The 2009 swine flu pandemic affected thousands of people around the world and — according to Pedro Martinez — the World Series, as well.
“It wasn’t told, but most of us were sick,” the former Phillies pitcher told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Some of the guys had swine flu and had to be kept away. I caught some of the virus. We would just never say it. When I got home, I realized that I was really sick.”
The Yankees defeated the Phillies in six games for their most recent title a decade ago with Martinez starting Games 2 and 6 — both victories by the Yankees.