The Yankees opened up The Stadium today with a 7-5 win over the Angels. More exciting was that before the game they received their 2009 World Series Championship rings. You would think that for guys like Jeter, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte this kind of thing would be old news by now, this being their 5th ring, but those four along with the rest of the Yankees were all thrilled to receive their championship rings today. The Yanks, who always do things with such class and in a professional manner had Yankee legends Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford on hand to help pass out the team’s World Series rings.
A few quick thoughts from the ceremony. There was a great energy in the stadium and you could see how thrilled all the players were to be getting their rings. These guys work so hard, and it’s not easy winning a World Series, you have to have a lot of things go your way, along with some great play, and that helped the Yankees bring home their 27th title. It was definitely a real rewarding experience for everyone on the Yankees today to receive their rings, and it was clear just how excited everyone was.
It’s been said a few times but I was glad A-Rod had the success he did in the World Series and get that “gorilla” as he called it off his back, with clutch hits throughout the playoffs. Today was the icing on the cake for A-Rod if you will, receiving his first World Series ring. I know I shouldn’t feel happy for a guy who makes as much money as he does, but he will eventually go down as one of the greatest players in the game, so it was great to see him win a championship.
Two other things stood out in my mind today. Gene Monahan has not been with the team this year as he continues his battle with cancer. Monahan has been with the Yankees since 1962 and has been the Yankees trainer for the past 38 years. Monahan made it to Yankee Stadium today to receive his ring, receiving an outstanding ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd. It was great to hear him get such a nice hand, and he showed his appreciation with tears in his eyes. It was also perfect timing with the Angels in town for Hideki Matsui to receive his championship ring. Yankee fans gave the World Series MVP a great hand, showing there appreciation for their former designated hitter. On top of that the Yankee players themselves charged Matsui before he could walk off the field to hug and joke around with him. Speaking of jokes, a small joke was played on Matsui and Swisher as their rings were switched with the cheap plastic rings that were being given out at the gates at the stadium today. Swisher noticed while comparing his ring to the others and then received his ring from Mariano Rivera, and Matsui had no idea until Girardi gave him his real ring during opening lineups. A little joke on Swisher and their former teammate.
All around a great day for The Yankee team, as well as a great start by Pettitte, and a save by Mariano Rivera (After a Grand Slam given up by Robertson that we won’t get into). Just another day in Yankee Universe. Some things really do never get old.
