ICYIM Weekend Version: Mo, Pettitte, Rookies, and a Winning Road Trip

Sep 22, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera embraces Rachel Robinson, the widow of Jackie Robinson, during a ceremony in Monument Park before the game between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants spent the last week in New York City, playing series with both the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. The series with the Mets went fairly well (2 of 3). The series with the Yankees, not so well (1 of 3). They at least avoided the sweep by the Yankees, who still have their hopes on an AL playoff spot, and come home from this road trip with a first. This is the first time all season the Giants have had a winning multi-city road trip. Yes, you read that correctly, and if you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe Baggs.

"It’s been a meager feast this season, but for the first time all year, the Giants posted a winning record on a multi-city trip. This one was a New York history tour – first to Los Angeles to play the former Brooklyn Dodgers, then a week split between Queens and the Bronx against the Mets and Yankees."

Aside from the winning road trip, here’s what else went down.

Rookie hazing happened. They had to dress up as the Time Square Naked Cowboy. In case you are wondering, Javier Lopez was the mastermind behind that idea. He was also the mastermind behind 2012 rookie hazing outfits as well.

I don’t mean to go all girly, and ooh look at his hair, on you here, but goodness. Check out those abs on Ehire Adrianza. I think I need to do some laundry.

Aside from rookie hazing, the Giants got to witness some history at Yankee Stadium. Some good, some not so good (depending on how you feel about Alex Rodriguez).

Rodriguez hit a grand slam in Friday’s game to give the Yankees the win. Oh, it was also his 24th career grand slam, which sets him right on top of the most all-time grand slam list. He passed Lou Gehrig with that one. The only silver lining is that we can hope it’s his last.

Mariano Rivera: The Yankees retired  Rivera’s number before Sunday’s game. He’s the last active player to wear number 42 (retired through all of baseball to honor Jackie Robinson). They also brought in Metallica to play Enter Sandman, his walkout song since 1999.

Sergio Romo also knew it was a special moment and had this to say, via Baggs, which was pretty touching:

"“There is no other Mariano,” Romo said. “I was joking to myself warming up, `I’m going to get a chance to pitch in Yankee Stadium.’ I didn’t get a chance to see Babe Ruth or Gehrig or Joe DiMaggio. But to be able to compete on the same mound against Mariano … I mean, he got to toe the rubber before I did. That’s pretty sweet.”"

Andy Pettitte:  Pettitte likely made his last start at Yankee stadium on Sunday as well, as he’s retiring as the end of the season.

Pettitte didn’t get a win, and Mo didn’t get a save, as the Giants played spoiler on their special day. However, the sendoff to both guys was well done and classy. I appreciated seeing it as a baseball fan and the Giants fans at Yankee Stadium on Sunday got to witness not only a win, but a moment in baseball history…two of them, in fact.