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Yankees: 5 Forgotten Heroes From New York’s ’90s Dynasty

By Adam Weinrib

Pitcher Graeme Lloyd of the New York Yankees (Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/A)
Pitcher Graeme Lloyd of the New York Yankees (Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/A) /
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New York Yankees Luis Sojo (C) gets a hug from Jose Vizcaino at the end of the Yankees game against the Oakland Athletics during the American League Division Series 06 October, 2000 (Photo by DOUG KANTER/AFP via Getty Images) /

1. Luis Sojo

The Yankees wouldn’t have been the Yankees without players like Luis Sojo.

How…was Luis Sojo…on the Yankees…for so long?

Acquired midway through the 1996 season after filling in admirably for the Mariners team that beat the Yanks in ’95, he crossed the country Tino Martinez-style. Sojo hit .307 in 1997, then played the utility role in 1998 and ’99 before signing with the Pirates in free agency before the 2000 season.

But don’t worry — he was traded back to New York in August! Of course he was.

He started the entire ALDS and ALCS, hitting .261 in New York’s six-game dethroning of the Mariners. Though he faded into the background during the World Series, partially because of Vizcaino, it was only fitting that his smack up the middle ended the whole damn thing.

Sojo returned in 2001, left the game entirely in 2002, then came back to the Yankees for four at-bats in 2003. Louie had some sort of magic potion, and what could define a championship era more than a utility infielder showing up year after year, even after being banished out of town, and delivering?

Next. 4 NYY Legends Who Deserve More Hall of Fame Consideration. dark

We’ll never forget him again.

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