Remembering 2011: Yankee Highlights & Our Favorite Moments

There have not been too many moves made this off-season for the New York Yankees, so the same team that notched the American League best 97 wins will be back to avenge their first round playoff exit. The regular season treated the Yankees a lot better as most of the time a player was on a milestone watch and the team continued to win. At this time, The Stirring Straw's writing staff would like to wish you a Happy New Year and share our favorite moments from the 2011 campaign.

Chris Chavez: Of all ways to get his 3,000th hit, going 5 for 5 in a game against a divisional rival couldn't seem more fitting for Derek Jeter. He did so on July 9th and became the very first player to do it in the New York Yankee pinstripes. Sure, Jeter would slump a little afterwards in 2011, but that shouldn't undermine the legacy that this player has made in the Bronx. The best part is that his story isn't over yet.

Matt Filippi: It was the game right before the All-Star Break and a bright, sunny day at Yankee Stadium. James Shields would take the mound for the Rays against CC Sabathia in one of the better pitching duels I saw all year. CC would allow dour hits and a walk while fanning nine in a complete game shut out. Shields pitched very well also, tossing a complete game and allowing one run. The run came when he threw the ball away on a pick off attempt, otherwise, he was spotless. I love a good pitcher's duel and I was actually able to watch this entire game which is why this game stuck out to me.

David Fine: Mariano Rivera notching his 602nd save of the season was my highlight, because he would stand alone atop baseball greatness with the saves record. He was also alone on the mound afterwards when the celebration began. Rivera thanked fans and basked in his moment.

Anthony Pucik: My favorite moment of the Yankees 2011 season occurred on August 25th. The Yankees were trailing the Oakland A's 7-1 at Yankee Stadium, but 3 grand slams by Robinson Cano, Russell Martin, and Curtis Granderson capped off a 21 run comeback and the Yankees were able to pick up the victory. This marked the first time a Major League team hit 3 grand slams in one game and the first time the Yankees reached the 22 run mark since the year 2000. This showed how offensively tough the Yankees were and how they could overcome any obstacle in their way.

The Stirring Straw wants to hear from you. What were your favorite memories from the 2011 Yankees season? Feel free to leave them behind in the comments section.

Posted in: Musings, New York Yankees