From expert to fan, there is a near universal sentiment towards the 2009 World Series, set to begin Wednesday night in New York.   The common feeling is that this series could be epic:  A match-up of the best offense in the National League versus the best offense in the American League; Ryan Howard versus Alex Rodriguez, run producing machines who tied Lou Gehrig’s postseason record for most consecutive games with an RBI; the team with a $200 million dollar payroll versus the defending champions.  According to MLB.com, the Yankees and Phillies combined for more home runs during the regular-season than any other match-up in World Series history.  It’s also only the sixth time in the history of the Fall Classic that former Cy Young winners will face off in Game 1.  Baseball Factory is proud to recognize our alumni playing for the title of World Series Champion in this exciting power house match-up. 
 

The Yankees will be led by Baseball Factory and Team One alumni CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira.  Sabathia will start Game 1 for New York, coming off an ALCS MVP performance with hopes of continuing his success in the postseason.  A former Cy Young winner, C.C. is 3 – 0 with a 1.19 ERA in three postseason starts this year.  His teammate and former Baseball Factory and Team One standout Mark Teixeira, will look to improve his .222 ALCS batting average and continue his brilliant defense at first base. 
 

The last time a National League team won back-to-back World Series titles was in 1975-76 with the Cincinnati Reds and the Big Red Machine.  With a chance to make history this year, Philadelphia will look to defend their title with the help of former Baseball Factory and Team One participant Brett Myers.  While Myers suffered from shoulder injuries this season, he remains a veteran in the clubhouse and was added to the roster entering Game 1 of the World Series, scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2009. 
 

Baseball Factory would like to wish our alumni playing in the 2009 World Series the best of luck, in what promises to be a Fall Classic we won’t soon forget!