Yankees celebrate 27th title with parade down Canyon of Heroes
Two days after winning their pro sports-record 27th World Series championship, the New York Yankees paraded down the Canyon of Heroes Friday for the ninth time in their illustrious history.
Going from Broadway to Wall Street to City Hall Plaza, the Yankees celebrated their six-game World Series win over the Philadelphia Phillies by receiving the keys to the city from New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
"How 'bout those Bronx Bombers?" Bloomberg said. "We've been waiting a long time for this. The entire team represents the best of New York: they never gave up, they never gave in, and we're proud of them."
Ticker-tape parades in lower Manhattan have become something of the norm over the course of the city's history, with the first coming in 1886 for the Statue of Liberty dedication. The Yankees have had nine such events, the last coming in 2000 after they defeated the Mets in five games in the World Series.
The championship was the first for embattled star third baseman Alex Rodriguez, as well as CC Sabathia and Mark Teixiera -- two of the three big free agents the Yankees brought to the team in the last offseason.
On the other side of the spectrum were Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte, each of whom won his fifth world championship with the club. They also won with the Yanks in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
"I tell you what, it's been too long, hasn't it?" Jeter said. "It feels good to be back, thank you. On behalf of our entire team, we want to thank everyone that came out here today. I really forgot how great it feels."
In addition, manager Joe Girardi, who was a catcher on the 1996, 1998 and 1999 Yankees teams, won his first title in a coaching capacity in his second year in the Bronx. He had worn No. 27 on his jersey to symbolize his goal for the season.
"The thing I love about this club is I think they took on the pulse of the city of New York," Girardi said. "This was a club that never gave up and always had a heart...I think that's because of the fans in New York.
"I got a call from 'The Boss' (owner George Steinbrenner) today; he told me the only thing greater than this celebration is doing it two years in a row. So he asked me to remind everyone that pitchers and catchers report in 96 days -- be ready to defend (the title)."
Steinbrenner could not be at the parade Friday because of his health concerns, but his son and managing partner, Hal, spoke on behalf of his father.
"It's great to be back. It's hard to believe it's been nine years," Hal Steinbrenner said. "Without you fans, none of this would be possible. You've supported us all year long through the good times and bad times, and this one is for my dad and to you (the fans).
"My family has always made a commitment to field a championship-caliber team, and that will never change. With a little bit of luck, hopefully we can stand here a year from now."
The Yankees finished with baseball's best record in the regular season, going 103-59 to win their 16th AL East title. New York swept the AL Central-winning Twins in three games in the Division Series and defeated the AL West-champion Angels in six games in the Championship Series to win their 40th American League pennant.
New York then went on to win its 27th title, which is the most in professional sports, three more than the 24 Stanley Cups the Montreal Canadiens have earned. The Boston Celtics have the most NBA titles with 17, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have won six Super Bowls, most in the NFL.
This title was extra special for the Yankees, as it came in the first year of their new $1.5 billion ballpark. Ironically, the Yankees opened their original stadium in 1923 with a World Series win. A team winning a title in the first year of its new stadium has happened only one other time -- the Cardinals in 2006.
As expected in New York, the Yankees were joined by celebrities and past greats such as Jay-Z, Reggie Jackson and 10-time World Series champion Yogi Berra. The 2009 version of the Bronx Bombers entered the stage at City Hall Plaza to Queen's "We Are The Champions" with Jeter hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy above his head for all the fans to see.
To finish the parade, Jay-Z performed his hit single, "Empire State of Mind." The legendary hip-hop artist also did a similar performance with Alicia Keys before Game 2 of the World Series. |
