REMEMBERING THAT SMALL-CHACON PUNCH OF THE 2005 YANKEES

The 2005 New York Yankees season was marked by unexpected contributions from two unlikely heroes: Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon. These two pitchers, who started the season with little fanfare, became pivotal in the Yankees' quest for the playoffs, providing stability and surprising success when the team needed it most.

Aaron Small's journey to the Yankees' rotation in 2005 was nothing short of remarkable. Small, a journeyman who had bounced around various minor league teams and had limited success in the majors, was called upon by the Yankees during a season riddled with pitching injuries and inconsistencies. Despite the odds, Small seized the opportunity, delivering an astonishing 10-0 record with a 3.20 ERA. His calm demeanor on the mound and ability to consistently deliver quality starts earned him the trust of both his teammates and the Yankees' faithful.

Small's success was not just a stroke of luck; it was the result of years of perseverance and refining his craft. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off balance became his trademark, and he provided a much-needed boost to a Yankees rotation that had been struggling behind ace Randy Johnson. Small's performance was a revelation, and his perfect record became a symbol of resilience and determination. 

Shawn Chacon, on the other hand, was acquired by the Yankees in a mid-season trade from the Colorado Rockies. Chacon had shown flashes of talent in Colorado, but inconsistency and a lack of run support had plagued his time with the Rockies. Upon arriving in New York, Chacon found new life. Feeding off the energy of the Bronx and the example set by Aaron Small, Chacon posted a 7-3 record with a 2.85 ERA in pinstripes.

Chacon's success with the Yankees was attributed to his ability to command his pitches better and the run support provided by the Yankees' potent lineup. His presence in the rotation brought stability, and his performances in key games down the stretch were instrumental in the Yankees' push for the playoffs. The tandem of Small and Chacon quickly became a formidable duo, complementing the veteran presence of Randy Johnson and helping to compensate for the struggles of other pitchers like Kevin Brown, who had a disappointing season.

The Yankees' rotation was in dire need of depth and reliability in 2005, and the emergence of Small and the acquisition of Chacon provided just that. Their contributions allowed the Yankees to remain competitive in the tight AL East race, and their performances under pressure demonstrated their resilience and capability. Without Small's perfect run and Chacon's rejuvenation, the Yankees' postseason hopes might have been dashed.

After the 2005 season, Aaron Small struggled to replicate his success. He dealt with injuries and inconsistency, and by the end of the 2006 season, his time with the Yankees and in Major League Baseball had come to an end. However, his perfect season remained a highlight in his career and a cherished memory for Yankees fans.

Shawn Chacon, too, found it difficult to maintain his 2005 form. He continued to pitch in the majors for a few more years, with varying levels of success, before fading from the spotlight. Nonetheless, his time with the Yankees in 2005 is remembered fondly, as he provided the team with exactly what they needed when they needed it most.

Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon may not be the first names that come to mind when thinking of the Yankees' storied history, but their contributions in 2005 have left an indelible mark. They are remembered as two pitchers who stepped up in a time of need and helped propel the Yankees to success in a season full of uncertainty. Their legacy is one of resilience, seizing opportunity, and delivering when it mattered most.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor