Johnny Damon finally helped reverse the curse he was largely responsible for casting on the Yankees in 2004.
So much for the theory the Yankees would go 86 years without a World Series championship after they squandered a three-game ALCS lead to the Red Sox five years ago.
All Damon did in the finale that night was hit the grand slam against Javier Vazquez that all but won the pennant for Boston.
Damon can only regret he wasn’t on the field last night when the final out was recorded. This after straining a right calf muscle and departing before the top of the fourth inning in the Yankees’ 7-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series.
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Facing Pedro Martinez with one out in the third, Damon walked. Mark Teixeira was hit by a pitch to load the bases before Hideki Matsui delivered a two-run single. Damon came racing home from second on the play and could be seen hobbling as he crossed the plate.
Damon, who hit .364 in the Series, was in the running for World Series MVP consideration as last night begun. But Matsui soon removed all doubt, tying a single-game World Series record with six runs batted in.
Ironically, Damon and Matsui could be competing for one contract next season as the Yankees perhaps look to create lineup flexibility.
Damon might have the edge because he can still play the outfield, but Matsui is the superior run producer. The Yankees figure to look for another set of legs to play the outfield next season and if Damon were re-signed, use him and Jorge Posada to share DH duties.
But the fact Damon exited last night’s game with a calf injury serves as a reminder how fragile his legs are. Matsui did not play the outfield this season, a big reason the Yankees succeeded in preserving his knees for an entire season.