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Any best of list for the sporting year of 2009 would have to include the New York Yankees. During the 2009 season, the New York Yankees emerged as one of the greatest baseball teams ever assembled. The team not only finished first overall in Major League Baseball, but they had to endure the first month and a half without Alex Rodriguez, the game's most elite talent. This team overcame adversity, a re-location (across the street, but nevertheless a change in venue), and millions of doubts.

At the start of the season, with the whole steroid scandal brewing over Alex Rodriguez, and his hip surgery, the team was called into question in many different facets. Many critics wondered if Derek Jeter could still hit or play shortstop on a regular basis, and whether or not Mariano Rivera could still pitch at the major league level. Jeter, ever the consummate professional, retaliated with his glove and with his bat. He is a bona fide contender for the league's Most Valuable Player award, and is almost a lock for winning yet another gold glove at the most demanding position on the field. During the season Jeter also managed to fit in enough hits to surpass Lou Gherig as the all time hit leader amongst Yankees.

Mariano Rivera was at his best all season, amassing one of the finest seasons on record for a closer. He also managed to gain save number 500 along his journey to Cooperstown and the Hall of Fame. These individual accolades were made more special by the obvious camaraderie amongst the players and coaches on the team. Destiny seems to be a part of the New York Yankees mystique, and now they just have to win four games against the reigning world champion Philadelphia Phillies to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, defeating all comers to lay claim as the top team in the National Hockey League. The Penguins relied on guile, veteran leadership, timely plays, and of course, rode on the backs of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins were the cream of the crop in the NHL for the year 2009, and have begun this current campaign much the same way they ended last years, with a string of victories providing inspiration for continued success.

As the year draws toward its eventual close, many other teams may come forth to lay claim to the title of best sports team of 2009, but they will have to leap above these teams if they are going to be able to deserve that recognition. The New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Penguins stand tallest among the many giants playing professional sports.

Learn more about this author, Bobby Coles.
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