The Yankees are back on top of the baseball world, where they belong. I know I am spoilt as a Yankee fan, but 9 years did feel like a heckuva long time to wait for a World Series win. It’s more about Yankee pride than anything else, because the joy of the Yankees winning didn’t compare to the ecstasy of watching the Giants win the Superbowl. But there was plenty of joy, and it was great to see the only remaining members of the last dynasty – Jeter, Rivera, Posada and Pettitte – win championship number 5.

But this World Series was special in a different way. This was the first time I was able to attend a World Series game, thanks to my cuz Siddi-B, who shares a season pass with some friends. He took me to game 2 of the series, the game the Yankees HAD to win at home after they had lost game 1. I thought it was a good sign when my favorite Yankee of all, Paul O’Neill, came out to throw the ceremonial first pitch. The Stadium was just jumping, and the atmosphere got better as the game went on, what with Burnett putting on a masterful pitching performance and some big home runs from the Yanks.

But what really raised the roof (figuratively speaking) was the fact that Pedro Martinez was pitching for the Phillies. The chants of “Who’s Your Daddy” were deafening, as the crowd serenaded one of the most hatest pitchers at Yankee Stadium. And when Mariano came in and closed out the win, the place erupted. Check out the video I made of the last out below.

It was a great experience, but I have to say, it didn’t compare to the 2003 ALCS game 6 I attended at the old Stadium (the game before the Aaron Boone game). That probably has a lot to do with the fact that it was against the hated Red Sox, and was potentially series clinching for the Yankees. And that it was a birthday present for me from my wife. I remember feeling the Stadium literally shake under my feet every time the Yankees got a big hit. And even though they lost (setting up the greatest game 7 ever I have seen), it was an amazing experience that this game didn’t compare to. Still, it wasn’t a bad way to experience the first (of many, I hope) World Series game of my life.

The Parade

But my World Series experience doesn’t end there. Did you know, THE..E…E….E YANKEES WON! And New York threw a party to celebrate like only New York can. As tradition dictates, the champions were feted with a ticker tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes a few days after their win. And I was there, with Siddi-B once again, to scream and shout and cheer my Champions. The number of people that turned out to line Broadway was insane. I literally lost my voice that day. But it was totally worth it.

You can check out all my pictures from the World Series and the parade on Flickr here.

Let’s do it again next year! Go Yankees!!!