Today is National “Pedro at Yankee Stadium” story, so here is mine.  It was July 7, 2003, Red Sox and Yankees.  Steroids were only a suspicion.  Dan Shaughnessy was duping thousands into buying his curse book.  It was a simpler time.

Pedro had a “Pedro Start.”  He went seven innings, allowing one earned run and five hits.  He struck out 11 and knocked Derek Jeter out of the game in his first at bat.  For seven innings the gentleman behind me in the stands yelled, “Pedro, your Red Sox are turning white!”  Six years later, I still don’t know what that meant.

2003 was a down year for Pedro, meaning he was only really, really ridiculously awesome.  He lead the league in ERA, ERA+, SO/9, WHIP, H/9, and BB/9.  He finished third in the Cy Young voting.  The greatest pitcher I’ve ever seen.

A few things to consider for this game.

Burnett got lit up by the Phillies in May, giving up three home runs.

Philly will need their bullpen tonight with Pedro pitching.  They have been dormant for eight days.

Sample size does not exist in October.  The Yankees have reached a crisis point, were sucker-punched into a crisis, were dealt a psychological blow, and have to chase the Phillies now.  Expect the Yanks to win handily.

Master of hyperbole Suzyn Waldman became the first woman to call a World Series Game.