The Giants' connection isn't solely from the '40s, however, because their starting second baseman,
Freddy Sanchez,
played for the Thunder back when he was a shortstop in Boston's system. In fact, each of these past five champions have had significant contributions from someone who spent a season in New Jersey on his way to a World Series ring: Yankees second baseman
Robinson Cano (2003-04 with Trenton); Phillies catcher
Carlos Ruiz (2001 with Lakewood), first baseman
Ryan Howard (2002 with Lakewood) and World Series MVP
Cole Hamels (2003 with Lakewood); Red Sox first baseman
Kevin Youkilis (44 games with Trenton in 2002) and Cardinals shortstop and World Series MVP
David Eckstein (1999 with Trenton).