For the 26th time in history, the New York Yankees were standing on a ball field cheering and celebrating as they were crowned World Series Champions – what made it different this year was that they were celebrating at Shea.

In the first New York Subway Series in 44 years that will no doubt go down in history as one of the most memorable series’ in the annuls of baseball, the Yankees defeated the New York Mets four games to one to take the Subway Series, the Championship trophy – and the title of Kings of New York.

Needless to say, I am very happy today. I knew that the Yankees would win the Series even before they clinched. This is a team that you can not defeat. Like the #4 train, this team is a speeding iron horse that is an unstoppable force that plows through anything thrown in their path. The Yankees are comprised of a group of young, talented players who have been through so many personal struggles together – drugs, cancer, personal loss – that they have become a single unit that can not be defeated once they hit that diamond. That fact proved evident in this Series.

From the very first pitch in Game 1 by Andy Pettite, this Series was a true battle. With tough pitching, great field work and managers that know the game like no one else, both the Yankees and Mets played five of the most exciting games baseball fans have ever seen. Most of the time throughout this Series – fans were either standing on their feet or sitting on the edge of their seat. In each game, it was never an easy victory for the winning team. Every time one team scored a run – the other team came back to tie it up. Even in Game 2 when the Yankees were up 6-0, the Mets rallied with an unbelievable five runs against Nelson and Rivera. So although the Yankees took the Championship Trophy back to the Bronx last night – both teams deserve the champagne this morning.

Last night’s game was a true contest. By the 2nd inning, I thought the Mets would take this Series back to Yankee Stadium. With a 1-0 lead thanks to a solo shot by Bernie Williams, the Mets came back to score a run thanks to a textbook bunt by Pitcher Al Lieter – probably the worst hitter in baseball. Besides the great bunt, Yanks Pitcher Andy Pettite didn’t help the situation when he fumbled the ball at first missing the sacrifice out. Then, if that wasn’t enough, it was Agbayani who sent a shot to third that Brosius went to scoop up with his hand – but instead watched it roll right past him, allowing Jay Payton to make it home, giving the Mets the 2-1 lead.

At this point, I thought it was over for the Yankees. I thought that I would have to stay up another late night on Saturday to watch Game 6 – but as they always do – the Yankees rallied back in the 9th when Sojo swung at Lieter’s final pitch of the night, sending a shot up the middle that allowed both Jorge Posada and Scott Brosius to come home – giving the Yankees their 4-2 win.

Personally, even though I got concerned that the Series would head into Game 6 after an error-filled 2nd inning – I knew the Yankees would win last night. For one thing, they were hoping to win their 26th World Championship – and yesterday was the 26th. Also, the Yanks have won the last two World Series Championships in four games. It may have taken them five games this time – but I knew it wouldn’t take six or seven. And as I stated earlier, when you have a team that plays like this – it’s no wonder they have been World Champions for the last three years in a row.

So congratulations to the Bronx Bombers on becoming the Kings of New York and the first team to win three consecutive Series Championships since the Oakland A’s in ’72, ’73 and ’74 and the fourth team to ever accomplish that phenomenal feat. You guys made your fans and this City very proud. I’ll see you on Monday when your fans cheer you down the Canyon of Heroes once again.

And incidentally, in a recent story in the New York Post, The Mets’ Benny Agbayani was quoted as saying that the Mets would, “win it in five.” He was right – he just picked the wrong team.