The New York Yankees won their 40th American League pennant last night, defeating the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 to take the ALCS in six games.

When the pinstriped crew takes the field Wednesday -- in their first World Series appearance since 2001 -- a familiar face will be in attendance.

George Steinbrenner will "absolutely" be at Yankee Stadium for Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night, Hal Steinbrenner said last night.

"I think all these players are doing this for him," Hal said. "We want to win this whole thing for him. I think we feel like he's here being a big part of it."

George Steinbrenner, 79, has been in declining health in recent years and has not been at a game in the Bronx since the home opener in April.

George handed over the reigns of the franchise to his son Hal last November. From 1973 to then, the franchise won six World Series under his ownership.