2008....
was fired as well. Former major leaguer Mick Kelleher
Mick Kelleher
Michael Dennis Kelleher is the first base coach for the New York Yankees. He succeeded Tony Peña, who became the bench coach....
was hired as the new first-base coach, with Tony Pena
Tony Peña
Antonio Francisco Peña Padilla is a former professional baseball player, manager and current coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Pirates, Cardinals, Red Sox, Indians, White Sox, and Astros. Peña was the manager of the Kansas City Royals between 2002 and 2005. He...
moving to bench coach, and Rob Thomson
Rob Thomson
Robert Thomson is the third base coach for the New York Yankees. He served as bench coach for the season after serving as Major League Field Coordinator for the organization....
moving to third-base coach.
Controversies
In early 2009, before spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
, third baseman Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
admitted to using steroids while playing for the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
during the 2001
2001 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Arizona Diamondbacks*Postseason - October 9 to November 4Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
–2003
2003 in baseball
-Headline event of the year:*The Florida Marlins become World Series champions, holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team, 4 games to 2.-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Florida Marlins...
seasons. This happened right before a hip injury to Rodriguez, and that stopped his playing time from early March until mid-May. A-Rod
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
would come back with a bang, having a 3-run homer on the first pitch he had seen since early spring training.
Former manager Joe Torre
Joe Torre
Joseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
, who at the time was managing with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, published a book called The Yankee Years
The Yankee Years
The Yankee Years is a book written by Tom Verducci and Joe Torre. The book chronicles Torre's years as manager of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees from 1996 to 2007. It goes into great detail on Torre's relationship with the players, general manager Brian Cashman, team owner George...
about his time in New York that criticized Steinbrenner, Cashman, and Rodriguez, among others.
Midseason transactions
The Yankees traded prospects Eric Fryer and Casey Erickson for OF/3B Eric HinskeEric Hinske
Eric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization...
of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
.
They traded a player to be named later for Colorado Rockies minor leaguer Jason Hirsh
Jason Hirsh
Jason Michael Hirsh is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who is a free agent.Hirsh was a dominant minor league pitcher in 2005–06, winning the Double-A Texas League Pitcher of the Year Award and the Triple-A Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year Award in successive seasons, as he went...
.
Hours before the trading deadline, the Yankees traded catching prospect Chase Weems to the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for 3B Jerry Hairston Jr.
On August 7, 2009, the Yankees also traded for P Chad Gaudin
Chad Gaudin
Chad Edward Gaudin is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.-High school:Gaudin attended Crescent City Baptist High School in Metairie, Louisiana...
for a player to be named later.
They have signed several minor league free agents throughout the season such as Russ Ortiz
Russ Ortiz
Russell Reid Ortiz is a retired Major League baseball pitcher. Ortiz played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, Josh Towers
Josh Towers
Joshua Eric Towers is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher, who currently plays for the Camden Riversharks in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball...
, Brian Peterson, and Yurendell de Caster. They also released players such as Jason Johnson
Jason Johnson
Jason Michael Johnson is starting pitcher for the Camden Riversharksin the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He throws and bats right-handed.-Career:...
and Justin Leone
Justin Leone
Justin Paul Leone is an American professional baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. He is an alumnus of St. Martin's University....
. Todd Linden
Todd Linden
Todd Anthony "Moose" Linden is an outfielder in the North American League for the Edmonton Capitals organization.-Early life:...
was sold to a Japanese League team per his request.
Roster
| 2009 New York Yankees | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Designated Hitters |
Manager Coaches (pitching) (bullpen) (1st base) (hitting) (bench) (3rd base) |
||||||
Preseason
In March, Alex Rodriguez was diagnosed a hip injury and underwent surgery, sidelining him for 6 to 9 weeks. The Yankees announced that journeyman Cody RansomCody Ransom
Bryan Cody Ransom is an American professional baseball utility infielder who is a free agent.-Early life:...
would start the season as the third baseman; Ramiro Pena
Ramiro Peña
Ramiro Peña Gauna is a Major League Baseball utility infielder for the New York Yankees.-Baseball career:Peña was signed by the Yankees out of the Mexican League in 2005....
was assigned the back-up infielder spot.
April
Chien-Ming Wang
Chien-Ming Wang is a Taiwanese Major League Baseball pitcher. He was initially signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees for the 2000 season, and played for the Staten Island Yankees...
, though they rebounded to take the third game of the series as well as win the next two series they played against the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
and defending AL East Champions Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. On April 16, the Yankees played the first game in their new Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
, but they lost the game because of a shaky bullpen. They won the next game to split their first series at the ballpark. The Yankees were swept later in the month by the rival Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in three games at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
.
May
In his first game back from the disabled list on May 8, Alex RodriguezAlex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
hit a three-run home run on the first pitch he saw of the season, giving the Yankees a 3-0 lead in a game they would go on to win 4-0 with the help of a four-hit shutout by Sabathia. On May 15, 16, and 17, the Yankees had three consecutive walk-off wins against the Twins, including a home run by Rodriguez in his first series at the new Yankee Stadium.
Late in the month, Phil Hughes, who had struggled as a starter, was moved to the bullpen. His addition stabilized the bullpen and helped to turn it from a liability to a strength, as he posted a stellar 1.40 ERA as a reliever, serving as a highly effective eighth-inning set-up man for closer Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
.
June
On the first day of June, the Yankees set a Major League record with 18 consecutive errorless games. Late in the month, the Yankees struggled in interleague play, losing two of three to the Nationals and Marlins, falling to five games back in the division. When the Yankees lost the first game of a three-game series against the Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, Yankee GM Brian Cashman
Brian Cashman
Brian McGuire Cashman is an American Major League Baseball executive for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Cashman was born in Rockville Centre, New York and raised in Washingtonville, New York. He was raised in an Irish Catholic family. He moved with his family to Lexington, Kentucky, where his...
flew down to Atlanta to motivate the team in a closed-door meeting. Initially, his words seemed to do little, as in the next game (6/24), the Yankees were being no-hit through six innings. After Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner
Brett M. Gardner is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the New York Yankees. Gardner, who is 5' 10", bats and throws left-handed.-College baseball career:...
walked and was picked off at first base - a borderline call by umpire Bill Welke
Bill Welke
William Anthony "Bill" Welke is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He joined the major league staff in 1999 and wears uniform number 52....
- Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
Joseph Elliott Girardi is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the New York Yankees. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs, the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals...
protested and was ejected from the baseball game by Welke. The next batter, rookie catcher Francisco Cervelli
Francisco Cervelli
Francisco Cervelli is a Major League Baseball catcher for the New York Yankees. He was an international signee by the Yankees in and played in the 2009 World Baseball Classic for the Italian team. He is Hispanic of Italian descent...
, hit his first big-league home run to tie the game at 1, and the Yankees went on to win the game 8-4. Many sports analysts viewed this game as a major turning point in the Yankees' season.
July
The Yankees emerged on a hot streak after the All-Star break, winning eight consecutive games. This included sweeps of Detroit and Baltimore.August
The Yankees took control of the best record in baseball, highlighted by a four-game sweep of their archrivals the Boston Red Sox from August 6–9, including a game that was scoreless until the bottom of the fifteenth inning, ending on a walk-off home run by Alex Rodriguez. The sweep also gave the team a stranglehold over the American League EastAmerican League East
The American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division...
and for the rest of the season, no other team would come within five games of first place.
September
Derek JeterDerek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
became the all-time hits leader as a member of the Yankees (2,722), passing Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig
Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
on September 11, 2009. The hit was a single off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman
Chris Tillman
Christopher Steven Tillman is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. According to Baseball America, he was Baltimore's second best prospect, behind only Matt Wieters....
in the 3rd inning.
On September 22, 2009, after defeating the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees became the first team to clinch a playoff spot for the 2009 MLB post-season. By beating the Boston Red Sox
2009 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox' 2009 season is the 109th in the team's history. The Red Sox came in off a loss in the American League Championship Series during their 2008 season. The team is in the 97th season at Fenway Park, the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball.-Roster:-Regular season:The Red...
on September 27, the Yankees won their one-hundredth game of the season, and clinched the American League East Division title. This win proved especially significant because the Yankees had started out the season 0-8 against their rivals in Boston, and they ended up splitting the season series 9-9.
October
On October 4, Alex RodriguezAlex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
hit a three run home run, the 243rd home run of the team's season to date, breaking the team's previously set record in 2004 of 242. Later in the same inning he hit a grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
, breaking the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
record for most RBI in one inning by a single player, setting it at seven (7). The last two at bats of Rodriguez's season allowed him to finish with 30 home runs and 100 RBI.
Game log
| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
| Yankees Win | Yankees Loss | Game Postponed |
| 2009 Game Log | |
|---|---|
ALDS
The Yankees defeated the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
in the Division Series
2009 American League Division Series
The American League Division Series consisted of two concurrent best-of-five game series that determined the participating teams in the 2009 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a "wild card" team played in the two series. The ALDS began on Wednesday, October 7 and...
, 3 games to 0. The two teams previously met in the 2003
2003 American League Division Series
-Oakland Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox:-Game 1, September 30:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York-Game 2, October 2:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York-Game 3, October 4:Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota-Game 4, October 5:...
and 2004
2004 American League Division Series
-Anaheim Angels vs. Boston Red Sox:-Game 1, October 5:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkPitching dominated in Game 1 as Mike Mussina faced Johan Santana. The Twins got on the board first when Shannon Stewart singled home Michael Cuddyer. Then in the sixth, Jacque Jones hit a solo home run to make...
Division Series, with the Yankees winning both series in four games.
The Yankees won Game 1 behind a strong start from CC Sabathia, a pivotal two-run home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
by Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
, two huge RBI singles by Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
and a two-run homer by Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
.
Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 2, Alex Rodriguez hit a game-tying two-run homer off Twins closer Joe Nathan
Joe Nathan
Joseph Michael Nathan is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball . Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop in high school but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants...
. David Robertson
David Robertson (baseball)
David Alan Robertson is a Major League baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-High school career:Robertson was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and played his first three years at Central-Tuscaloosa High School. He was a 2-year starter for the Falcons at shortstop and pitcher...
escaped a bases-loaded, no out jam in the Top of the 11th, and Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
lined a walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
off Jose Mijares
Jose Mijares
José Manuel Mijares is a left-handed major league pitcher with the Minnesota Twins.-Baseball career:...
to lead off the bottom half to give the Yankees a 4-3 win.
Former Yankee Carl Pavano
Carl Pavano
Carl Anthony Pavano is an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently with the Minnesota Twins.-Early career:...
threw shutout ball through 6 innings in Game 3 in what would turn out to be the final baseball game ever played at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
. However, in the top of the 7th, Rodriguez and Jorge Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
each hit a home run to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the 8th, the Twins' Nick Punto
Nick Punto
Nicholas Paul Punto is a Major League Baseball utility player. He has played second base, third base, shortstop, and center field. Punto is a switch hitter and throws right-handed....
made a wide turn at 3rd base after a Denard Span
Denard Span
Keiunta Denard Span is an American Major League Baseball outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. He was selected by the Twins with the 20th overall pick in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft from Tampa Catholic High School...
infield single with no one out, and was thrown out attempting to retreat back, killing the Twins' threat. The Yankees tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the 9th, and Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
shut the door in the 9th to give the Yankees their first postseason series victory since the 2004 ALDS.
Rodriguez played a pivotal role in the Division Series, hitting two home runs (both of which were game-tying), batting .455 (5-for-11), and collecting 6 RBI. Before 2009, Rodriguez had only 4 postseason home runs in a Yankee uniform, and hadn't batted above .300 in a postseason since 2004.
ALCS
The Yankees defeated the Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
in six games in the ALCS
2009 American League Championship Series
The American League Championship Series , the second round of the 2009 American League playoffs, was a best-of-seven game series matching the two winners of the 2009 American League Division Series...
. This marks the franchise's 40th American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
pennant, and the first time the Yankees have defeated the Angels in a postseason series. Yankees ace CC Sabathia was named ALCS MVP
League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
The second round of the Major League Baseball post-season is known as the League Championship Series . This series has a best-of-seven playoff format, and currently follows the Division Series, in which the three division champions and one wild card team from each league play against each other...
, with a 2–0 record in two starts against the Angels, and posting an ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
of 1.13.
Sabathia hurled 8 brilliant innings in a Game 1 4-1 Yankee victory, helped by three uncharacteristic Angels errors.
In a classic Game 2, the score remained tied at 2 heading to the 11th inning. In the top half, Chone Figgins
Chone Figgins
Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
broke out of his postseason slump by blooping an RBI single to left field to score Gary Matthews, Jr.
Gary Matthews, Jr.
Gary Nathaniel Matthews, Jr. is an outfielder who is currently a free agent. Matthews is the son of Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Gary Matthews, who played 16 years in the majors as an outfielder. Matthews, Jr...
to give the Angels a 3-2 lead. However, in the bottom half, Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
lined a home run into the short right-field porch off Angels closer Brian Fuentes
Brian Fuentes
Brian Christopher Fuentes is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who currently plays for the Oakland Athletics. Previously, he played for the Seattle Mariners, the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Minnesota Twins...
to tie the game at 3. In the bottom of the 13th, Maicer Izturis
Maicer Izturis
Maicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...
threw away a potential double play ball from Melky Cabrera
Melky Cabrera
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17...
to score Jerry Hairston, Jr.
Jerry Hairston, Jr.
Jerry Wayne Hairston, Jr. is a Mexican-American professional baseball utility player.-Professional career:...
with the winning run, giving the Yankees a 2-0 series lead.
The Angels returned the favor in Game 3 with a walk-off win of their own. Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
hit a huge game tying two-run homer off Andy Pettitte
Andy Pettitte
Andrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
with two out in the bottom of the 6th, and Jeff Mathis
Jeff Mathis
Jeffrey Stephen Mathis is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and made his major league debut on August 12, 2005...
laced a game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the 11th to win the game for the Angels, 5-4. This came after a controversial decision from manager Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
Joseph Elliott Girardi is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the New York Yankees. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs, the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals...
to lift David Robertson
David Robertson (baseball)
David Alan Robertson is a Major League baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-High school career:Robertson was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and played his first three years at Central-Tuscaloosa High School. He was a 2-year starter for the Falcons at shortstop and pitcher...
for Alfredo Aceves
Alfredo Aceves
Alfredo Aceves Martínez is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He uses a fastball, which can reach the mid 90s, a curveball, a changeup, and a cut fastball. He is known for his control and his ability to throw any pitch in any count...
with two out and no one on in the 11th. Aceves served up a single to Howie Kendrick
Howie Kendrick
Howard "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Early life:...
, followed by the Mathis double. Four solo home runs accounted for the Yankees' scoring, hit by Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter
Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central...
, Rodriguez, Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
, and Jorge Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
.
Sabathia threw 8 more brilliant innings in Game 4, this time on three-days' rest. Melky Cabrera
Melky Cabrera
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17...
sparked the Yankees with four RBIs, including a two-run single in the 4th. Rodriguez added a two-run homer, tying a postseason record with RBIs in eight consecutive games. Damon put the game away with a two-run homer in the 8th, and the Yankees won 10-1, putting them one win away from their 40th American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
pennant.
A.J. Burnett allowed four runs before recording an out in the bottom of the first inning of Game 5, but settled down soon thereafter. The Yankees rallied for 6 runs with two outs in the top of the 7th inning, including a 3-run double by Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
, a game-tying single by Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
, and a two-run triple by Robinson Cano
Robinson Canó
Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:...
. However, in the bottom half, the Angels rallied for 3 runs of their own to regain a 7-6 lead. Phil Hughes allowed a game-tying RBI single by Guerrero and a go-ahead RBI single to Kendry Morales
Kendry Morales
Kendrys Morales Rodriguez is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch hitter and throws right-handed.-Cuban career:...
. The Yankees threatened in the top of the 9th, but with two out and the bases loaded, Fuentes induced Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
to pop out to shortstop Erick Aybar
Erick Aybar
Erick Johan Aybar is a Major League Baseball shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Dominican Republic:Aybar has also previously played in the Dominican Republic...
on a 3-2 pitch to send the series back to New York.
In Game 6, Damon sparked the Yankees with a 2-run single in the bottom of the 4th to give the Yankees a lead that they would not relinquish. Pettitte hurled 6 1/3 strong innings, allowing only one earned run. Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
came on in the 8th for a 6 out save, but allowed an RBI single to Guerrero to make it a 3-2 Yankee lead. It was the first postseason run allowed by Rivera at home since 2000, and the only one he would give up in the 2009 postseason. In the bottom half, errors by Kendrick and Scott Kazmir
Scott Kazmir
Scott Edward Kazmir is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Kazmir made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004 when he was only 20 years old and at one time held many of the franchise's career pitching records...
gave the Yankees two insurance runs, and Rivera shut the door in the 9th to give the Yankees their 40th American League pennant.
World Series
The Yankees beat the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
in the 2009 World Series
2009 World Series
The 2009 World Series was the 105th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Philadelphia Phillies, champions of the National League and defending World Series champions, and the New York Yankees, champions of the American League...
, 4 games to 2. The Phillies were playing for their second consecutive World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
title and 3rd overall, and the Yankees won their first title since 2000
2000 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 21, 2000 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe opener fell on two anniversaries. Twenty-five years prior, Boston Red Sox's catcher Carlton Fisk ended Game 6 of the 1975 World Series with his famous home run off the left field foul pole in Fenway Park in Boston to beat...
, and 27th overall. The two teams' previous postseason meeting came in the 1950 World Series
1950 World Series
The 1950 World Series was the 47th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as 1950 champions of the National League and the New York Yankees, as 1950 American League champions, competed to win a best-of-seven...
, with the Yankees sweeping the Phillies. After Jimmy Rollins
Jimmy Rollins
James Calvin "Jimmy" Rollins , nicknamed "J-Roll", is an All-Star and former MVP shortstop, who most recently played for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball's National League....
predicted that the Phillies would win the series in five games or "six if they were nice", the Yankees went on to win the series in six.
Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
shut down the Yankees in a complete game 6-1 victory for the Phillies in Game 1, but the Yankees responded in Game 2 with a 3-1 win. Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...
and Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
homered off Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martínez
Pedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
, and A.J. Burnett pitched 7 great innings.
The Yankees won Game 3 behind 6 gritty innings from Andy Pettitte
Andy Pettitte
Andrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
, coupled with the first instant replay-overturned home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
in World Series history by Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
and homers from Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed....
and Matsui.
In Game 4, the Yankees carried a 4-3 lead into the 8th inning. But with two out and no one on, Pedro Feliz
Pedro Feliz
Pedro Julio Feliz is a Dominican Republic minor league baseball third baseman for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. Feliz has hit 20 or more home runs in four of his first five seasons as a starting third baseman and is an above average fielder at third base...
lined a solo home run to left off Joba Chamberlain
Joba Chamberlain
Justin Louis "Joba" Chamberlain is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Chamberlain was born and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. Chamberlain's parents, Harlan Chamberlain and Jackie Standley, were never married and split up when Joba was 18 months old...
on a 3-2 pitch to tie the game. However, in the top of the 9th, Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
grinded out a 9 pitch at bat with two outs off Phillies closer Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge
Bradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
, lining a single to left center field. Damon then stole second base, and with the infield overshift on with Teixeira batting, Damon alertly stole an unoccupied third base. After Teixeira was hit by a pitch, Alex Rodriguez lined a double down the left field line to give the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Jorge Posada
Jorge Posada
Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for...
added two insurance runs thereafter, and Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
pitched a perfect 9th to put the Yankees one win away from winning the series.
Burnett imploded in Game 5, allowing six earned runs in only two innings pitched. The Yankees rallied late, but fell short as the Phillies sent the series back to The Bronx
The Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
with an 8-6 win.
Matsui earned the World Series MVP award with a performance for the ages in Game 6. He became only the second player in baseball history to collect six RBIs in a World Series game, finishing a triple short of the cycle
Hitting for the cycle
In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...
. This included a 2-run home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
in the 2nd, a 2-run single in the 3rd, and a 2-run double in the 5th. Matsui finished the series with a .615 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. Pitching on three-days' rest, Pettitte earned his 4th win of the postseason, becoming the first pitcher in baseball history to start and win the clinching game of all rounds in a single postseason (Derek Lowe did the same in 2004 but with one of his wins coming in relief). Rivera recorded the final five outs to give the Yankees their 27th World Series Championship, by far the most in the history of baseball and the most in North American sports.
Game log
| Postseason Game Log | |
|---|---|
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Walks; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | AVG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angel Berroa Angel Berroa Ángel Maria Berroa Selmo is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. Berroa was selected as the 2003 American League Rookie of the Year.-Early career:... |
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| Melky Cabrera Melky Cabrera Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17... |
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| Robinson Cano Robinson Canó Robinson José Canó Mercedes is a Dominican baseball player who currently plays as a second baseman for the New York Yankees.-Family and early life:... |
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| Kevin Cash Kevin Cash Kevin Forrest Cash is an American professional baseball catcher who is in the Texas Rangers organization. He has played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Houston Astros.-Early life:Cash played for Northside Little League in Florida when they made... |
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| Francisco Cervelli Francisco Cervelli Francisco Cervelli is a Major League Baseball catcher for the New York Yankees. He was an international signee by the Yankees in and played in the 2009 World Baseball Classic for the Italian team. He is Hispanic of Italian descent... |
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| Johnny Damon Johnny Damon Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford... |
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| Brett Gardner Brett Gardner Brett M. Gardner is an American Major League Baseball left fielder for the New York Yankees. Gardner, who is 5' 10", bats and throws left-handed.-College baseball career:... |
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| Jerry Hairston, Jr. Jerry Hairston, Jr. Jerry Wayne Hairston, Jr. is a Mexican-American professional baseball utility player.-Professional career:... |
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| Eric Hinske Eric Hinske Eric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization... |
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| Derek Jeter Derek Jeter Derek Sanderson Jeter is an American baseball shortstop who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. A twelve-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, Jeter's clubhouse presence, on-field leadership, hitting ability, and baserunning have made him a central... |
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| Hideki Matsui Hideki Matsui is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York... |
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| Jose Molina | |||||||||||
| Xavier Nady Xavier Nady Xavier Clifford Nady VI is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman, who is a free agent.-Amateur career:The St. Louis Cardinals originally drafted Nady in the 4th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft after he was named Northern California Player of the Year in his senior... |
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| Ramiro Pena Ramiro Peña Ramiro Peña Gauna is a Major League Baseball utility infielder for the New York Yankees.-Baseball career:Peña was signed by the Yankees out of the Mexican League in 2005.... |
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| Jorge Posada Jorge Posada Jorge Rafael Posada Villeta is a Major League Baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees primary catcher for most of his career, though following off-season knee surgery, he was moved to designated hitter for... |
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| Cody Ransom Cody Ransom Bryan Cody Ransom is an American professional baseball utility infielder who is a free agent.-Early life:... |
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| Alex Rodriguez Alex Rodriguez Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best... |
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| Nick Swisher Nick Swisher Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed.... |
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| Mark Teixeira Mark Teixeira Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield... |
Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; CG = Complete games SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts| Player | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SV | IP | R | ER | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfredo Aceves Alfredo Aceves Alfredo Aceves Martínez is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He uses a fastball, which can reach the mid 90s, a curveball, a changeup, and a cut fastball. He is known for his control and his ability to throw any pitch in any count... |
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| Jonathan Albaladejo Jonathan Albaladejo Jonathan Albaladejo Santana is a professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball. Prior to signing with Yomiuri, Albaladego pitched for the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees of Major League Baseball.-Career:Albaladejo hired his... |
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| Brian Bruney Brian Bruney Brian Anthony Bruney is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and Chicago White Sox.... |
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| A.J. Burnett | ||||||||||||
| Joba Chamberlain Joba Chamberlain Justin Louis "Joba" Chamberlain is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-Early life:Chamberlain was born and grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. Chamberlain's parents, Harlan Chamberlain and Jackie Standley, were never married and split up when Joba was 18 months old... |
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| Anthony Claggett Anthony Claggett Anthony Paul Claggett is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.-Career:... |
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| Phil Coke Phil Coke Phillip "Phil" Douglas Coke is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. Coke was born in Sonora, California-College:Coke attended San Joaquin Delta College... |
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| Phil Hughes | ||||||||||||
| Damaso Marte Dámaso Marté Dámaso Marté Sabinon is a Dominican Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Seattle Mariners , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Chicago White Sox .-Seattle Mariners:... |
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| Mark Melancon Mark Melancon Mark David Melancon is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Houston Astros.-Early years:... |
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| Sergio Mitre Sergio Mitre Sergio Armando Mitre is a American professional baseball pitcher.-Background:Mitre is of Mexican American descent. He grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, where he trained in the arts of kenpo, boxing and wrestling due to frequent street fights.Mitre graduated from Montgomery High School in San Diego,... |
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| Andy Pettitte Andy Pettitte Andrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees... |
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| Edwar Ramirez Edwar Ramírez Edwar Emilio Ramírez is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 2002–2005:... |
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| Mariano Rivera Mariano Rivera Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer... |
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| David Robertson David Robertson (baseball) David Alan Robertson is a Major League baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.-High school career:Robertson was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and played his first three years at Central-Tuscaloosa High School. He was a 2-year starter for the Falcons at shortstop and pitcher... |
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| CC Sabathia | ||||||||||||
| Nick Swisher Nick Swisher Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher is an outfielder for the New York Yankees. Swisher is a switch hitter who throws left-handed.... |
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| Brett Tomko Brett Tomko Brett Daniel Tomko is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, St... |
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| Jose Veras Jose Veras José Enger Veras Romero is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Playing career:Veras was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in . He rose through the Tampa Bay minor league system, mostly as a starter. Veras struggled when he reached AAA,... |
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| Chien-Ming Wang Chien-Ming Wang Chien-Ming Wang is a Taiwanese Major League Baseball pitcher. He was initially signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees for the 2000 season, and played for the Staten Island Yankees... |
External links
- 2009 New York Yankees Season Official Site
- 2009 New York Yankees Season at Baseball Reference
- 2009 Yankees Victory Parade - image slideshow by Life magazine