The Yankees - New York's October Tradition
By Mayor Rudy Giuliani
As a life long fan of the New York Yankees, I was proud to once again
welcome the team to City Hall, for what has become an October tradition
in our City: Pep rallies, and October victories for the greatest franchise
in sports' history. But this year's return to the World Series for
the Yankees reflects something much greater than baseball excellence.
The team's commitment to enduring success mirrors our City's devotion
to emerging from the events of September 11th as a stronger and more
united City.
Over the course of the last month and a half, New Yorkers have engaged
one of the most monumental challenges in our nation's history with
immense determination and resolve. The courage and commitment that
we've put forth in rebuilding our City, and moving forward with our
lives, has attracted the attention and admiration of the country and
the world. Our City has proven that it is stronger and more united
than ever, leading many people from throughout the world to come here
to show their support and love for New York. The outpouring of support
has also come from some of the most surprising places as well, such
as when the Mets fans at Shea Stadium greeted me with warmth and cheers
that could actually be printed in a respectable publication like this
one.
The Yankees playing in the World Series has become a happy fact of
New York life. Last year's Subway Series brought our City back to
a time when it seemed that every October meant that not one, but two
New York City baseball teams competed in the Fall Classic. Our City
always came together for the Subway Series, and even though there
is only one team playing this year, it is evident that our entire
City is rooting for the Yankees to bring the World Championship trophy
home for the 27th time.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to be in New York City,
because it is a time of anticipation, excitement, and celebration.
After all that we've endured and all that we've accomplished over
the last month and a half, the Yankees' success this October is a
greater source of civic pride than ever before. Joe Torre said it
best when he described the "NY" logo on their hats and uniforms
as representing more than just the team. That logo is for every New
Yorker, every American, and every person around the world who loves
freedom and refuses to be intimidated by the barbaric acts of terrorists.
