| The Event | The Yankees won the 2009 World Series |
| The Opponent | The Philadelphia Phillies |
| The Score | Yankees 4–2 Phillies |
| Dates | October 28 – November 4, 2009 |
| Venues | Yankee Stadium (New York) Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia) |
| MVP | Hideki Matsui, New York Yankees |
| The Most Memorable Game | Game 6, Nov. 4, 2009, Yankees 7-3 Phillies, Hideki Matsui had six RBIs and tied Bobby Richardson’s record set in the 1960 World Series. |
| Team record in the regular season | 103-59 |
| Postseason record | 11-4 |
| AL Standing | No. 1 |
| ALDS opponent, score | Minnesota Twins; the Yankees won the series 3-0. |
| ALCS opponent, score | Los Angeles Angels; the Yankees won 4-2. |
| Yankees captain | Derek Jeter |
| Yankees manager | Joe Girardi |
The New York Yankees won their 27th championship by winning the 2009 World Series. The victory marked a milestone in the club’s history, and they now have more championships than any other team in baseball history. Winning it in the first season at the brand-new Yankee Stadium was an exciting experience for the fans. The old Yankee Stadium was demolished to make way for the new, state-of-the-art stadium. The team’s fans and players celebrated the victory in a lively atmosphere.
The New York Yankees, who had been mediocre for a while, returned to first place in 2009. They haven’t won a championship since 2000, and in 2008 they missed the playoffs entirely. But the Yankees’ winning streak was reestablished and culminated in victory in the 2009 World Series. At the end of the season, they posted the best record in baseball (105-59) and clinched first place in their division.
The Yankees’ rotation in the 2009 World Series was among the best in baseball. CC Sabathia, their best starting pitcher, was dominant throughout the playoffs and in his two World Series starts, including Game 4. A.J. Burnett also pitched well in Game 2, and Mariano Rivera was as reliable as ever out of the bullpen, saving several games.
The Yankees’ lineup During the 2009 World Series, the team featured a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young players who delivered when it mattered most. In particular, Hideki Matsui’s home run, double, and six RBIs in Game 6 paved the way for the Yankees’ championship. Derek Jeter, the Yankees’ longtime captain, played a crucial role in the team’s victory. His leadership and impressive play on the field were key factors in the team’s success. He batted .407 in the series and was a reliable presence both on the field and in the locker room.
The 2009 World Series was memorable for the Yankees and their fans because it marked the team’s return to dominance, the opening of Yankee Stadium, the team’s outstanding pitching, clutch hits, Derek Jeter’s leadership, and the team’s 27th World Series victory.
The Prelude: The Yankees’ 2009 Regular Season
| Yankees’ batting average in the regular season | .283 |
| Best individual batting average | Derek Jeter (.334) |
| Yankees’ ERA in the regular season | 4.26 |
| Best individual pitching record | Mariano Rivera (1.76) |
The New York Yankees’ 2009 regular season was a testament to their tenacity, talent, and determination to win. They proved themselves to be a legitimate contender with a fresh, improved roster, powerful starting pitchers, and a record-breaking 100-win season. Their regular-season efforts set the stage for a historic postseason that ultimately culminated in the team’s 27th championship with a World Series victory. It was one of the most entertaining seasons in Yankees history, and fans will never forget it.
A Season of Redemption for the Yankees
The Yankees have established themselves as one of baseball’s most iconic franchises. The 2009 regular season marked a turning point in their long history. The team possessed the most powerful combination of talent, determination, and renewed spirit, making it the best team. Its fans now had something to look forward to.
After missing the playoffs in 2008, the Yankees were motivated to reclaim their status as the best team in baseball. The Bronx Bombers had a lot to prove in their inaugural season at the brand-new Yankee Stadium. The team embarked on a journey with the ambitious goal of making up for past mistakes.
The Yankees’ Rejuvenated Roster
The 2009 Yankees were packed with veterans and promising young players. The summer acquisition of CC Sabathia, an elite pitcher, greatly improved the team’s starting rotation. This contributed to the stability of their starting rotation. Sabathia formed a formidable trio with A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte.
The Yankees’ powerful offense made them nearly unbeatable. The backbone of the team consisted of veterans such as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodríguez, and Mark Teixeira. Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, and Robinson Cano made life difficult for opposing pitchers with their accuracy and talent.
A Dominant Regular Season
The 2009 season marked the beginning of the Yankees’ dominance and set the tone for the 2009 World Series. The team’s success in its first six games bodes well for the rest of the season. The team finished with the best record in baseball, 103 wins and 59 losses.
But it was the pitching staff that stood out throughout the regular season, not the offense. The team had a solid foundation for success thanks to the efforts of Burnett, Pettitte, and ace CC Sabathia. Mariano Rivera, the legendary closer, continued to amaze everyone with his incredible saves.
For the Yankees and their devoted fans, the 2009 regular season was about more than just wins and statistics. The team reached 100 wins by winning Game 162. The last time they did so was in 2004. It showed that they had regained their former sporting glory and heightened anticipation for the postseason.
The Battle of the ALDS
| The Opponent | Minnesota Twins |
| The Score | NYY 3–0 MT |
| Dates | October 7–11, 2009 |
| Venues | Yankee Stadium, New York Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis |
| MVP | CC Sabathia |
| The Memorable Game | Game 3: Neither team scored until the sixth inning |
| Game 1 | Final Score: New York Yankees 4, Minnesota Twins 1. Venue: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Attendance: 54,700 |
| Game 2 | Final Score: New York Yankees 4, Minnesota Twins 3. Venue: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 50,006. |
| Game 3 | Final Score: New York Yankees 4, Minnesota Twins 1. Venue: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Attendance: 54,735 |
In 2009, the American League Division Series (ALDS) pitted the AL East champion, the New York Yankees, against the AL Central champion, the Minnesota Twins. Alex Rodriguez’s stellar hitting was a key factor in the Yankees’ victory in the series. He batted .455, with two home runs, six RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .455.
Game 1: Yankees 4–1 Twins
The Yankees quickly came back from a 2-0 deficit in Game 1. They won 7-2 thanks to a stellar performance by their ace, CC Sabathia, and strong hitting from stars such as Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, Alex Rodríguez, and Hideki Matsui. The victory was a statement about the Yankees’ offensive prowess and tenacity, and it set the tone for the rest of the series.
Game 2: Yankees 4–3 Twins
The second game went into extra innings due to a fierce battle. The Yankees won the series thanks to clutch performances by Alex Rodríguez and Mark Teixeira. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Rodríguez hit a two-run home run to breathe new life into the Yankees. In a nail-biter, the Yankees prevailed 4-3 thanks to Teixeira’s home run in the eleventh inning. The stunning victory demonstrated the Yankees’ ability to rise to the occasion and prevail under pressure.
Game 3: Yankees 4–1 Twins
The Yankees continued to demonstrate their superiority in Game 3. With the help of RBI singles by Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano, their lead grew to four runs. The legendary Mariano Rivera entered the game and recorded the final four outs. The Yankees won and advanced to the ALCS thanks to this play. The fact that it was the Twins’ final game at the Metrodome made the Yankees’ victory all the sweeter.
The Battle for the Title
| The Opponent | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim |
| The Score | Yankees 4 – 2 Angels |
| Dates | October 16–25. |
| Venues | Yankee Stadium and Angel Stadium of Anaheim |
| MVP | CC Sabathia (New York) |
| The Memorable Game | Game 6 |
| Game 1 | Score: Angels 1, Yankees 4. Venue: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 49,688 |
| Game 2 | Final score: Angels 3, Yankees 4. Venue: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 49,922. |
| Game 3 | Final Score: Angels 5, Yankees 4. Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Attendance: 44,911 |
| Game 4 | Final Score: Angels 1, Yankees 10. Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim Attendance: 45,160 |
| Game 5 | Final Score: Angels 7, Yankees 6 Location: Angel Stadium of Anaheim Attendance: 45,113 |
| Game 6 | Result: Angels 2, Yankees 5 Venue: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 50,173 |
In 2009, the New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels in six games and won the ALCS. The Yankees’ first playoff series victory over the Angels and their 40th American League pennant made this a historic event. The Yankees were led by CC Sabathia, their top pitcher. For his outstanding performance in the ALCS, he was named the series MVP.
CC Sabathia’s skill as a pitcher was on full display in the first game, in which he held the Angels to just one run on four hits. This set the tone for the entire series. Mariano Rivera, the Yankees’ legendary closer, recorded the final out in the ninth inning to seal a 4-1 victory.
The Yankees took the lead in Game 2 thanks to a home run by Derek Jeter, but the Angels rallied and tied the game in the fifth. In the eleventh inning, Alex Rodriguez hit a heroic home run to tie the game again, and in the thirteenth, an error by Melky Cabrera allowed the winning run to score, giving the Yankees a dramatic 4-3 victory.
Despite another early lead thanks to Jeter’s home run, the Yankees lost Game 3 to the Angels 5–4.
Sabathia put in another outstanding performance in Game 4. Over eight innings, he allowed just one run. The Yankees won 10-1 thanks to Melky Cabrera’s four RBIs and his two-run single. Alex Rodriguez’s outstanding postseason performance continued with a two-run home run. He has tied a record for runs scored in eight consecutive games. Johnny Damon’s two-run home run in the eighth inning of Game 4 gave the Yankees the 10-1 victory they needed.
In Game 5, the Angels bounced back and played an intense, hard-fought game. They ultimately prevailed, 7-6. But in Game 6, veteran pitcher Andy Pettitte delivered, and even though Mariano Rivera allowed an RBI single (his first run allowed in the playoffs since 2000), the Yankees capitalized on several Angels errors and won 5–2 to clinch the ALCS.
The 2009 World Series
| The Opponent | The Philadelphia Phillies |
| The Score | Yankees 4-2 Phillies |
| Dates | October 28–November 4, 2009. |
| Venues | Yankee Stadium (New York) Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia) |
| MVP | Hideki Matsui |
| The Memorable Game | Game 6 |
| Game 1 | Date: October 28, 2009. Score: Yankees 1, Phillies 6. Venue: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 50,207. |
| Game 2 | Date: October 29, 2009. Score: Yankees 3, Phillies 1. Venue: Yankee Stadium. Attendance: 50,181. |
| Game 3 | Date: October 31, 2009. Score: Yankees 8, Phillies 5 Venue: Citizens Bank Park Attendance: 46,061. |
| Game 4 | Date: November 1, 2009 Score: Yankees 7, Phillies 4. Venue: Citizens Bank Park Attendance: 46,145. |
| Game 5 | Date: October 2, 2009. Score: Phillies 6, Yankees 8. Venue: Citizens Bank Park. Attendance: 46,178. |
| Game 6 or later, if applicable | Date: November 4, 2009. Score: Yankees 7, Phillies 3 Venue: Yankee Stadium. Attendance: 50,315 |
The New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies faced off three times during the regular season in May 2009. The Philadelphia Phillies, the defending World Series champions, won the series by taking two of the three games. However, the Yankees got their revenge on the Phillies by winning the 2009 World Series. It was a thrilling series, in which the Yankees prevailed and claimed their 27th World Series title.
Game 1: Yankees 1–6 Phillies
In the first game of the 2009 World Series, the Phillies defeated the Yankees 6-1 thanks to a strong performance by Cliff Lee. He also became the first left-handed starter in World Series history to defeat the Yankees in Game 1 since Sandy Koufax in 1963.
The first hit of the 2009 World Series came in the first inning, when Phillies slugger Ryan Howard hit a double, though he remained on the bench as the game remained scoreless for two innings. Philadelphia finally broke through against New York’s CC Sabathia in the third inning, when Chase Utley hit a solo home run with two outs to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Cliff Lee was brilliant on the mound for Philadelphia, allowing no runs while giving up just three hits and striking out seven over the first five innings. Utley stayed hot at the plate, going deep again in the sixth to extend the lead to 2-0. Lee and Sabathia continued their pitching duel until the latter was pulled in the eighth and replaced by Phil Hughes, who immediately retired two batters.
After Dámaso Marte recorded two quick outs, David Robertson took over, but he walked Jayson Werth before giving up a two-run single to Raúl Ibáñez, and the Phillies’ lead grew to 4-0. Philadelphia extended its lead in the ninth when Shane Victorino delivered an RBI single and Howard scored on a two-run double. Lee finished what he started, pitching a complete game on six hits while striking out ten and allowing no walks in a dominant outing, giving up only one unearned run as the Phillies struck first in the 2009 World Series.
Lee allowed only one unearned run on six hits, striking out 10 and walking no batters.
Game 2: Yankees 3–1 Phillies
The Phillies took an early lead again in Game 2 of the 2009 World Series, but the Yankees responded with back-to-back home runs by Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui. A controversial call arose when Johnny Damon hit a low line drive that Ryan Howard caught and threw to second base to apparently double play Jorge Posada out, with first-base umpire Brian Gorman ruling that Howard caught the ball in the air. Replays showed that the ball bounced first, but the call stood despite heated protests from Posada and manager Joe Girardi.
Yankees starter A.J. Burnett exited after seven innings, having allowed just one run, and was relieved by Mariano Rivera in the eighth. Philadelphia put two runners on base in that inning via a walk and a single, but Chase Utley grounded into a double play to end the inning. Another close call occurred on that double play, as replays showed Utley may have hit the ball at first base. Once again, Gorman’s call stood, marking two disputed plays that went in New York’s favor in Game 2 of the 2009 World Series. In the end, Rivera recorded a six-out save—his 38th in the postseason—and the Yankees evened the series thanks to home runs and controversial calls.
Game 3: Yankees 8-5 Phillies
The Yankees won Game 3 of the 2009 World Series thanks to six solid innings from Andy Pettitte and home runs by Alex Rodríguez, Nick Swisher, and Hideki Matsui—including the first home run in World Series history to be overturned by instant replay.
A ball hit by Alex Rodriguez traveled deep down the right-field line. Since everyone initially assumed it was a double, Teixeira stayed at third base. MLB Instant Replay reviewed the play and revealed that the ball had struck a camera jointly owned by Fox and MLB, located just beyond the right-field fence. Consequently, it was ruled a two-run home run.
With just five pitches, Rivera recorded the final two outs and ended the game. Pettitte extended his Major League Baseball record with his 17th postseason victory in the 2009 World Series.
Game 4: Yankees 7–4 Phillies
First up in manager Joe Girardi’s rotation of three starters was CC Sabathia, who took the mound after three days of rest. Jeter singled to open the scoring after Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Rodriguez had been hit by two pitches the night before in Game 3 of the 2009 World Series.
In the end, Damon came out on top. He pulled off a double steal while Teixeira was at the plate. The defense’s shift away from Teixeira cleared the way for them to advance. Multiple media outlets compared it to Enos Slaughter’s “Mad Dash” in the 1946 World Series and referred to it as a “crazy run.” Teixeira was also hit by a pitch. In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Yankees brought in Mariano Rivera to close out the game. It took him only eight pitches to earn his second save in Game 4 of the 2009 World Series.
Game 5: Yankees 8-6 Phillies
In Game 5, Burnett completely fell apart, giving up six runs in just two innings of work. After a late rally by the Yankees, the Phillies prevailed 8-6 and took the series back to New York.
Although the Yankees struck first, it was the Phillies who responded in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. The Yankees’ comeback, led by Jeter, Damon, and Teixeira, fell short because Burnett’s poor performance was due to not getting enough rest between starts. The 2009 World Series stood at 3-2.
Game 6: Yankees 7–3 Phillies
Andy Pettitte sat out for three days before starting the final game of the 2009 World Series. Pedro Martínez, the Phillies’ starting pitcher, joked that he and his opponent, Andy Pettitte, were “old goats” and admitted that he knew Red Sox fans were rooting for him. Pettitte now has 18 postseason wins, breaking his own record.
After Alex Rodriguez walked in the bottom of the second inning, the Yankees took the lead thanks to a two-run home run by designated hitter Hideki Matsui. In the top of the third, Carlos Ruiz hit a triple for the Phillies and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Rollins. But with his sixth RBI of the game, Matsui tied Bobby Richardson ’s 1960 World Series record for the most RBIs in a single World Series game.
With his historic performance in Game 6, Matsui was named MVP of the 2009 World Series. He was one triple shy of hitting for the cycle, but he became only the second player in baseball history to score six runs in a single World Series game. A two-run home run in the second inning, a two-run single in the third, and a two-run double in the fifth contributed to this total. Throughout the series, Matsui batted .615, with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. Pettitte earned his fourth playoff victory on three days’ rest and became the first pitcher in baseball history to start and win the decisive game in every playoff round during the same postseason. With Rivera’s final five outs, the Yankees won their 27th World Series championship, setting a new record for North American sports teams.
Off the Winning Track
Alex Rodríguez suffered from a hip injury that sidelined him from early March through mid-May. After missing much of spring training, A-Rod returned hungry for redemption, hitting a three-run home run in his first game of the 2009 World Series.
Former Yankees manager Joe Torre, who was then managing the Los Angeles Dodgers, wrote a book titled “The Yankees Years,” in which he lashed out at Steinbrenner, Cashman, and Rodríguez, among others, during his tenure in New York.
A follow-up investigation revealed that New York Governor David Paterson used his position to obtain five free Yankees tickets for the first game of the 2009 World Series. After the matter was investigated, he or someone acting on his behalf paid for them with a postdated check. Subsequently, the Commission fined Paterson $62,125.
The Yankees and their fans will never forget their victory in the 2009 World Series. It cemented the team’s place among the all-time greats and further cemented its legendary status.
