By Larry FinePosted 2009/10/26 at 3:22 am EDT
NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2009 (Reuters) — First-timers and grizzled veterans savored victory and champagne in the clubhouse at the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium on Sunday after the Bronx Bombers booked their first trip to the World Series in six years.
Captain Derek Jeter, winning pitcher Andy Pettitte, closer Mariano Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada each have four World Series rings and two other trips together to the Fall Classic, but many team mates will get their first taste of it.
"This is huge for the old guys and for the new things here," Posada told reporters after the 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels gave New York the American League pennant.
Jeter, champagne dripping down his baseball cap, echoed the feeling. "It's huge for everybody, not just us. I'm happy for everybody in this room," he said.
Nick Swisher, who made two stellar plays in the right field and was in the middle of a pair of run-scoring rallies for the Yankees as they clinched the ALCS, was giddy with excitement.
"This feels like I'm on cloud nine right now," the six-year major league player said. "To be able to celebrate like this is a tremendous thing. My first year with the Yankees, my first time ever in the World Series -- just an amazing thing."
Manager Joe Girardi, who won World Series rings as a Yankee catcher and is in his first postseason as a skipper, had his own slant.
FOR 'POPS'
"We're trying to win this for Pops. Mr. Steinbrenner deserves another championship," Girardi said, referring to 79-year-old George Steinbrenner, the long-time club owner who has handed down control of the team to his sons.
Girardi has made no secret of his mission, wearing uniform number 27 to signify a sought after 27th World Series title.
The Steinbrenners and general manager Brian Cashman spared no expense trying to make up for the disappointment of missing the playoffs in 2008 after qualifying 13 years in a row.
An offseason spending spree of $423.5 million in deals that landed free agent pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and first baseman Mark Teixeira, forged the championship roster.
Sabathia was named MVP of the league championship series, notching two wins with dominant performances.
"I'm having fun. I am enjoying this process getting to this point so far," said Sabathia, who will start the World Series opener Wednesday against defending champions Philadelphia.
"You know, going in there and you see Derek Jeter, you see Jorge Posada, you see Andy Pettitte. These guys have been through this situation a lot of times.
"You have to lean on those guys and talk to them in situations. They have been a lot of help.
"It is really not a surprise that we are here. I hate to sound like that, but this is a really good team."
(Editing by Alastair Himmer)
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