The New York Yankees recognized former outfielder Johnny Damon on his birthday Thursday, highlighting his role in the franchise's 2009 championship season. Damon, who wore No. 18 for the Yankees, appeared in Game 1 of the 2009 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium on October 28, 2009. The Phillies won that opening game 6-1, but New York went on to capture the title in six games for the organization's 27th championship.
Damon spent the 2006-2009 seasons with the Yankees after four years with the Boston Red Sox. He was a key contributor during the 2009 playoff run, batting .282 with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs in the regular season. The two-time All-Star and 2004 World Series champion with Boston finished his 18-year MLB career with 2,769 hits and 408 stolen bases.
