# 27 By The Numbers

1-As in 1st. 2009 was the inaugural season for the New Yankee Stadium, and the Yankees delivered a championship. Just like 1923.
2- Stolen bases (on 1 play) by Johnny Damon in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the World Series. Many say this play was the deciding factor in the Series.
3- Possible clinching games started by Andy Pettite. He was the winner in all three.
4- The Core Four. Veterans of the most recent Dynasty who played a major role on this team (Posada, Pettite, Jeter, and Rivera).
5- Rings for each member of "The Core Four".
6- Outs recorded by Mariano Rivera in Game 6 of the ALCS. Taking no chances, Girardi went to The Sandman early to secure the Yankees 40th American League Pennant.
7- Wins by the Yankees in games they trailed in the postseason.
8- Hits by Hideki Matsui (in only 13 at-bats) in The World Series. He also had 8 RBI, cementing his being awarded the MVP.
9- Pitches David Robertson threw to get out of a bases loaded, no one out jam in the top of the 11th inning of ALDS Game 2 vs. Minnesota.
10- Games Joba Chamberlain got in as a reliever, rebuilding the postseason bridge to Rivera as he went along deeper into October (and November).
11- Wins by the Yankees in the postseason.
12- Games without an error by the Yankees defense in the postseason.
13- Strikeouts of Ryan Howard by Yankee pitching in The World Series. A record for strikeouts by one player in The Fall Classic.
14- Double plays turned by the Yankees in the postseason, which Mark Teixeira's glove was on the back end of, snuffing out rally after rally.
15- Consecutive games Derek Jeter reached base in the postseason, that's at least one hit in every postseason game the Yankees played in 2009.
16- Innings pitched by Mariano Rivera, the only closer who didn't falter in the postseason.
17- Total number of Twins base-runners stranded by Yankee pitchers in Game 2 of ALDS (at least one every inning).
18- RBI by A-Rod, 6 in each series, shattering any doubt about his ability to perform in October (see also: Kate Hudson)
19- Innings pitched by 3 starters in The Division series (out of possible 27). That starting dominance allowed the Yankees to end their four year absence from the ALCS.
20- Home Runs hit by The Bronx Bombers in the postseason.
21- Strikeouts in The World Series by Yankee starters not named CC Sabathia. Not bad for a guy who was "too erratic" and another who is "Not the pitcher he used to be".
22- 1st pitch strikes thrown by AJ Burnett in Game 2 of The World Series. His performance was brilliant and allowed the Yankees to tie the Series at 1-1.
23- At-Bats by Melky Cabrera in the 2009 ALCS. He hit .391, second only to A-Rod among Yankees with at least 5 at-bats. Truly, an unsung hero in the Yankees return to The Fall Classic.
24- Calendar days it took to play out the magical 2009 postseason.
25- Number Joe Girardi wore as a player for the Yankees. Also, his last season as a player in Pinstripes ended in the teams 25th Championship.
26- Number of Yankee players on the 2009 World Series Roster.
27- Number of outs needed in Game 6 to secure the 2009 World Series Championship. And when Shane Victorino's ground ball was fielded by Robinson Cano, who fired to 1st baseman Mark Teixeira for the final out of the 2009 season, the Yankees did indeed have Championship number 27.

Ant that's #27, By The Numbers.

-Mike Tursi