The Yankees still have a connection to the 2009 World Series team in their uniform

Last week, as the Yankees were on the verge of closing out the ALCS against the Guardians, Harkey said it all felt “familiar” again.

“The last few days you've been fighting for your life, doing it with the guys who brought you here,” Harkey said.

The Yankees' bullpen was led by future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera in 2009 and bolstered by players such as David Robertson, Phil Hughes and, in October, Joba Chamberlain and lefty Damaso Marte.

This year, Harkey has led a group led by Weaver, former closer and closer setup man Clay Holmes, veteran Tommy Kahnle and resurgent left-hander Tim Hill.

“I think him really taking the ship along and leading it in terms of how I look at it and calm it down and not try to make things bigger than they need to be,” Weaver said. “Letting them know calmly that they are in the game. Explain the situation and give you the scout report before boarding. But (also) everyday life. He’s just blunt, he’s real, he’s honest and if you don’t have a good game he’s there the next day to say it and explain what he thinks.”

Harkey tries to make sure he talks about Rivera a lot in the bullpen, not just because he was so good, but because he still had to work physically and mentally every day to get there.

“For me he’s a rock, a great sounding board and friend,” Boone said. “So much experience in the game as a player and as a coach. Obviously great at what he does and his role. I’m just so happy that he’s part of our team and has been a rock for me over the years.”

When pitching coach Matt Blake was hired to replace Larry Rothschild after the 2019 season, one of his first actions was to make sure Harkey came back.

“I think it always helps when someone with so much experience has played. He was here, he was there all season, obviously he was part of a (World Series) winning team here,” Blake said. “That’s why the boys have great confidence in his sense of stability.”

Harkey, the No. 4 overall pick in 1987 (three picks behind Ken Griffey Jr.), whose eight-year career was blighted by injuries, has his own unique style in the bullpen, keeping things light until the phone rings.

But it has worked over the years, as it has this season, even if it didn't always seem like it would work.

“It’s the noise that comes with being a New York Yankee,” Harkey said. “We were never as bad as everyone thought. We always knew it wasn't us. We just knew we needed a chance to show that we can get the big outs when we need them. We have the opportunity to do it now and hope we can do it for a few more weeks.”