NEW YORK -- The World Series champion New York Yankees were given a hero's welcome yesterday, complete with a confetti shower.
Following the parade in Manhattan's south end, they were given the keys to the city by mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Having not won the World Series since 2000, the reception given to the Yankees was appropriately enthusiastic after they captured their 27th title earlier this week in their new, $1.5-billion US stadium.
MILLION FANS
One million fans crowded Wall St., for the celebration, turning the area into a sea of blue and white ball caps. Some held up signs that read: 'Proud New Yorkers' while others were holding up the number 28, already looking toward another championship next year.
There were people literally everywhere: Hanging from lamp posts, perched on window ledges and sitting on rooftops. It rained confetti and rolls of toilet paper.
Amid the carnival-like atmosphere the players paraded through the crowd on floats while bagpipers and a brass band played. Alex Rodriguez, sporting a back fedora, sunglasses and coat, led the parade.
His famous girlfriend however, actress Kate Hudson, was not at his side despite having been at all of the games.
Rodriguez was accompanied by rapper Jay-Z whose song Empire State of Mind became the new anthem for the series, likely because of the line: "I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can."
Team captain Derek Jeter made things just a bit crazier as fans exploded into chants of 'De-rek Jee-tah'. Jeter saluted his adoring fans with his girlfriend, actress Minka Kelly, at his side.
There was also a contingent of Japanese fans out to celebrate the MVP of the Series, Hideki Matsui.
In another car, veteran pitcher Andy Pettitte filmed the show.
Famed director Spike Lee could also be seen during the parade, jumping from float to float to document the historic celebration.
