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New York Yankees: Ten Unsung heroes from the 2000s

ByRyan Doyle|
NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Chien-Ming Wang #40 of the New York Yankees delivers the pitch against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 29, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Chien-Ming Wang #40 of the New York Yankees delivers the pitch against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 29, 2007 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
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4 Jul 2000: David Justice #28 of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Yankees Stadium in New York. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 7-6.Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport
4 Jul 2000: David Justice #28 of the New York Yankees swings at the pitch during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at the Yankees Stadium in New York. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 7-6.Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport

OF David Justice (2000-2001)

The Yankees would meet David Justice in the postseason many times in the 1990s. He played for the Atlanta Braves in 1996 and would beat the Yanks in 1997 with the Cleveland Indians.

As the Yanks offense began to slow down in 2000, general manager Brian Cashman shipped P Jake Westbrook, OF Ricky Ledee, and P Zack Day for Justice and the veteran did not disappoint.

In 78 games, Justice hit .305/.391/.585 with 20 homers. Justice would continue his strong play in the postseason.

He took home the 2000 ALCS MVP Award after a clutch three-run home run in the clinching game of the series. Justice had a pair of homers and four extra-base hits and eight RBI to send the Yankees to the World Series against their inter-city rival New York Mets.

As Michael Kay said in his legendary call of the moment, “Get your tokens ready! You might be boarding the Subway!”

Justice would be traded to the Mets following the 2001 season bringing the next unsung hero of the 2000s into town.

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