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And the tradition continues. With another postseason in the history books, I run down the 10 moments I'll remember most. Have a few of your own? Leave 'em in the comments below.

10. Vladimir Guerrero bests Jonathan PapelbonALDS Game 3
Guerrero's postseason record will most likely always be defined by failure, but the declining slugger did his best to provide at least one highlight when he hit a two-out, two-run single off Jonathan Papelbon(notes) in the top of the ninth inning at Fenway Park. The hit gave the Angels a 7-6 lead in ALDS Game 3 and helped complete a sweep over a Red Sox team that previously owned the Halos in October. Though Vladdy had a rough start in the ALCS against the Yankees, he picked it up once the series went to Anaheim, finishing his postseason with a line of .378/.425/.541 and one homer, three doubles and seven RBIs. If that was his last stand with the Angels, it wasn't a bad final act.

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9. Ryan Howard's RBI double stuns Rockies NLDS Game 4
One day after Guerrero crushed Boston's hopes, Ryan Howard(notes) did the same to the Rockies in Colorado. His two-out, two-RBI double off Huston Street(notes) didn't give the Phillies the lead — it'd take Big Brown scoring on a Jayson Werth(notes) single to do that — but it did ensure that the series wouldn't return to Philadelphia for Game 5 (and that Cliff Lee(notes) Cole Hamels(notes) would be available for Game 1 of the NLCS against Los Angeles, which seemed like a big coup at the time). The double was part of Howard's streak of eight straight postseason games with an RBI that would enable him to win NLCS MVP (before, of course, breaking the World Series record for strikeouts with 13 Ks.)

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8. Jeff Mathis (who?) downs Yankees in 11thALCS Game 3
Jeff Mathis(notes) is why we actually bother playing the games. The Angels catcher only hit .211 with eight doubles in the regular season and ranked as the biggest hole in the Los Angeles lineup. Against the Yankees, however, he entered some sort of zone, hitting five doubles over five games, including two in the extra innings of Game 3. His double off Alfredo Aceves(notes) in the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Angels their first win of the series and momentarily put Mathis' name alongside the biggest stars in the sport.  

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7. Matt Holliday's error in Los AngelesNLDS Game 2
Matt Holliday's(notes) failure to grab a liner from James Loney(notes) — the Cardinals outfielder said he lost it in the lights — snatched defeat from the jaws of certain victory and gave the Dodgers a new life they'd use to take a 2-0 NLDS lead. It was easily the biggest error of the '09 postseason and possibly the only one to inspire the Green Day parody above. 

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6. Chase Utley joins Reggie JacksonWorld Series Game 5
Chase Utley(notes) was the one who crowned the Phillies "WFCs" last October and he did his best this November to make sure his title could still apply. That didn't happen, but Utley's World Series performance was something to behold. The second baseman hit two homers apiece in each of Philadelphia's wins and his five total dingers were enough to tie Reggie Jackson for most in a Fall Classic stand. Utley was so impressive that we even momentarily considered his chances of being named World Series MVP while playing for a losing cause.

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5. Umpire Tim McClelland makes the worst call of all timeALCS Game 4
It's now three weeks later and I still can't fathom how umpire Tim McClelland missed what was clearly a double tagging of Robinson Cano(notes) and Jorge Posada(notes) right in front of him. It was the worst call in a postseason full of bad calls that included an earlier McClelland misstep on a tagup that wasn't early, Phil Cuzzi's royal foul line hosing of Joe Mauer's(notes) Twins and some poor umpiring to start the Phillies-Rockies series.

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4. Cliff Lee shuts down the YankeesWorld Series Game 1
It ultimately mattered as much as winning your first 10 hands of blackjack on a losing Vegas trip, but what Phillies fan will ever be able to forget the euphoria of Cliff Lee's Game 1 start at Yankee Stadium? The lefty's complete game was a complete masterpiece — 10 strikeouts, no walks and only one unearned run — and extended what was one of the most amazing runs by a pitcher in postseason history. (The midseason acquisition finished his October and November with a 4-0 record, a 1.56 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP.)

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3. Hideki Matsui owns clincher, wins World Series MVPWorld Series Game 6
Did Hideki Matsui(notes) save his best for what could have been his last game as a Yankee? Perhas, but it was a great effort no matter when it occurred. After not starting a game in Philadelphia because of the DH absence, Matsui's performance in Game 6 — 3-for-4, a homer, a double and a record-tying six RBIs — helped the Yankees grab their 27th title. Combine that line with two big homers in Games 2 and 3 and Matsui did more than enough to become the first Japanese player to be named World Series MVP.  

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2. Alex Rodriguez takes home his first title World Series Game 6
There were no shortage of Alex Rodriguez(notes) moments to consider when it came to creating this list. His game-tying homer against Joe Nathan(notes) in ALDS Game 2. His instant replay homer in World Series Game 3. The revelation he may have a picture of him as a centaur above his bed. In the end, we'll go with the encapsulating moment of A-Rod grabbing the hardware and removing his name from the list of great players to never win a championship. After a relatively quiet regular season, A-Rod was the posteason's biggest story and his numbers — .365/.500/.808 with six homers, five doubles and 18 RBIs — were absolutely phenomenal.

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1. Johnny Damon's double dashWorld Series Game 4
Every World Series needs an iconic play and it's usually a big home run or a closer falling to his knees after recording the final out. This year, Johnny Damon(notes) contributed one of the most unique memories when he stole two bases in the ninth inning of Game 4. The heads-up play was the first time a runner had ever stolen two bases on one pitch in a World Series game and it spurred Brad Lidge's(notes) three-run meltdown, which gave the Yankees a 3-1 series lead instead of an anything-can-happen 2-2 tie. When we talk about this World Series in the future, Damon's double steal will be the one play we remember most.

To relive all the postseason coverage on Big League Stew, click here

UPDATE: And because I'm always guaranteed to forget one big moment whe compiling these lists, there's Jimmy Rollins' Goodfellas moment in NLCS Game 4. Place it where you will.

(A big BLS head nod to @fotodave for the gentle reminder.) 

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113 Comments

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  1. born in norcal
    1. Posted by born in norcal Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:06 am EST

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    1ST! My FAVORITE 2009 post-season moment: The MELTDOWN of MAN-HOLE SCUMirez and the CHOKING-DOGS as they're ELIMINATED the day the McCourts announce their DIVORCE. Can't wait to see that DIRTY LAUNDRY hung out for the world to see. LMFAO! ! !
  2. kjcontri
    2. Posted by kjcontri Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:23 am EST

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    Wow...what about Jimmy Rollins walk off double on Broxton in game 4 of the NLCS?
  3. DrewDawg
    3. Posted by DrewDawg Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:34 pm EST

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    Hey NORCAL: how many World Series titles do the SAN FRANCISCO MIDGETS own since moving from New York? Uh, kind of like your I.Q: ZERO! WE OWN YOU GUYS and we have for how many years now? Take some advice, you sorry-arse loser: win a title and we MAY start listening. Win a couple titles and we may even take you semi-seriously. I don't care if my Dodgers haven't won since '88...at least we can say FIVE TIMES that we're champs. You? LOSER LOSER LOSER. In terms of baseball, if you're "born in norcal" then you're a born loser. And an idiot, just for good measure.
    Now, we all know there's not enough space--even in cyber space--to offer details on how the San Francisco MIDGETS' ineptitude is matched only by their intellectually wanting fans--but I do have a comment about great postseason moments. Probably among the greatest plays came from the Angels' shortstop (not a fan of the Angels and wish they'd drop the L.A. from their name, actually, since the ONLY L.A. team is the Dodgers--who, once again, and for how many years now, own the weak-arse MIDGETS?)--but that bare-handed play against the Yankees (?) was VERY, VERY RARE and should be the defensive play of the year if not the decade.
    But, back to business: Hey born-a-loser norcal dimwit, I almost wish you guys would get better just to add a little life into the rivalry since it's ALMOST (but never, really) getting boring watching us spank your arses every time we play you either here or at PacBell...er...SBC...er...whatever the hell you call your ballpark (a great ballpark, I will admit--and THE BEST city around, I know...I lived there. And rooted for the Dodgers. And laughed at you guys). You suck. And you know it. So go crawl in your loser hole and cry. In the meantime, f-off.
  4. zulu
    4. Posted by zulu Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:34 pm EST

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    This is bar none the biggest moment in my opinion.... haha http://www.thedailybore.com/thedailybore/2009/11/rough-draft-college-football-picks-117.html
  5. T
    5. Posted by T Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:37 pm EST

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    Umps missing Mauer's double and continually trying to ensure that the Yanks made it past the Twins quickly in fear of a meltdown by them.
  6. MOSScomeBACK2vikes
    6. Posted by MOSScomeBACK2vikes Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:49 pm EST

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    #1 should be Cameras focus in on Kate Hudson every a-roid at bat. FAP FAP FAP
  7. MOSScomeBACK2vikes
    7. Posted by MOSScomeBACK2vikes Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:49 pm EST

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    #1 should be Cameras focus in on Kate Hudson every a-roid at bat. FAP FAP FAP
  8. zulu
    8. Posted by zulu Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:03 pm EST

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    this had me rotfl!!!! baseball fans check out this Tim Lincecum weed article! http://www.thedailybore.com/thedailybore/2009/11/rough-draft-college-football-picks-117.html
  9. zulu
    9. Posted by zulu Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:03 pm EST

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    arod being champ is #1!!
  10. Rumibaba
    10. Posted by Rumibaba Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:19 pm EST

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    Now Yankees..please dont get Matt Holliday...i'd rather have Hawpe...
  11. THE ANGMAN
    11. Posted by THE ANGMAN Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:20 pm EST

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    I agree with your number 1 pick. Damon sure was on the ball on that play. To see that happen in the world series in a tie game was a back breaker for the Phillies.
  12. Rumibaba
    12. Posted by Rumibaba Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:21 pm EST

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    My question is off-topic...wtf is Jay-z doing up there in float...he's a butt-ugly dude..and frigging attention seeker...
  13. Jon
    13. Posted by Jon Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:27 pm EST

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    johnny damon's double steal change the whole world series, the clear number one without argument. that play alone might get him another year with the yankees... the only way matsui and damon come back if they take a huuuge paycut. no negotiations. austin jackson is ready, the guy batted over .350 in scranton, he's the yankees clear number 9 hitter and future leadoff man. if jeter is leadoff or #2, yankees need carl crawford or or someone else. a left fielder if no damon, is their biggest need plus a 5th man for the rotation. bullpen is solid.
  14. God Speaks
    14. Posted by God Speaks Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:31 pm EST

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    When is the inbred Jeff Passan going to have a comments section?
    He should be trashed for all the garbage he writes.
    Yahoo should just fire him.
  15. NYY
    15. Posted by NYY Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:47 pm EST

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    Yes, I agree. All very memorable moments...The YANKEES with #27 and all the GREAT TEAM PLAYERS including the MANAGEMENT and all the way UP TO THE TOP.........That's enough for me!!! AWESOME!!!!
  16. RaymondGuy
    16. Posted by RaymondGuy Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:54 pm EST

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    ^ Passion is too much of passy to have feedback.
    #1 has to be Matsui's upper decker. The bomb that ended the war.
  17. Paul B
    17. Posted by Paul B Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:58 pm EST

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    this is a horrid list
  18. Joe
    18. Posted by Joe Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:05 pm EST

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    you guys have the wrong damon play. in game four he was down to his last strike against lidge with two outs in the top of the ninth in a tie game. he gets a hit and they then score three runs to win. if he makes an out the phillies have the top of the lineup to facr coke who was warming up. the dash play was exciting, but his hit in game 4 turned the series.
    they also missed rollins double to beat the dodgers with two out in game 4 with the phillies down a run. if he gets jimmy the series is tied and who knows what happens from there?
  19. bigbaz42@...
    19. Posted by bigbaz42@... Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:08 pm EST

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    Did anybody watch ? did anybody care? there was nothing exciting about 2 teams that are 100 miles apart playing each other, except to the fans of those 2 cities.
  20. joarby2
    20. Posted by joarby2 Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:12 pm EST

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    Too much is made of Damon double steel as the situation warrant that he should continue to run and he did. The shift was on and the pitcher did cover...what is the big deal? I think all of A-Rod key hits should have been on the top ten easily as it was more key as well as memorable! Damon was just lucky that the situation presented itself the way it did...he could do no wrong in that senario!
  21. Kyle B
    21. Posted by Kyle B Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:13 pm EST

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    Wow. Pretty blatant error on #9. Lee was the starter in Game 4, so winning that game didn't set him up to start the next series. Hamels took the ball in Game 1 of the LCS and Lee tossed another gem in Game 3.
  22. peter s
    22. Posted by peter s Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:20 pm EST

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    To all the bone heads who trashed the yankees give it up and get a life, the yanks are WORLD CHAMPS.
  23. Mutha Fukkin B-ry
    23. Posted by Mutha Fukkin B-ry Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:32 pm EST

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    I def. agree with the number one, but I think CC's wins against the angels should be up there...i mean the man was lights out against them. Or how about arods game tying hr's in the 9th inning of both the ALDS and the ALCS?
  24. Joe
    24. Posted by Joe Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:58 pm EST

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    the damon run is way over-rated as a few posts said. he had the opportunity, but it didn't change the series. the novelty of the play is what's intriguing. it's #1 for a guy like duk who really doesn't know baseball very well. it was a headsup play that has gotten too much press. seriously, wasn't utley's 5 homers a much bigger thing? or a-rod's clutch hrs?
  25. boston garden
    25. Posted by boston garden Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:06 pm EST

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    hands down damon's steal is number one. changed the whole complexion of the series. both him and matsui need to sit down, discuss pay cuts that are reasonable to both parties, and continue next year. steins, you listening?

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