Re: 2001, I can still remember so vividly that Rivera throw to 2nd on the bunt that went into center field … seemed inevitable after that throw that we were cooked. That we lost on a bloop was the comeuppance for those extraordinary late inning heroics from Scott B and Tino M.

Let’s get this thing over with tonight, boys, I don’t think the ol’ ticker can handle another close one.

True.

I know there is not a lot of love for Pedro, but I can appreciate all that he has done, and marvel at the level he was pitching.

And the “mango tree” comment was one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard an athlete mention. Because he’s right, and it gives a bit of perspective to the man and from where he came.

[2] It took me 6 years to read that book, after I had finally “accepted” the dynasty was over.  But I must say that the gap between the 1996-2003 dynasty (and I do think Buster was off a couple of years) and what we may be headed into, has been far less bumpy than the dark era of 1979-1994 when the Yankees never won a title and only made the post-season twice (and not at all after 1981). 

[12] WC, the simple fact is that people who aren’t Yankees fans hate the Yankees because of their success.  MLB has re-written the rules over and over again to stop the Yankees from dominating, but even so we’ve won 6 titles since the 70′s, which is more than most teams have won in their entire existence.  In fact, since 1977 the Yanks have won 3 times as many world series as the Phillies.  There’s a reason why everyone in the SEC roots against Alabama too.  It’s called success.  Personally, I think you should embrace it. 

You want all the neutrals pulling for Boston against the Yankees; otherwise the dominance may have slipped away. 

[22] thelarmis — I agree with you, GO TODD DREW!  The thing about him was that we could lose these next two and he would still find hope on a subway car in the form of a mother talking to her child or a kid holding his first mitt with the tag still on it.  Todd had all of the optimism I long to have.  I really hope he can see the game while Mel Allen and Phil Rizzuto call it for him!

-Prince

LET’S GO YAN-KEES!!!!!!!

GO ANDY!!! GO YANKS!!!!!

GO TODD DREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jon: Amen. A-fucking-men.

And I hope I’m not jinxing things, but tonight just feels like a W.

In 2001 when the city was still reeling in the aftermath of 9/11 the city needed the Yanks to win, and they came up just short, but in the most dramatic fashion. I was disappointed that they didn’t win, but so proud of their efforts. I didn’t feel like they lost, but that the Dbacks won.

Over the past several years as the Yankees have not made if very far into the postseason and missed it last year. I never took it for granted how difficult it is to get where they are now. (1 game from being WS Champs).

When you identify with a team there is a feeling of sharing in their success and when they lose and people know you are a fan they make fun of you or console you. I live in LA and everyone knows I bleed Yankee pinstripes by my ever present Yankee hat.

The Yanks have been around for some of the best moments of my life and worst moments. They have given me a much needed distraction, and they have raised my spirits more than they have dampened them.

You get to know a team and the personalities. I love at the end of games to see the players after a win, (not when they are being interviewed and giving canned boring comments). Throughout the game they have their game face on, but after they are like 12 year old kids.

Win or lose as Yankee fans we have had more than our fair share of success. My friend is a Cub fan and I can only imagine the misery he goes through.

After the season is over (coming soon) there is always this feeling of emptiness. I especially felt it in 98 when they swept the Padres. It was over too soon, and I just wanted to savor it more. You want them to dispatch their rival as soon as possible, but in between games, I just can’t wait to see them play again.

This has been an amazing season, and maybe AJ and Coke did us a favor the other night, by letting us enjoy it a little longer.

cano gets the big hit tonight.

but we all know it will come down to mo vs utley.

Agreed [15] I never really looked at it that way. Nice.

The Yankees are the only team in MLB that have had an extended period of success. We have had players who were larger than life. Legends of the game. It is hard to believe that players like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle ever existed if you look at their numbers.

Granted, guys like Stengel, DiMaggio, Williams and others got their start in California but the fact remains that they became big stars when they went east. I am fully aware that MLB got a late start in CA, but even so it took two NY teams to get them going.

Watching the “core four” all contribute on a consistent basis this year has been amazing.

Now they are 27 outs away from #27.

I am already pacing.