New York, New York

After waiting a long nine years, the New York Yankees claimed their 27^th championship at home Wednesday, November 4, with a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6.

They ended their stadium’s inaugural season the same way they did in 1923: with a World Series title.

And it seemed students at Fairfield University, in Fairfield Conn., were thrilled with the results. The campus is primarily made up of students from the tri-state area- New York, New Jersey and Connecticut- making the population of Yankees fans much larger than that of Phillies fans.

“The only reason I was rooting for the Phillies was because I’m a Boston Red Sox fan,” said Christine Biotti ’10. “And we don’t root for the Yankees.”

*The above video contains footage from MLB.com, courtesy of Fox.

Students gathered at the Levee, the Sea Grape, or in their homes and dorms to watch the intensity of Game 6, as the Yankees led the series 3-2. Right off the bat, it was clear that New York would take home the title.

“The Yankees have waited so long for another World Series title,” said Dan Kagdis ’10. “Since the start of the regular season, this team was ready to win.”

How did they do it?

The Yankees are donned Champions in Game 6 of the Series against the Phillies. Courtesy of Fairfield Student Colleen McCartin.

With the help of New York’s designated hitter Hideki Matsui and veterans Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, the Bronx Bombers took home their first title since 2000. Matsui tied a World Series record with 6 RBI’s and was the first ever DH to be awarded the World Series Most Valuable Player trophy for his incredible postseason performance. And after only 3 days rest, Pettitte came out in his new home stadium ready to defeat the Phillies, pitching 5 2/3 innings.

According to sports reporter Bryan Hoch from MLB.com, “This is what you set out to do when you go to Spring Training,” Pettitte said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to accomplish with the rest of the team. This is what you play for.”

With his undeniable talent, Rivera induced Phillies’ center fielder Shane Victorino to groundout to Robinson Cano at second base in the 9th inning. The final out was played by first baseman Mark Teixeira, who doubled checked his glove before running to celebrate with his fellow Yanks on the mound.

“You play a lot of years to try and get here,” Teixeira said, according to Joe Lemire of Sports Illustrated. “Once you’re here, it’s unbelievable. Why wear the pinstripes if you’re not going to win championships — that’s what the Yankees are all about.”

All the Phillies had going for them was Chase Utley with his record-tying 5 homeruns and pitching ace Cliff Lee.

“The reason the Phillies won two games was because Lee pitched all 9 innings of Game 1 and started Game 5 off right by challenging Yankee hitters,” said Brendan Flaherty ’11.

As defending World Series Champions, the Phillies had hoped to become the first team in this decade to win two Fall Classics in a row, but a lack of opportune hits and poor starting pitching beyond Lee ultimately led to their loss.

According to Lemire of Sports Illustrated, “That just makes us more determined to come back next year,” said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

Fairfield student Jessica Binder ‘10, an avid Phillies fan, agrees with Manuel.

“The Phillies won last year and made it back to the World Series this year,” Binder said. “I have a feeling we’re only going to get stronger and come back a better team next season.”

First time for everything

The Yankees celebrate their World Series win on the mound. Courtesy of Fairfield student Colleen McCartin.

The win was the first World Series title for MVP Matsui, Teixeira, third baseman Alex Rodriguez, right fielder Nick Swisher and New York’s prized free-agents, starters CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, who helped turn the Yankees previous postseason misfortune into a World Series win.

Joe Girardi is donning a managerial championship ring for the first time as well after the six game series. He hopes the win is special for ailing franchise owner George Steinbrenner.

According to  Hoch of MLB.com, “This is what the Steinbrenner family has strived for, year after year — to deliver to the city of New York,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “To be able to deliver this to the Boss, the stadium that he created and the atmosphere around here, it’s very gratifying to all of us.”

Fairfield senior Colleen McCartin was at Yankee Stadium, watching the game live. “I will never forget that night,” McCartin says. “Not only was it incredible to be there, it was incredible to watch this team win something they absolutely deserve.”

Fairfield Student Colleen McCartin at Game 6 with her father and brother. Courtesy of Colleen McCartin.