10 Years Ago Tonight

Looking back on October 16th, 2003, the first name that comes to mind is Aaron Boone, whose home run leading off the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Yankees a 6-5 win in game seven of the ALCS. Almost overlooked was perhaps the greatest performance of Mariano Rivera's career. Entering a tie game in the top of the 9th, he turned in three innings of shutout relief -- for the first time in his career -- under the most intense pressure. Mo was the last line of defense -- holding the Red Sox bats in check, while the Yankees tried in vain to push a run home in the 9th and 10th. Yes, Boone made the difference in the 11th and grabbed ownership of the night. But without Mariano on the mound, there is no Aaron Boone moment.

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