Yankees Win World Series

The New York Yankees defeated the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 7-3, Wednesday, to win the 2009 World Series.
New York's Japanese-born designated hitter, Hideki Matsui, was the catalyst in the Yankees' dominating victory. Matsui drove in six of the team's seven runs in the pivotal sixth game of the Series, including a massive home run off Phillies pitcher Pedro Martinez in the second inning that gave the Yankees their first two scores of the game.
Matsui also drove in two runs during his at-bats in the third and fifth innings. His exploits earned him the Most Valuable Player award for the 2009 Series, becoming the first Asian-born player, and first full-time designated hitter, to win the award.
Speaking through a translator, Matsui said he was happy to take one for the team. " . . .was happy to be able to hit and contribute to the team's win but more than that, just, us as a team, winning the championship - by far - that is such a great feeling," he said. "I guess you can say that this is the best moment of my life right now. If I were to look back, yes, this would be the best.''
The Yankees have won 27 World Series titles over their storied history, dating back to the 1920's, making them one of the most successful sports franchises in North America. New York won this year's prize in the first year of their new $1.3-billion stadium.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi says the team was honored to win another World Series title for the franchise's 79-year-old owner, George Steinbrenner.
"This is what the Steinbrenner family has strived for year after year after year and has tried to deliver to this city of New York and George Steinbrenner and his family are champions and to be able to deliver this to the Boss, the stadium that he created and the atmosphere that he created around here, um, is very gratifying for all of us," Girardi said.
The Phillies were seeking to become the first National League team to win consecutive World Series since the Cincinnati Reds did it in 1975 and 1976.
New York City's mayor has scheduled a parade through Manhattan Friday, to honor the Yankees.

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Bush Throws 1st Pitch in Japan Series

Image via Wikipedia, Tokyo Dome

Former President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch for a baseball game in Japan Tuesday during his first visit since he left office.
Mr. Bush joined former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to watch the game between the Yomiuri Giants and Nippon Ham Fighters.
Mr. Bush changed into a baseball jacket before taking the mound in the Tokyo Dome to throw the pitch before Game 3 of the Japan Series.
He chatted briefly with several players before joining Mr. Koizumi in a private box. Also in the box were Japanese home run king Sadaharu Oh and U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos.
The Japan Series is the country's baseball championship, much like North America's World Series.

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Baseball's Nicknames Connect to Players’ Quirks, Skills

Image via Wikipedia, Babe Ruth

Nicknames are short and clever substitutes for real names. But, in North American Major League baseball, they can also be connections to a player’s skill, personality, quirks or distinctive features.

Baseball has a history unlike any other major American sport. It is a history going back to the 19th century. Back then, you had such nicknames as "Dummy" Hoy, a deaf mute who played outfield for 14 seasons starting in 1888.
More familiar nicknames are known from the 20th century.
Of course, who could top the “Sultan of Swat,” Babe Ruth, the great New York Yankees home run hitter.
There were others like Honus “The Flying Dutchman” Wagner, one of the greatest shortstops of all-time, plying his trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Washington Senators had Walter “Big Train” Johnson, the strikeout artist with an overpowering fastball and one of the best pitchers to ever wear a uniform.
Who can forget Lou Gehrig, the “Iron Horse,” for his incredible durability with the New York Yankees, before he was struck down tragically by a fatal disease that bears his name.
Or, Joe DiMaggio, the New York Yankees outfielder extraordinaire; so good, in fact, he was called “Joltin” Joe DiMaggio and “The Yankee Clipper.”
The “Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays is considered by many to be the greatest all-around player in baseball history for his hitting, running and fielding. The nickname comes from calling out his then unknown teammates when he first joined the New York Giants.
Now what of those players not so well known? What of their monikers so dear to the devoted fans?
How about Marv Throneberry, a first baseman with the New York Mets in the early 1960’s. He was of limited talent and was called “Marvelous Marv” because he wasn’t.

Read the complete story in Color Daily Magazine

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