For the first time since 1950 the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees will meet in the World Series. The 1950 Series matchup came about in dramatic fashion as the Phillies’ “Whiz Kids” team won the National League pennant on the last day of the season. The 1950 World Series was all about pitching as the Yankees’ rotation proved too much for the Phillies’ young lineup. The Yankees staff was one of only five in World Series history to have a collective ERA of under 1.00. Despite the formidable pitching of the Phillies’ staff the Yankees won in a four game sweep. Among the futur Hall of Famers playing in the Series, the Yankees had Joe Dimaggio, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford and Johnny Mize, while the Phillies had Robin Roberts and Richie Ashburn.
Fast forward to 2009 and the Phillies and Yankees are about to go head to head once more. The setup for this Series is less dramatic but perhaps more intriguing. As in 1950, each team is anchored by a strong pitching staff, although this Series seems destined to be higher scoring. In order to get to this point each team had to overcome a number of obstacles over the course of the season.
The Phillies and Yankees were affected by steroid controversies. In the Phillies case, relief pitcher J.C. Romero was suspended for 50 games for violating the leagues banned substances policy. While Romero was an important part of the Phillies World Series-winning pitching staff, he never regained his rythm after returning from the suspension and was left off the post season roster along with Phillies’ stalwart Brett Myers.
The Yankees’ season also began with the revelation that three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez had tested positive for banned substances a few seasons before.
By the time the playoffs began each team seemed to be hitting its groove. The Phillies dispatched the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Yankees did the same to the Minnesota Twins and the ridiculously named Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Now, almost 60 years later the Phillies and Yankees meet in the 2009 World Series which begins Wednesday, October 28. Be ready for what promises to be an exciting World Series with J&O’s incredible polar fleece fabrics. The October and November chill will pose no threat to you when you’re wrapped up in our Yankees or Phillies fleeces. Our 100% polyester anti-pill fleeces also make great gifts for the sports fans in your life. Here is what we have on offer:
