The New York Yankees are set to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 MLB World Series. It’s been 15 years since the Yankees were in the World Series; this was also the last time they won one. The team back then shared similarities to this year’s Yankees roster.
Yankees 2009 World Series Team Draws Similarities To The Present Day Club
2009 was the last time the Yankees won a ring. This team was extremely special and shared a bond that strove for greatness each step of the way.
The Bronx Bombers faced off against the Minnesota Twins in that year’s American League Division Series. They won this series and moved on to face the Los Angeles Angels in the American League Championship Series.
After winning the pennant, the Yankees took on the Philadelphia Phillies. They won this series 4-2, winning their 27th World Series Championship. The 2024 Yankees give the same vibe and energy as their last championship squad.
Yankees World Series Reflection: The Captains
The captains wearing the pinstripes in New York are very unique and parallel in their roles. Derek Jeter was the transmission of the engine of the 2009 Yankees. His talent was pertinent to most of the playoff rosters he’s been a part of.
Jeter is a legend in New York and a fan favorite. His leadership is impeccable, and his Kobe-like mentality kept the competitive nature at its highest priority. Jeter spent his entire career with the Yankees; 2009 represented his fifth ring, all with one organization.
The Captain’s Stats Comparison
Aaron Judge, the new Yankees captain of the new generation in the Bronx, is highly spoken of. Pinstripe nation has embraced Judge as a franchise player, practically relaying the torch from Jeter.
Judge was a first-round draft pick by the Yankees, similar to Jeter, who was also selected in the first round. The outfielder has nine seasons in the league, all in the Bronx.
Both Jeter and Judge occupy defensive positions with leadership; Jeter plays shortstop, and Judge plays center field.
Both players are dependable and relied on for leadership, clubhouse chemistry, and on-field production. In 2009, Jeter hit a .334 with 18 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. His contribution was in the clutch spots and running game.
Judge’s 2024 stats reflected a .322 batting average, 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and .701 slugging percentage. Judge’s dependence rate in this year’s World Series is extremely high and crucial. Both captains have proven talent, leadership, and decoration in the league.
2009 World Series Versus Now: The Starting Rotation And Pitching
The 2009 Yankees rolled with primarily a four-man starting rotation, leading with left-hander Andy Petitte, along with A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang, and CC Sabathia. The 2024 Yankees have a one-two punch, utilizing a dominant lefty in Carlos Rodon.
The 2024 Yankees seem to have more depth on the rotational side and the bullpen side. However, the 2009 team did have relievers for mid and short relief.
Various bullpen arms were able to fill the set-up man role while keeping it intact for the best closer in baseball, Mariano Rivera. Thankfully, the current team has identified Luke Weaver as the man to get the job done thus far.
The Lumber Back Then Versus Now
Aaron Judge is the guy with the big stick this season. Let’s not forget he’s part of a dynamic one-two punch with Juan Soto. Soto has been a menace at the dish. His bat dependency is comparable to 2009 Alex Rodriguez and Mark Texieria.
Rodriguez batted a .286 with 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a .532 slugging percentage. Mark Teixeria smacked 39 home runs with 122 RBIs, and a .565 slugging percentage. Soto this year hit 41 home runs, drove in 109 RBIs, and recorded a .569 slugging percentage.
Both Yankees teams had its similarities, and some were stronger in certain areas more than others. Both teams share the same grit and are built to win with confidence.
Main Photo Credits: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
