<P> In aftermath of the September 11 attacks, that year, Yankees defeated the Oakland A's in the ALDS, and the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS . By winning the pennant for a fourth straight year, the 1998--2001 Yankees joined the 1921--1924 New York Giants, and the Yankee teams of' 36 --' 39,' 49 --' 53,' 55 --' 58 and' 60 --' 64 as the only teams to win at least four straight pennants . The Yankees won 11 consecutive postseason series in this 4 - year period . In the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankees lost the series when closer Mariano Rivera uncharacteristically blew a save in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7; it was the second time in five years that a team lost the World Series after taking a lead into the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 (following the Cleveland Indians in 1997) and the first time since 1991 that the home team won all seven games of a World Series . The Yankees were also the first American League team to lose a World Series in which the home team won all seven games . Also, despite a very poor series overall, batting under . 200, Derek Jeter got the nickname, "Mr. November", echoing comparisons Reggie Jackson's "Mr. October", for his walk - off home run in Game 4, though it began October 31, as the game ended in the first minutes of November 1 . In addition, the Yankees' home field in the aftermath of the attacks served as hosts of a memorial service titled "Prayer for America ." </P> <P> A vastly revamped Yankees team finished the 2002 season with an AL best record of 103--58 . The season was highlighted by Alfonso Soriano becoming the first second baseman ever to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season . In the ALDS the Yankees lost to the eventual champion Anaheim Angels in four games . </P> <P> In 2003, the Yankees again had the best league record (101--61), highlighted by Roger Clemens' 300th win and 4000th strikeout . In the ALCS, they defeated the Boston Red Sox in a dramatic seven game series, which featured a bench - clearing incident in Game 3 and a series - ending walk - off home run by Aaron Boone in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game 7 . In the World Series the Yankees lost in 6 games to the Florida Marlins, losing a World Series at home for the first time since 1981 . </P> <P> In 2004, the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez, who moved to third base from his usual shortstop position to accommodate Derek Jeter . In the ALCS, the Yankees met the Boston Red Sox again, and became the first team in professional baseball history, and only the third team in North American pro sports history, to lose a best - of - seven series after taking a 3--0 series lead . </P>

When did the yankees lose the world series