2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 1: at Miami Dolphins, Game summary
The Jets started with quarterback Brett Favre against a Miami Dolphins team that was sporting new starting quarterback and former Jets starting quarterback Chad Pennington. Favre got the Jets on the scoreboard first in the first quarter with a play-action pass that found Jerricho Cotchery at the 10-yard line en route to a 56-yard touchdown. However, Mike Nugent sprained his thigh on the following kickoff, and when he attempted and missed a 32-yard field goal attempt, Nugent was brought out of the game. Miami then responded, with Chad Pennington marching the Dolphins down to the 6-yard line.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 1: at Miami Dolphins, Game summary
From there, Pennington connected with Anthony Fasano for a 5-yard touchdown, tying the game. On the following drive for the Jets, coach Eric Mangini, faced with the possibility of missing a 40-yard field goal if he allowed an uncertain Mike Nugent to kick the ball, opted for Favre to continue on 4th down and 13 yards. Favre, under pressure, threw up a high ball and rookie Chansi Stuckey jumped up for the catch in the end zone, giving the Jets a 13–7 lead. Rather than put Nugent out to the field for a PAT, Mangini opted to go for two points, but the option failed.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 1: at Miami Dolphins, Game summary
In the 3rd quarter, Favre brought the Jets back to the red zone, moving them to the 6-yard line. From there, Favre handed off the ball to Thomas Jones, who ran in for the touchdown. Along with an extra point from Mike Nugent, the Jets now had a 20–7 lead. Due to miscommunication, Chad Pennington was forced to use two time-outs early in the 4th quarter. Late in the 4th quarter, Pennington moved Miami down the field, including connecting on a 14-yard pass from 4th-and-7 at midfield.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 1: at Miami Dolphins, Game summary
Pennington completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to David Martin with 3:27 remaining, cutting the Jets' lead to 6 points. The Jets, who ran the clock down to the two-minute warning, went three-and-out on their drive, giving the ball back to Miami at their 34-yard line with 1:53 remaining. Pennington moved the team down the field, getting to the 18-yard line with 18 seconds on the clock. On 3rd-and-10 from the 18-yard line, Pennington attempted a throw to Ted Ginn Jr. in the back of the end zone, but it was intercepted by Darrelle Revis, sealing the six-point win for the Jets.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 1: at Miami Dolphins, Game summary
With the win, the Jets began their 2008 season at 1–0.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 1: at Miami Dolphins, Game summary
Brett Favre, in his Jets debut, completed 15 of 22 passes for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns (with a passer rating of 125.9).


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 2: vs. New England Patriots, Game summary
Coming off their divisional road win over the Dolphins, the Jets played their Week 2 home opener against their AFC East foe, the New England Patriots. The Jets had the first opportunity to score in the first quarter, but a 31-yard field goal attempt by new kicker Jay Feely was wide right. New York then trailed as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski got a 21-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Jets continued to trail as Gostkowski kicked a 37-yard field goal. Brett Favre got the Jets down to the 3-yard line, but after three running plays resulting in 0 net yardage, the Jets settled for a 21-yard field goal to get on the board.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 2: vs. New England Patriots, Game summary
In the third quarter, New England capitalized on an interception by Brandon Meriweather off a Brett Favre pass. The Patriots increased its lead 6 plays later as RB Sammy Morris got a 1-yard TD run and Gostkowski nailed a 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jets tried to rally as QB Brett Favre completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Chansi Stuckey. However, the Patriots pulled away with Gostkowski's 27-yard field goal.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 3: at San Diego Chargers, Game summary
Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Patriots, the Jets flew to Qualcomm Stadium for a Week 3 MNF duel with the San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, New York took flight as CB David Barrett returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers responded with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 36-yard field goal, along with QB Philip Rivers completing a 1-yard TD pass to FB Mike Tolbert. In the second quarter, San Diego increased its lead with CB Antonio Cromartie returning an interception 52 yards for a touchdown.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 3: at San Diego Chargers, Game summary
The Jets answered with QB Brett Favre completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles. The turning point in the game occurred on the following kickoff, an on-side kick, which traveled only 15 yards before the Chargers picked up the ball. They then added a touchdown, with Rivers completing a 27-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers. Following another interception, the Chargers scored again with a 6-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 3: at San Diego Chargers, Game summary
In the third quarter, San Diego increased its lead with RB LaDainian Tomlinson getting a 2-yard TD run. New York then managed to move the ball down to the San Diego 9-yard line, but turned the ball over on downs. In the fourth quarter, New York tried to rally as Favre completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chansi Stuckey (with a failed 2-point conversion), along with kicker Jay Feely getting a 32-yard field goal, yet the Chargers answered with Tomlinson's 2-yard TD run.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 3: at San Diego Chargers, Game summary
Afterwards, the Jets tried to make yet another comeback attempt as Jerricho Cotchery ran a return ball 54 yards. Favre completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE Dustin Keller to put them within 2 touchdowns from tying, yet San Diego sealed the win with Kaeding's 49-yard field goal with 2:08 left in the game.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Game summary
Hoping to rebound from a tough MNF road loss to the Chargers, the Jets went home, donned their New York Titans throwbacks, and played a Week 4 interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals. After a scoreless first quarter, New York would begin their explosive second quarter. It began with QB Brett Favre completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles. It continued with CB Darrelle Revis returning an interception 32 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, New York kept its domination going with Favre completing a 34-yard TD pass to Coles, kicker Jay Feely getting a 20-yard field goal, Favre and Coles hooking up with each other for a third time on a 2-yard TD pass, and Feely kicking a 30-yard field goal.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Game summary
In the third quarter, the Cardinals started to rally as RB Edgerrin James got a 4-yard and a 2-yard TD run, while RB Tim Hightower got a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Jets answered with Favre completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery. Arizona replied with QB Kurt Warner completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, yet New York continued its victory march as Favre completed a 40-yard TD pass to Cotchery.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Game summary
The Cardinals tried to come back as Warner completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Jerheme Urban, yet the Jets were able to close out the game as Favre threw his career-best sixth touchdown pass to rookie TE Dustin Keller from 24 yards out. In the final minute, Anquan Boldin suffered fractured paranasal sinuses as a result of a helmet-to-helmet collision. After witnessing the injury, Kurt Warner considered retirement, but remained to lead the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Game summary
With the amazing win, New York went into the bye week at 2–2.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Game summary
The Jets' 34-second quarter points became a franchise record for the most points in any given quarter. The defense was also impressive with 5 sacks and 7 turnovers. Also, heading into the game, Favre was listed as questionable, due to an injury from MNF. He improved to 6–1 in career games where he's listed as questionable.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 6: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off their bye week, the Jets stayed at home, donned their New York Titans throwbacks again, and played a Week 6 duel with the winless Cincinnati Bengals. In the first quarter, the Jets trailed early as Bengals strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown. New York would respond with QB Brett Favre completing a 2-yard TD pass to RB Thomas Jones. In the second quarter, the Jets took the lead as kicker Jay Feely got a 38-yard field goal, while Jones got a 7-yard TD run. Cincinnati closed out the half with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick getting a 1-yard TD run.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 6: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
In the third quarter, New York began to pull away as Feely nailed a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jets closed the game out with Jones getting a 1-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 7: at Oakland Raiders
Coming off their home win over the Bengals, the Jets flew to Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum for a Week 7 duel with the Oakland Raiders, Brett Favre's first trip to the stadium since a 2003 Monday night game played in the aftermath of his father's death. In the first quarter, New York took flight as kicker Jay Feely got a 40-yard field goal. The Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 29-yard field goal. After a scoreless second quarter, Oakland took the lead as QB JaMarcus Russell completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Javon Walker.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 7: at Oakland Raiders
In the fourth quarter, the Jets answered with RB Leon Washington getting an 11-yard TD run. The Raiders regained their lead as Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal. Favre orchestrated a remarkable final drive, culminating in a Feely 52-yard field goal with just 3 seconds left that sent the game into overtime. The Jets nearly won in regulation, but Jerricho Cotchery was tripped up by the last Oakland defender, preventing what would have been a game-winning touchdown. Oakland prevailed in overtime, as Janikowski nailed the game-ending 57-yard field goal, which holds the NFL record for longest FG converted in Overtime.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Hoping to rebound from their tough overtime road loss to the Raiders, the Jets went home for a Week 8 duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, New York took flight as QB Brett Favre completed an 18-yard TD pass to RB Leon Washington. In the second quarter, the Chiefs tied the game as QB Tyler Thigpen completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. The Jets would answer with Washington getting a 60-yard TD run. Kansas City closed out the half as Thigpen completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Mark Bradley.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In the third quarter, the Chiefs took the lead as kicker Connor Barth nailed a 30-yard field goal, yet New York replied with RB Thomas Jones getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Kansas City got the lead again as CB Brandon Flowers returned an interception 91 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately, the Jets pulled out the win with Favre completing the game-winning 15-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
During halftime, the Jets celebrated the 40th anniversary of their Super Bowl III championship team.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
Coming off their home win over the Chiefs, the Jets flew to Ralph Wilson Stadium for a Week 9 AFC East duel with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, New York took flight early as kicker Jay Feely getting a 37-yard field goal. The Bills answered with QB Trent Edwards completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE Derek Fine. Afterwards, the Jets regained the lead as Feely got a 26-yard field goal, along with safety Abram Elam returning an interception 92 yards for a touchdown.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
After a scoreless second quarter, New York kicked off the third quarter with Feely making a 20-yard field goal. Buffalo would respond with kicker Rian Lindell getting a 53-yard field goal, yet New York replied with RB Thomas Jones getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Bills tried to rally as CB Jabari Greer returned QB Brett Favre's 300th career interception 42 yards for a touchdown. Favre subsequently led the Jets downfield on a seven-minute drive, resulting in a 31-yard field goal from Feely to put the game out of reach for Buffalo.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
With the win, not only did New York improve to 5–3, but Favre also earned his first win at Ralph Wilson Stadium after going 0–3 in his previous three visits with Green Bay.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 10: vs. St. Louis Rams
Coming off their road win over the Bills, the Jets went home for Week 10 interconference duel with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, New York took flight as RB Thomas Jones got a 13-yard TD run, kicker Jay Feely nailed a 22-yard field goal, and LB Calvin Pace returning a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 10: vs. St. Louis Rams
In the second quarter, the Jets continued their domination as Jones got a 2-yard TD run, Feely making a 49-yard and a 46-yard field goal, QB Brett Favre completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Dustin Keller, and Feely getting a 55-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Rams would get only points of the game as kicker Josh Brown nailed a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New York flew away as Jones got a 6-yard TD run.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 10: vs. St. Louis Rams
The +44 point differential marked the largest margin of victory in franchise history. Also, it was their first win over the Rams since 1983.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 11: at New England Patriots
Coming off their dominating home win over the Rams, the Jets flew to Gillette Stadium for a Week 11 AFC East rematch with the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. In the first quarter, New York took flight as QB Brett Favre completed a 7-yard TD pass to RB Leon Washington. The Patriots would respond with kicker Stephen Gostkowski getting a 42-yard field goal. The Jets would increase their lead as kicker Jay Feely made a 22-yard field goal.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 11: at New England Patriots
In the second quarter, New England would answer with Gostkowski making a 31-yard field goal, yet New York immediately replied as Washington returned the kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. Later, the Jets added onto their lead as Favre completed a 15-yard TD pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery to give the Jets a commanding 24–6 lead. The Patriots would get back into the game by closing out the half with a  QB Matt Cassel 19-yard TD pass to WR Jabar Gaffney.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 11: at New England Patriots
In the third quarter, New England hacked away at New York's lead as Cassel completed a 10-yard TD pass to TE Benjamin Watson (along with a 2-point conversion pass to Gaffney) on the final play of the 3rd quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Patriots completely erased the Jets' 18-point lead with Gostkowski kicking a 47-yard field goal. New York would answer with RB Thomas Jones getting a 1-yard TD run, but New England tied the game with Cassel completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss, who had beaten Ty Law as time expired.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 11: at New England Patriots
In overtime,  the Jets took the kickoff and marched straight down the field to win on Feely's 34-yard field goal. The drive included some clutch throws by Favre, particularly a connection with Dustin Keller on 3rd-and-17 from deep in the Jets' zone. It was Favre's 42nd game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime in his career. Washington was selected as AFC special teams player of the week for the first time in his career. His 92-yard touchdown was the fourth kick return TD of his career, surpassing Justin Miller for the club record.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 12: at Tennessee Titans
Coming off their impressive Thursday night road win over the Patriots, the Jets flew to LP Field for a Week 12 duel with the undefeated Tennessee Titans. In the first quarter, New York took flight early as QB Brett Favre completed a 10-yard TD pass to RB Thomas Jones. In the second quarter, the Jets continued their scoring as kicker Jay Feely got a 20-yard field goal. The Titans closed out the half with kicker Rob Bironas getting a 43-yard field goal.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 12: at Tennessee Titans
In the third quarter, New York went back to work as Feely made a 30-yard field goal, while Favre completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee tried to rally as Bironas nailed a 49-yard field goal, yet the Jets replied with RB Leon Washington's 61-yard TD run. The Titans tried to keep their perfect season alive as QB Kerry Collins completed a 6-yard TD pass to FB Ahmard Hall. Afterwards, New York flew away as Washington got another 4-yard TD run.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 12: at Tennessee Titans
With the win, the Jets improved to 8–3. Favre also broke a tie with Dan Marino for victories in the most NFL stadiums by winning in his 32nd at LP Field.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos
Coming off their road win over the Titans, the Jets went home for a Week 13 duel with the Denver Broncos. The game would be moved from a 1:00 PM start time to a later time due to a more national interest in the Jets hence their 8-3 record. In the first quarter, New York trailed early as Broncos safety Vernon Fox returning a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos
The Jets would respond with RB Thomas Jones getting a 59-yard TD run, but Denver answered with QB Jay Cutler completing a 59-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal, along with kicker Matt Prater making a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York drew close as Jones got a 29-yard TD run, yet the Broncos replied with RB Peyton Hillis getting a 1-yard TD run, along with Prater getting a 35-yard field goal.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos
In the third quarter, the Jets tried to rally as kicker Jay Feely nailed a 30-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, Denver pulled away as Cutler completed a 36-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 14: at San Francisco 49ers
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Broncos, the Jets flew to Candlestick Park for a Week 14 interconference battle with the San Francisco 49ers. Late in the first quarter, New York trailed early as 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley recovered Jason Hill's fumble in the endzone for a touchdown. The Jets responded in the second quarter with quarterback Brett Favre getting a 2-yard touchdown run, yet San Francisco would answer with quarterback Shaun Hill completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Frank Gore.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 14: at San Francisco 49ers
In the third quarter, New York tied the game with running back Thomas Jones's 17-yard touchdown run. However, the 49ers pulled away in the fourth quarter as kicker Joe Nedney nailed a 32-yard field goal, along with Hill completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bryant Johnson.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
Hoping to snap a two-game losing streak, the Jets went home for a Week 15 AFC East rematch with the Buffalo Bills. Early in the first quarter, New York soared off to an early lead as running back Thomas Jones got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Bills would answer with a 34-yard field goal from kicker Rian Lindell, yet the Jets answered with quarterback Brett Favre completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery. Buffalo would take the lead in the second quarter as quarterback J. P. Losman got an 8-yard touchdown run and completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stevie Johnson, but New York would get the halftime lead as running back Leon Washington got a 47-yard touchdown run.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
In the third quarter, the Bills got within one as Lindell got a 48-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jets added onto their lead as kicker Jay Feely nailed a 31-yard field goal. Buffalo got the lead again as running back Fred Jackson dragged defenders for an 11-yard touchdown run. After a Jets punt, Buffalo took over with just over two minutes remaining. Rather than try to run out the clock and burn the Jets' timeouts, Losman dropped back for a pass on third down. Under pressure from safety Abram Elam, Losman let go of the ball, allowing defensive end Shaun Ellis to return that fumble 11 yards for the game-winning touchdown.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
With the win, the Jets improved to 9–5, needing wins in their last 2 games to clinch the AFC East.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks, Game summary
For the fourth time in as many trips to the western United States, the Jets lost to the woeful Seahawks in Mike Holmgren's final home game as  the team's head coach. The loss dropped the Jets to 9–6 and out of first place in the AFC East. Jay Feely put the Jets on the board with a field goal eight minutes into the game and the lead held for most of the remainder of the first half. Seattle scored with thirty one seconds remaining in the half on a Seneca Wallace touchdown pass.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks, Game summary
Olindo Mare kicked two field goals in the second half, including one with 1:47 remaining to clinch victory for Seattle. Brett Favre was held without a touchdown pass for the Jets and threw two interceptions, and Thomas Jones was held to 67 yards. For the Seahawks Maurice Morris rushed for 116 yards on 29 carries and Wallace finished with 175 yards passing and his second-quarter touchdown.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins
Although the Jets will have a winning season, it would not be enough because the Patriots and Dolphins would both finish the season at 11-5. Therefore, the team with the better record against the division and conference would make the playoffs. Being that the Miami Dolphins were the most improved team from last year being 1-15 in 2007 to 11-5 in 2008, the game would be moved to a later start time to allow a more national audience to view the game. The Jets went home for a Week 17 AFC East rematch with the Miami Dolphins.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins
After a scoreless first quarter, New York took flight in the second quarter as quarterback Brett Favre completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laveranues Coles (with a failed PAT). The Dolphins would strike back with former Jets quarterback Chad Pennington completing a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., along with rookie defensive end Phillip Merling returning an interception 25 yards for a touchdown. New York would close out the half as kicker Jay Feely got a 28-yard field goal.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins
In the third quarter, the Jets regained the lead as running back Leon Washington got a 10-yard touchdown run (followed by Favre's 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery). However, Miami replied with Pennington's 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins would pull away as kicker Dan Carpenter nailed a 48-yard field goal. New York tried to get a comeback, but Miami's defense stopped any attempt.


2008 New York Jets season, Regular season results, Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins
With the loss, the Jets' season ended at 9–7. As a result, head coach Eric Mangini would eventually be fired.


2008 New York Liberty season
The 2008 WNBA season was the 12th season for the New York Liberty. The first ever outdoor professional basketball game was held at Arthur Ashe Stadium between the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever. Over 19,000 fans attended the game.


2008 New York Liberty season, Player stats
Note: GP= Games played; REB= Rebounds; AST= Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points; AVG = Average


2008 New York Mets season
The 2008 New York Mets season was the franchise's 47th season. The Mets finished the season with an 89–73 record, second place in the National League East, three games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, and one game worse than the wild card winners, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets were eliminated from postseason play on their last day of the regular season by the Florida Marlins for the second straight year.


2008 New York Mets season
2008 was the Mets' 45th and final year at Shea Stadium. They moved to Citi Field in 2009.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
After dropping 12 out of their final 17 games of the 2007 season to lose the National League East to the Philadelphia Phillies on their last day of the regular season, the Mets front office was expected to make big moves in the offseason to give hope for the next season.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
Needing to make a decision within five days after the Mets' last game, Tom Glavine declined his $13 million player option. He eventually signed with his former team, the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $8 million on November 18.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
On October 31, the Mets took care of two of their own potential free agents. Left fielder Moisés Alou's option year on his contract was picked up for $7.5 million despite Alou only playing in 87 games due to a left quadriceps injury. He did, however, lead the Mets with a .341 batting average and seven outfield assists. Alou also set a franchise record with a 30-game hitting streak after he came off the disabled list. Utility player Damion Easley was re-signed for one year at $950,000. He was on the disabled list two separate times due to a left quadriceps strain on May 11 and a left ankle sprain which ended his season on August 18.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
When the free agency period began, the Mets first looked to catcher Yorvit Torrealba to replace 2007 starter Paul Lo Duca. After agreeing to the structure of a three-year contract worth $14.4 million with Torrealba, the Mets suddenly changed their minds on November 17 and retracted the offer, seemingly because of Torrealba's sore shoulder, as the Mets only needed to see the results of Torrealba's physical to officially complete the deal. Lo Duca never appeared to be the first choice for the Mets, so they continued their search for a starter from another team rather than re-sign Lo Duca, who went on to sign with the Nationals.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
After the Torrealba deal fell through, the Mets focused on one of their own free agents. On November 18, second baseman Luis Castillo agree to a four-year $25 million contract. The Mets explored the possibility of signing David Eckstein to start at second base, but determined his contract demands were too lofty.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
On November 20, the Mets traded relief pitcher Guillermo Mota away to the Milwaukee Brewers for catcher Johnny Estrada. This trade ended up just being a salary dump, as Estrada, who was arbitration-eligible, was not offered a new contract, therefore becoming a free agent. The Mets wanted to be rid of Mota and his $3.2 million salary because he pitched to a 5.72 ERA in 2007 after being suspended for 50 games for steroid use.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
In response to the Mets' need for a starting catcher, General Manager Omar Minaya made his first significant trade of the offseason on December 1, acquiring catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church from the Nationals for outfielder Lastings Milledge. Once considered the Mets top prospect, Milledge had fallen out of favor with players and management due to his on- and off-field antics. Minaya made the trade to acquire two players who, in his mind, would be starters for the Mets.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
The Mets made a small move on January 5, 2008, to shore up their outfield depth, acquiring Ángel Pagán from the Chicago Cubs for two minor-league players, outfielder Corey Coles and pitcher Ryan Meyers. Pagán was a fourth-round draft pick by the Mets in 1999, and he was sent to the Cubs on January 25, 2006, for cash.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
The Mets' biggest trade of the offseason would come on January 29, when they agreed to a trade for two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins. Minaya agreed to trade outfielder Carlos Gómez and pitchers Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra to the Twins. Three days later, to complete the trade, Santana agreed to a contract extension worth $137.5 million over the course of six years, with an option worth an extra $19.5 million for 2014, which can be triggered by performance. This contract is a record amount for a Major League Baseball pitcher.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
Starting pitcher Óliver Pérez's arbitration case was settled on February 22 and scored a win for Pérez, as the Mets found out they would have to pay him $6.5 million for the 2008 season. This gave Pérez a raise of over $4 million and was $1.775 million more than the Mets offered to pay him.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
Another player signed during the offseason was relief pitcher Duaner Sánchez. Sánchez missed all of 2007 due to a broken bone in his left shoulder suffered during a taxi accident in 2006, but the Mets hoped he could still return to be an important part of the bullpen, signing him to a one-year deal at $850,000.


2008 New York Mets season, Offseason
Players who made it to the Mets in 2008 after being signed to minor-league contracts include pitcher Tony Armas, Jr., catcher Robinson Cancel, and utility player Fernando Tatís.


2008 New York Mets season, Spring training
The Mets entered spring training with questions about their pitching staff due to injury and age. Duaner Sánchez was still recovering from his shoulder injury, and older starters Pedro Martínez and Orlando Hernández were coming off of seasons when they missed significant time due to injury. Martínez made it to Opening Day healthy, but Sánchez and Hernández opened the regular season on the disabled list.


2008 New York Mets season, Spring training
During spring training, the team suffered several injuries to players that they had pegged to play with the Mets when the season opened on March 31. On March 1, Ryan Church collided with Marlon Anderson while trying to catch a fly ball, leaving Church with a concussion and Anderson with a bruised sternum. Ramón Castro aggravated his right hamstring injury on March 16, ending up with a sprain. It was more severe than first thought, keeping Castro out of play through the beginning of the season.


2008 New York Mets season, Spring training
Carlos Beltrán and Luis Castillo were late to start playing because they were both still recovering from offseason knee surgery, while Moisés Alou was held out of action because of hernia surgery. Other players suffered minor injuries that held them out of many exhibition games, but they returned before the first game that counted.


2008 New York Mets season, Spring training
John Maine had the strongest spring training performance from the pitching staff, leading all National League pitchers with a 1.53 ERA. Maine went 3–1 over 29+1⁄3 innings, with 33 strikeouts and five walks. Ángel Pagán was a surprising force on offense, batting .329 to win the starting left field competition that was open due to Alou's injury.


2008 New York Mets season, Spring training
Coming out of spring training, the Mets set their starting rotation with Johan Santana, Martínez, Maine, Óliver Pérez, and Mike Pelfrey in place of Hernández. The bullpen consisted of Billy Wagner, Aaron Heilman, Pedro Feliciano, Scott Schoeneweis, Matt Wise, and Joe Smith, who beat Brian Stokes for a spot on the roster. Brian Schneider, Carlos Delgado, Castillo, José Reyes, David Wright, Pagán, Beltrán, and Church started in the field.


2008 New York Mets season, Spring training
Anderson, Damion Easley, and Endy Chávez were set as the bench players, joined by Brady Clark and Raul Casanova due to Alou's and Castro's injuries. These decisions caused Rubén Gotay to lose his spot on the roster after playing in 98 games in 2007, so the Mets placed him on waivers, where he was claimed by the Atlanta Braves on March 28.


2008 New York Mets season, Regular season, Bullpen  problems
The weakest part of the Mets team was their bullpen, which struggled throughout the season. If all the games played by the Mets ended after the 8th inning the team would have won the NL East by 12 games.


2008 New York Mets season, Player stats, Batting
Legend: G = games played; AB = at-bats; H = hits; BA = batting average; OBP = on-base percentage; HR = home runs; RBI = runs batted in; R = runs scored; SB = stolen bases; bold = league leader


2008 New York Mets season, Player stats, Pitching
Legend: G = games pitched; GS = games started; IP = innings pitched; W = wins; L = losses; ERA = earned run average; H = hits allowed; SO = strikeouts; BB = walks; S = saves; bold = league leader


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea
The New York Philharmonic concert in Pyongyang, North Korea, on February 26, 2008, was a significant event in North Korea–United States relations. The orchestra played in East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, with the entire concert broadcast on North Korean state television.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Concert, Program
The program, conducted by Lorin Maazel, included the national anthems of both North Korea ("Aegukka") and the United States ("The Star-Spangled Banner"), the Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World", and George Gershwin's An American in Paris. Encores included the Farandole from Georges Bizet's Second L'Arlesienne Suite, Leonard Bernstein's Overture to Candide, and concluded with the popular Korean folk song "Arirang". The Dvořák, Gershwin, and Bernstein works were each originally premiered by the New York Philharmonic, which is the oldest U.S. orchestra.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Concert, Attendance
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il did not attend the concert, but vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's AssemblyYang Hyong-sop and the Foreign Ministry’s America chief Li Gun were present.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Concert, Broadcast
At the request of the New York Philharmonic, a live national broadcast was aired on Korean Central Television. The TV recording of the concert was produced by the German production company EuroArts Music International and was broadcast live internationally on CNN in Canada and the United States, CNN International, MBC in South Korea, and SMC in China.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Concert, Broadcast
Time delayed broadcasts were shown amongst others on Arte in France and Germany, on PBS in the United States as well as PBS's member station WNET locally in New York City, on SVT in Sweden, on DR in Denmark, on RTBF in Belgium, on MTV in Hungary. The concert was also streamed live on the New York Philharmonic's website.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Concert, Broadcast
The concert may have been remarkable in North Korea for its live coverage alone. Evan Revers, president of the Korea Society and a negotiator of the visit, stated he believed it to be unprecedented, as other major events are broadcast from videotape footage.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Concert, DVD
In spring 2008 the New York Philharmonic’s Pyongyang concert was released worldwide on DVD (Medici Arts / EuroArts / Naxos).


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context
On August 13, 2007, the New York Philharmonic announced it was considering an invitation to perform in North Korea that it had received via "an independent representative of the Ministry of Culture".


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context
On October 4, 2007, officials from the New York Philharmonic traveled to Pyongyang, accompanied by the executive director of the Korea Society and a member of the U.S. State Department's Office of Korean Affairs. They toured three concert halls including the Moranbong Theater and the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, which was chosen for its larger capacity. The group discussed permission to meet with local musicians, accompaniment of an international press corp, international broadcast issues, and logistical issues concerning transport and venue preparations.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context
The invitation was formally accepted on December 11, 2007 at a news conference attended by the president of the New York Philharmonic, the chairman, and North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Pak Kil-yon.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context
According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the possibility of civilian exchanges was discussed at the six-party nuclear disarmament talks in July 2007. The New York Philharmonic was specifically mentioned. Orchestra president and executive director Zarin Mehta billed the concert as "a manifestation of the power of music to unite people."


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context, Effects
The North Korean government allowed unprecedented access to the country to more than 300 foreigners. Internet access and almost completely unrestricted international telephone calls were allowed for foreign journalists, something which is usually highly restricted.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context, Effects
The event was the first significant cultural visit from the United States to North Korea since the Korean War. The visit was anticipated as an opportunity to broaden relations with one of the world's most isolated nations. The U.S. State Department viewed the invitation as a potential softening of anti-U.S. propaganda.


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context, Effects
Song Sok-hwan, North Korea’s culture minister, said, "We hope this will be a big step toward increased bilateral cultural exchange between our two countries.”


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context, Effects
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said, "I think at the end of the day, we consider this concert to be a concert, and it's not a diplomatic, you know, coup."


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Political context, Effects
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, "The North Korean regime is the North Korean regime," before attending the inauguration of the new president of South Korea Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, adding, "I don't think we should get carried away with what listening to [the concert] is going to do in North Korea."


2008 New York Philharmonic visit to North Korea, Funding
The orchestra received a donation from Yoko Nagae Ceschina, a Japanese philanthropist who lives in Italy. Zarin Mehta, the orchestra's president, is a friend of Kumho Asiana Group Chairman Park Sam Koo, who provided the Asiana Airlines Boeing 747. Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation offered to pay for the rights to broadcast a concert by the Philharmonic in Seoul after the visit to North Korea.


2008 New York Red Bulls season
The 2008 season was the 13th season of New York Red Bulls's franchise existence. They played their home games at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Juan Carlos Osorio made his debut as the Red Bulls coach after being hired in December 2007.


2008 New York Republican presidential primary
New York held its state presidential primary on February 5, 2008 (Super Tuesday). There were 101 delegates up for grabs for the candidates. The delegates were awarded on a winner-take-all basis, which means the winner, Arizona Senator John McCain, received all 101 delegates for the 2008 Republican National Convention.


2008 New York Republican presidential primary
On February 2, McCain had held a fairly large lead in the polls above the competition with 35% as opposed to the next candidate Rudy Giuliani with 22.5%, who had announced a withdrawal from the race on January 30, 2008.


2008 New York Republican presidential primary, Results
* Candidate dropped out of the race before the primary


2008 New York Sportimes season
The 2008 New York Sportimes season was the ninth season of the franchise in World TeamTennis (WTT).


2008 New York Sportimes season
The Sportimes had 10 wins and 4 losses and finished second in the Eastern Conference, missing the conference championship by losing a standings tiebreaker to the New York Buzz. The Sportimes lost to the Buzz, 25–17 in overtime, in the WTT Semifinals.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Draft
The Sportimes protected John McEnroe in the Marquee Player Draft. In the Roster Player Draft, the Sportimes had the fourth pick in each round. They protected Jesse Witten and Hana Šromová in the second and third rounds, respectively. The Sportimes left Ashley Harkleroad unprotected in the first round and instead chose Bethanie Mattek. Brian Wilson was taken in the fourth round, leaving Mirko Pehar unprotected. The team did not select any roster-exempt players. Dustin Taylor replaced Chuck Adams as the head coach.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Luzhanska signed to substitute for Mattek
With Bethanie Mattek's availability in doubt, because she and her partner Sania Mirza reached the quarterfinals of the ladies' doubles tournament at Wimbedon, the Sportimes signed Tetiana Luzhanska as a substitute player to replace her. The team announced on July 2, 2008, that, with Mattek eliminated from Wimbledon the previous day, Luzhanska would play only in the season-opening match, and Mattek would be available beginning with the second match of the season on July 7.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, A brilliant start
The Sportimes started their season with a four-match homestand that pitted them against the Boston Lobsters in the opener on July 3, 2008. The Sportimes found themselves trailing, 12–9, after three sets. Jesse Witten started the comeback with a 5–3 men's singles set win over Jan-Michael Gambill. Hana Šromová and Brian Wilson took the final set of mixed doubles, 5–3, and the Sportimes squeezed out a 19–18 victory.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, A brilliant start
After three days off, the Sportimes returned to the court to host the Philadelphia Freedoms. Again, the Sportimes dug themselves a hole, trailing, 13–11, after three sets. Bethanie Mattek, making her Sportimes debut, dominated Audra Cohen, 5–0, in the women's singles set to give New York a 16–13 lead. After Mattek and Wilson dropped a tiebreaker in the fifth set of mixed doubles, they won the first game of overtime to give the Sportimes a 21–18 win.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, A brilliant start
The following evening, the Sportimes built a 15–10 lead over the New York Buzz after three sets. Wilson and Witten opened the match with a 5–3 set win in men's doubles. Mattek and Šromová followed by taking a tiebreaker in women's doubles. Mattek and Wilson won the mixed doubles set, 5–3. The Buzz answered with Yaroslava Shvedova taking the women's singles set from Mattek, 5–3, and Nathan Healey topping Witten in men's singles by the same score. With the Sportimes clinging to a 21–20 lead, Witten won the first game of overtime over Healey to secure a 22–20 triumph.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, A brilliant start
On July 10, 2008, the Sportimes welcomed Serena Williams and the expansion Washington Kastles to Harbor Island. Wilson and Witten won the opening set of men's doubles in a tiebreaker, and Williams and Mashona Washington did the same in women's doubles to tie the match at 9 all. In the third set, Williams teamed with Justin Gimelstob for a 5–2 mixed doubles set win over Mattek and Wilson that gave the Kastles a 14–11 lead. Facing Williams in women's singles, Mattek built a 3–1 lead, before the Kastles inserted Washington as a substitute. Mattek closed out the set win, 5–2, to tie the match at 16 all. In the final set of men's singles, Witten won a tiebreaker over Scott Oudsema to clinch a 21–20 victory for the Sportimes and complete their perfect homestand with a record of 4 wins and 0 losses.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, A brilliant start
The following evening, the Sportimes faced their first challenge on the road, when they visited the Delaware Smash. Witten opened the match by winning a tiebreaker in men's singles. Mattek followed with a 5–0 set win over Madison Brengle in women's singles. After the Smash won the men's doubles set in a tiebreaker, Mattek and Šromová earned a 5–3 set win in women's doubles that gave the Sportimes a 19–12 lead. A 5–2 mixed doubles set win by Liezel Huber and Chris Haggard cut the lead to 21–17, but Mattek and Wilson responded by winning the first game of overtime to secure a 22–17 win.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, A brilliant start
The Sportimes returned home on July 12, 2008, to face the Freedoms for the second time. The Freedoms won the first two sets to build a 10–5 lead. Witten won the men's singles set, 5–2, to cut the lead to 12–10. After the Freedoms won the fourth set of mixed doubles, the Sportimes found themselves trailing, 17–13. Mattek took on Lisa Raymond in women's singles and won the set, 5–1, to tie the match at 18 all and send it to a super tiebreaker. Mattek completed the comeback by taking the super tiebreaker from Raymond, 7–5. The 19–18 victory improved the Sportimes' record to 6 wins and 0 losses and left them as one of only two undefeated teams in WTT.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
Without any formal announcement by the Sportimes or WTT, Bethanie Mattek vanished from the team after its sixth match. Mattek had played a key role in the early-season success of the Sportimes, who won all five matches in which she appeared. After the WTT season ended, Mattek was still featured prominently on the Sportimes' website home page. She was apparently not injured, since she appeared in the LA Women's Tennis Championships, which opened on July 21, before the WTT season had concluded. Mattek was replaced for the Sportimes' July 13 road match against the Boston Lobsters by Robin Stephenson, who had appeared against them earlier in the season as a member of the Philadelphia Freedoms but had been released.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
The Sportimes opened a three-match road trip by falling behind the Lobsters, 10–3, after two sets. Set tiebreaker wins by Jesse Witten in men's singles and Hana Šromová in women's singles cut the deficit to 18–13. But the Lobsters won a tiebreaker in the final set of mixed doubles to put away a 23–17 victory and hand the Sportimes their first loss of the season.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
On July 14, 2008, the Sportimes signed Milagros Sequera with the apparent intention of replacing Mattek for the remainder of the season. Her first match with the team came that same day on the road against the Freedoms, and John McEnroe also made his season debut in that match. The Freedoms opened the match with a 5–1 set win over McEnroe and Brian Wilson in men's doubles. Sequera teamed with Šromová to win a tiebreaker in the women's doubles set. McEnroe managed to take a men's singles tiebreaker over Alex Bogomolov Jr. that cut the Freedoms' lead to 13–11. The Sportimes pushed in front, when Sequera won the women's singles set, 5–1. Sequera then teamed with Wilson for a 5–1 set win in mixed doubles that clinched a 21–15 win for the Sportimes.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
The next evening, the Sportimes built an early 10–2 lead in the finale of their road trip against the Washington Kastles. They were led by Sequera who teamed with Wilson for a 5–1 set win in the opening set of mixed doubles and followed by taking the women's singles set by the same score. However, the Kastles won the next three sets and tied the match at 17 all, when Mashona Washington and Sacha Jones took the final set of women's doubles from Sequera and Šromová, 5–1. Washington and Jones won the super tiebreaker, 7–5, to give the Kastles an 18–17 victory.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
After an off day, the Sportimes returned to Harbor Island for the final two home matches on their schedule. They won the first four sets of their match against the Springfield Lasers, the first three in tiebreakers, to take a 20–14 lead. After dropping the final set of mixed doubles, Sequera and Wilson won the first game of overtime to secure a 24–19 victory.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
The following evening, the Sportimes hosted the Newport Beach Breakers. After dropping the opening set of men's doubles in a tiebreaker, the Sportimes took a 9–5 lead, when Sequera and Šromová dominated Michaela Paštiková and Rebecca Bernhard in women's doubles, 5–0. Sequera later teamed with Wilson for a 5–3 set win in the fourth set of mixed doubles and closed out a 22–14 win by taking the final set of women's singles, 5–1. The victory gave the Sportimes a perfect record of 7 wins and 0 losses at home and improved their overall record to 9 wins and 2 losses with three road matches to play to close the regular season.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
On July 22, 2008, the Sportimes opened their three-match road trip to close the season against the second-place New York Buzz. The Sportimes' magic number for clinching the Eastern Conference championship stood at 2. A victory in this match would not only clinch the conference title but also no worse than the number 2 seed in the WTT playoffs. While the Sportimes enjoyed a day off the previous day, they clinched a playoff berth and a bye to the WTT semifinals when the Kansas City Explorers defeated the Kastles, 24–13. On this day, however, the Sportimes struggled.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
They dropped the first two sets and fell behind, 10–3. Witten won the third set of men's singles to cut the deficit to 13–8. But the Buzz cruised to easy set wins in the fourth and fifth sets on their way to a 23–11 victory. The dominant win assured the Buzz of the standings tiebreaker edge against the Sportimes, since the teams had split their two regular season matches, but the Buzz had a 43–33 advantage in games won in those matches.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
After a win over the Breakers, the Sportimes' magic number for winning the Eastern Conference title was reduced to 1. Playing on the West Coast in the Pacific Time Zone against the defending champion Sacramento Capitals on the final day of the regular season, the Sportimes and Capitals closed the WTT regular season in a match with myriad implications. A Capitals victory would give them the number 4 seed in the WTT playoffs, clinch a playoff berth for the Lobsters, eliminate the Freedoms and give the Buzz the Eastern Conference championship and the number 2 seed.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
A Sportimes win would give them the Eastern Conference title and the number 2 seed, clinch a playoff berth for the Freedoms, eliminate the Lobsters, drop the Buzz to the number 3 seed and drop the Capitals to the number 5 seed. Witten opened the match with a 5–3 set win in men's singles. The Capitals won the next two sets to take a 13–10 lead. Sequera continued to be reliable for the Sportimes and won the fourth set of women's singles, 5–2, to tie the match at 15 all.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Mattek departs, and the Sportimes struggle
The final set of men's doubles came down to a tiebreaker, and Sam Warburg and Eric Butorac squeezed out the victory over Wilson and Witten to give the Capitals a 20–19 triumph. Thus, the Sportimes' chances of winning the Eastern Conference title vanished on what was literally the final point played of the WTT regular season, after they had spent virtually the entire season as frontrunners.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Battle for New York in WTT Semifinals
The Sportimes were the overall number 3 seed which matched them with the number 2 seed, the New York Buzz, in the WTT Semifinals on July 26, at Allstate Stadium at Westfield Galleria at Roseville in Roseville, California, the site of WTT's 2008 Championship Weekend. Just hours before the match, WTT announced that Milagros Sequera had been injured and would be unavailable for the postseason. In her place, the Sportimes re-signed Ashley Harkleroad.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Season recap, Battle for New York in WTT Semifinals
In the first ever postseason meeting between the two New York clubs, the Buzz dominated the match winning the first four sets. Nathan Healey and Yaroslava Shvedova opened the match with a 5–3 set win against John McEnroe and Hana Šromová in mixed doubles. Shvedova followed with a 5–2 women's singles win over Harkleroad. Healy took care of Jesse Witten, 5–2, in men's singles. Gabriela Navrátilová and Shvedova needed a tiebreaker to beat Harkleroad and Šromová, 5–4, and give the Buzz a 20–11 lead heading to the final set. McEnroe and Witten won a tiebreaker over Patrick Briaud and Healy in men's doubles to force overtime with the Buzz leading 24–16. Briaud and Healy won the second game of overtime to give the Buzz a 25–17 victory and end the Sportimes' season.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Draft picks
With 6 wins and 8 losses, the Sportimes had the fifth worst record in WTT in 2007. Since the Houston Wranglers folded after the 2007 season, the Sportimes selected fourth in each round of the WTT's two drafts.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Draft picks, Marquee player draft
The Sportimes protected John McEnroe in the first round of the WTT Marquee Player Draft and did not make a second-round selection.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Draft picks, Roster player draft
The league conducted its 2008 Roster Player Draft on April 1, in Miami, Florida. The selections made by  the Sportimes are shown in the table below.


2008 New York Sportimes season, Statistics
Players are listed in order of their game-winning percentage provided they played in at least 40% of the Sportimes' games in that event, which is the WTT minimum for qualification for league leaders in individual statistical categories.


2008 New York State Assembly election
The 2008 New York State Legislature Primary Elections took place on September 9, 2008 and the general election was held on November 4, 2008. All 150 members of the New York State Assembly and all 62 seats of the New York State Senate were up for election. There are no term limited members as New York does not have term limits for positions at the state level. Members of the Assembly and the State Senate serve two year terms. The State Senate was heavily contested as the Republicans held a one-seat majority going into the election. The 2008 Presidential election occurred on the same date as the general election.


2008 New York State Assembly election
The election saw the Democrats take control of the State Senate and gain one seat in the State Assembly. However, they would relinquish control of the Senate to the GOP in June during a leadership crisis.


2008 New York Titans season
The New York Titans are a lacrosse team based in New York City playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The 2008 season was the 2nd in franchise history.


2008 New York Titans season
The Titans improved on their 4-12 last place finish from 2007 by tying for the best record in the league, though tiebreakers meant that the Titans actually finished 3rd in the east. They beat the Minnesota Swarm in the team's first ever playoff game to advance to the division finals against the Buffalo Bandits. The Bandits' playoff experience proved too much for the young Titans, and the Bandits went on to the Championship game by defeating the Titans 19-12.


2008 New York Titans season, Regular season, Conference standings
x: Clinched playoff berth; c: Clinched playoff berth by crossing over to another division; y: Clinched division; z: Clinched best regular season record; GP: Games PlayedW: Wins; L: Losses; GB: Games back; PCT: Win percentage; Home: Record at Home; Road: Record on the Road; GF: Goals scored; GA: Goals allowedDifferential: Difference between goals scored and allowed; GF/GP: Average number of goals scored per game; GA/GP: Average number of goals allowed per game


2008 New York Titans season, Player stats, Runners (Top 10)
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; LB = Loose Balls; PIM = Penalty Minutes


2008 New York Titans season, Player stats, Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; MIN = Minutes; W = Wins; L = Losses; GA = Goals Against; Sv% = Save Percentage; GAA = Goals Against Average


2008 New York Underground Film Festival
These are the films shown at the 15th New York Underground Film Festival, held from April 2–8, 2008.


2008 New York Yankees season
The 2008 New York Yankees season was the 106th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees hosted the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday July 15, 2008. It was the 83rd and last season at Yankee Stadium prior to the team's move to a new ballpark (also called "Yankee Stadium") just north of the current stadium.


2008 New York Yankees season
It also marked the first season since 1993 that the Yankees failed to make it to the playoffs (excepting the 1994 season, when a players' strike canceled the postseason, though the Yankees had the best record in the American League that year). Also, it would also be the first under a new team skipper, former team catcher Joe Girardi, who assumed the managerial role in the offseason.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason
The Yankees' 2007/2008 offseason began in a tumultuous manner, with uncertainty as to the status of manager Joe Torre and team stalwarts Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Alex Rodriguez, all of whom were free agents. While Torre departed after 12 years as the team's manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, all four free agents returned to play for the Yankees in 2008, providing stability and continuity for new manager Joe Girardi.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
Manager Joe Torre left for the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2007 season. After conducting interviews with Don Mattingly, Tony Peña and Joe Girardi, Girardi was signed to be the new Yankees Manager. This prompted Mattingly to leave the team as well and follow Torre to the Dodgers.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
On November 29, the Yankees re-signed catcher Jorge Posada to a four-year contract for $52,400,000. Posada will be earning $13,100,000 per season which is the highest average salary ever for a catcher.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
On December 3, the Yankees re-signed backup catcher José Molina to a 2-year, $4 million contract.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
On December 4, the Yankees shipped minor league pitcher and part-time MLB starter Tyler Clippard to the Washington Nationals for reliever Jonathan Albaladejo.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
On December 9, the Yankees agreed to a contract with relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins for 1 year, $3.75 million.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
On December 12, the Yankees re-signed pitcher Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $16 million contract.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract in the middle of Game 4 of the 2007 World Series. The Yankees initially stated that they would not negotiate with Rodriguez once he opted out but changed course once Rodriguez announced his desire to return to pinstripes after issuing an apology for the public and the Yankees misunderstanding his desire to stay with the team. On December 13, 2007, Rodgriuez and the Yankees officially agreed to a 10-year, $275 million contract that may rise to above $300 million if certain performance milestones are reached.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
On December 17, the Yankees re-signed closer Mariano Rivera. Despite his original plan to hold out for a fourth year, Rivera has agreed to a three-year contract offer worth $45 million. This contract makes Rivera the highest-paid closer in baseball history.


2008 New York Yankees season, Offseason, Roster changes
Relief pitcher Luis Vizcaíno turned down an offer of salary arbitration and signed a multi-year deal with the Colorado Rockies on December 21. 1B Andy Phillips departed for the Cincinnati Reds, and Doug Mientkiewicz departed for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Roger Clemens remained a free agent and did not return to the Yankees in 2008. That would be the end of Clemens' MLB career. On March 10, 2008 the team signed actor/comedian Billy Crystal to a one-day contract just before his 60th birthday.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, April
The Yankees started opening day one day late at Yankee Stadium against the Toronto Blue Jays after a rain delay. The Yankees took 2 of 3 games of the series. After that, they faced a new look Rays team. They lost the first two by the scores of 13-4 and 6-3, but would rebound and even up the series 2 games apiece. Following the series, the Yankees had a grueling road trip in which they played 18 of their next 20 games on the road.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, April
During this stretch, rookies Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy struggled mightily and went winless the entire first month. After a rib injury to Hughes, Kennedy was reassigned to the minor league AAA affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the Yankees called up Darrell Rasner. Fortunately, Rasner went 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his first four starts.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, April
Both shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez had suffered minor quadriceps injuries at different times. Catcher Jorge Posada was also placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career after a slight tear in his rotator cuff and backup infielder Wilson Betemit missed several games due to conjunctivitis.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, May
Their struggles continued in May, they only had one series win through the 20th and that was a 3-game sweep against the Mariners on May 2–4 at the Stadium. They would lose 3 of 4 against the Rays in St. Petersburg and were swept in 2 games against the Mets in the Subway Series. There was a controversial call where Carlos Delgado appeared to hit it foul against the left field foul pole, when a replay would later show that the ball was actually a home run. The Mets would go on to win 11-2. The game on Friday May 16 was postponed because of rain. Since then, the Yankees ended the month by winning 8 of their last 10 games, escaping the AL East cellar, and got back over .500.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, June
The Yankees lost three in a row through the first three days of June, dropping the final 2 games of the four-game set against the Twins at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, then blitzed 9-3 by the Jays on Joba Chamberlain's first career start in the majors. The Yankees, however, won the next 2 against them including a wild comeback on June 5 that ended in a two-run, pinch hit homer into the upper deck by Jason Giambi after trailing 7-2 in the 6th inning.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, June
Following the series, Yankees split a 4-game weekend series with the Royals and took 2 out of 3 from the A's highlighted by Hideki Matsui celebrating his 34th birthday with a Grand Slam off of Joe Blanton. The Yankees would then sweep the Astros and were 4 games over .500 for the first time this season, but Chien-Ming Wang hurt his leg rounding the bases a 13-0 win. He was out for the rest of the season. The Yankees would then sweep the Padres at home to win 7 straight for the first time this season.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, June
The streak came to a halt on June 20, when they lost to Edinson Vólquez and the Reds 4-2 on the Reds' first visit to Yankee Stadium since 1976, the first season of the renovated Yankee Stadium. They would follow with a lopsided 6-0 loss in which they left 12 runners on base despite Dan Giese's great outing, but salvage the final game with a 4-1 win.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, June
The Yankees travel to PNC Park for the first time ever when they face the Pirates from June 24–25 before returning to New York to play a double header with their cross-town rival Mets. In game one, the Yankees were outmatched 15-6, but rebounded in the nightcap game two, with a 9-0 shutout.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, July
After dropping the first 2 games of a 3-game series to the Texas Rangers, the Yankees salvaged the final game 18-7 before losing the first two of a four-game series to the Red Sox 7-0 and 6-4. With Mike Mussina on the hill for game 3, they would rebound behind his 6 shutout innings to barely win 2-1 and then earn a split when rookie Brett Gardner hit a game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th inning for a 5-4 victory.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, July
In an important 2-game series against the Rays, they would win the first game 5-0 behind Andy Pettitte's stellar pitching performance and then complete the sweep on Bobby Abreu's game-winning double. The Yankees would go to Pittsburgh to play a make-up interleague game against the Pirates and lose 2-4. Next, they traveled to Toronto to play three against the Blue Jays. They would be shut out by Roy Halladay in the opener, getting only two hits but then they rebounded and won their next game 9-4 behind home runs by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, July
It was their 50th win of the season. After the game, the Yankees learned that former broadcaster Bobby Murcer died of cancer. After losing 4-1 to the Blue Jays on Sunday, the Yankees head into the All-Star break 6 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and 5½ games behind the Rays in the Wild Card race. After the break, Yankees won 8 in a row including back to back sweeps of the Twins and A's, extending their winning streak to 10 games at home. After defeating the Boston Red Sox 1-0 in Joba Chamberlain's first career start at Fenway Park, the Yankees acquired Pittsburgh Pirates corner outfielder Xavier Nady and left-handed reliever Dámaso Marte for four minor league prospects. The Yankees then traded Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers for catcher Iván Rodríguez.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, August
The Yankees started August by losing 1-0 to the Angels when Mariano Rivera gave up a run in the 9th inning. The Yankees rebounded to take the next two, including an 8-2 win on Old Timers Day and a 14-9 come-from-behind victory on Sunday. The Yankees embarked on a key 10-game road trip with four against the Texas Rangers. In the opener, Joba Chamberlain was injured before the bullpen surrendered a walk-off grand slam to Marlon Byrd.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, August
The second game saw the Yankees fall short despite a grand slam of their own before rebounding to win the next two for the split. They were then swept in Anaheim, highlighted by an 8th inning 8-run meltdown on Saturday and Mariano Rivera allowing a walk off hit the next day. After losing two out of three to the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees were written off as contenders. Returning home, they dropped the opener to the Kansas City Royals but rebounded to win the next day in the 12th inning when Brett Gardner drove in the winning run.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, August
They took the series with a 15-6 romp the next day. The Yankees went back on the road for six games and lost two of three in Toronto. They did rebound to sweep the Baltimore Orioles, but the struggles continued at home vs Boston as they dropped the first 2 games, 7-3, and 11-3, respectively. A-Rod was heavily booed in game 1, as he was 0 for 5 and grounded into 2 double plays with one being in a bases-loaded situation. He also struck out to end the game. The Yankees would salvage the series finale with a score of 3-2 thanks to pinch-hitter Jason Giambi hitting a two-run homer in the 7th, and then a walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, September
The Yanks started off the last month of the regular season on a good note by beating the Tigers 13-9 in a makeup game that was postponed earlier in the season. They continued to keep fans' hopes high by thrashing the AL East leading Rays 7-2 and 8-4 in the first two games of a 3-game series in Tampa. They dropped the third game of the series 7-5. The following day in Seattle, Wilson Betemit's eighth-inning RBI double ended Brandon Morrow's no-hit bid, but New York still lost the game 3-1.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, September
The final regular season game at Yankee Stadium was played on September 21, 2008 against the Baltimore Orioles, who are based in the city from which both the Yankees and their great star Babe Ruth originated. Fielding Derek Jeter as their captain, Andy Pettitte as the starting pitcher, and led by home runs from Johnny Damon and José Molina, the Yankees won 7–3. Molina's home run, a two-run shot hit to left-center field with one out in the bottom of the 4th inning, turned out to be the final home run in Stadium history.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, September
The final run was scored by Yankee pinch-runner Brett Gardner in the bottom of the 7th inning. Mariano Rivera pitched the top of the 9th inning, and the final batter was Baltimore's Brian Roberts, who hit a ground-ball out to Yankee first baseman Cody Ransom, closing out 83 years of baseball history.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, September
After the game, Derek Jeter addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support over the years, and urging them to "take the memories of this field, add them to the new memories that will come at the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them on from generation to generation." The Yankees players then circled the field and saluted the fans, to the sound of "New York, New York". Guest commentators for the game on ESPN included Yankee legends Reggie Jackson, Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra, as well as local YES Network announcer Michael Kay.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, September, Line score from final game at Yankee Stadium
The Yankees were officially eliminated from the playoffs on September 23 with a Red Sox win over the Indians, making them the last team to miss out in the Division Series era and it was the first time since 1993 they missed the postseason (in 1994, the Yankees had the best record in the American League, but the season came to early halt as a result of the longest work stoppage in sports history up to that point.


2008 New York Yankees season, Regular season, September, Line score from final game at Yankee Stadium
On September 28, Mike Mussina won 20 games for the first time in his career, the oldest pitcher in major league history to win 20 games for the first time in his career. The record was previously held by Jamie Moyer, as he won 20 as a 38-year-old. This capped a remarkable comeback season for Mussina, who came back to win 20 games after a 5.15 ERA in 2007. He was one of the few bright spots of the Yankees 2008 season.


2008 New York Yankees season, Player stats, Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases


2008 New York Yankees season, Player stats, Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts


2008 New York Yankees season, Player stats, Pitching
Bold indicates team leader for W, L, ERA, G, GS, SV, and IP; indicates highest on team in R, ER, BB, and K


2008 New Zealand Grand Prix
The 2008 New Zealand Grand Prix was an open wheel racing car race held at Manfeild Autocourse, near Feilding on 13 January 2008.


2008 New Zealand Grand Prix
It was the fifty third New Zealand Grand Prix and was open to Toyota Racing Series cars (based on international Formula 3 regulations). The event was also the third race of the third round of the 2007–08 Toyota Racing Series.


2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election
The 2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election was held on 11 November 2008 to choose the twelfth Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party. Phil Goff, who had served continuously as an MP since the 1993 election, unanimously won the election with no other MPs putting themselves forward. Annette King became the Deputy Leader. She was first elected to parliament in the 1984 election, three years after Goff.


2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Background
Following the Labour government's defeat in the 2008 general election, Prime Minister Helen Clark resigned after 15 years as party leader, including three terms as prime minister, prompting the leadership election.


2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Candidates, Phil Goff
Phil Goff had been an MP since 1981 except for three years after losing his seat in 1990. He had served in Clark's government concurrently as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice and later as Minister of Defence. He had previously served in various capacities in David Lange's cabinet in the 1980s. Goff and Clark did not always see eye to eye and in 1996 he attempted an abortive coup to oust Clark.


2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Outcome and aftermath
Goff had been widely tipped as Clark's successor and faced no other candidates and was acclaimed with unanimous support on 11 November 2008. Annette King was elected as deputy leader, and Darren Hughes and Steve Chadwick were elected as the senior and junior whips, respectively.


2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Outcome and aftermath
Both Goff and King were also perceived by many as merely caretaker leaders until newer, younger figures could emerge. After initially performing well in the opinion polls, Goff's Labour Party dropped in support in contrast to the popular National government led by John Key, hitting a 10 year low of 27% support in July 2011 after controversy over Labour's proposal for a capital gains tax hurt the party's support.


2008 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Outcome and aftermath
While party support recovered somewhat, Goff still led Labour to defeat in the 26 November 2011 general election with a loss of 8 seats and 6.5% of the popular vote compared to 2008. On 29 November, Goff and King tendered their resignations to a meeting of caucus, effective 13 December 2011.


2008 New Zealand Music Awards
The 2008 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards took place on 8 October at the Vector Arena in Auckland. Straitjacket Fits were induced into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. The Technical awards took place on 3 September.


2008 New Zealand Music Awards, Awards and nominees
Multiple winners included Flight of the Concords and Opshop, who each received four awards.


2008 New Zealand Music Awards, Awards and nominees
Presented at the Auckland Folk Festival, 25 – 28 January 2008


2008 New Zealand NBL season
The 2008 NBL season was the 27th season of the National Basketball League. The Waikato Pistons won the championship in 2008 to claim their third league title.


2008 New Zealand Warriors season
The New Zealand Warriors 2008 season was the New Zealand Warriors 14th first-grade season. The club competed in Australasia's National Rugby League. The coach of the team was Ivan Cleary while Steve Price was the club's captain.


2008 New Zealand Warriors season, Fixtures
The Warriors used Mt Smart Stadium as their home ground in 2008, their only home ground since they entered the competition in 1995.


2008 New Zealand Warriors season, Squad
Twenty Six players played for the club in 2008. Eight players made their debut for the club, including five who were also making their first grade debuts.


2008 New Zealand Warriors season, Other Teams
In 2008 the Junior Warriors competed in the new Under 20's competition, the Toyota Cup, while Senior players who were not required for the first team played with the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup. The Auckland Vulcans were coached by Bernie Perenara. Wayne McDade was named the Vulcans player of the year with Aaron Heremaia as the runner up and Pita Godinet as the Rookie of the year.


2008 New Zealand Warriors season, Other Teams, Junior Warriors
The Junior Warriors finished third in the Toyota Cup, making the finals before losing to the Brisbane Broncos in a Preliminary Final. Both Russell Packer and Ben Matulino were named in the Toyota Cup's team of the year.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards
The 2008 New Zealand bravery awards were announced via a special honours list on 3 May 2008, and recognised five people for acts of bravery between 2004 and 2006.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS)
On the morning of 6 December 2004 in Glenfield, Auckland, Mr Paea’s neighbour was brutally murdered by her estranged partner, who had been on the run from the Police for a number of weeks. The offender arrived at the woman’s home while she was getting out of her car and helping her two year old daughter out of a car seat. The offender approached, and after talking to the woman for a short time, their conversation turned into a heated argument. The offender began to assault the woman who managed to break free.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS)
The offender caught up with her and began stabbing her in the back and shoulders. The victim managed to struggle free again and this time ran to the front door of Mr Paea’s house. The offender caught up to the victim at Mr Paea’s front door and both of them fell through it into the hallway. Mr Paea, aged 67, who was in the kitchen at the time, rushed into the hallway to find the offender straddling the victim and stabbing her in the neck, shoulders, and stomach. He called out to the offender to “stop”, but was ignored.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS)
Mr Paea then tackled the offender, wrapping his arms around him and trying to pull him off the victim. The offender pushed Mr Paea away causing him to fall onto the victim. As he tried to stand up, the offender stabbed him in the left cheek causing a deep puncture wound that later required five stitches and a brief period of hospitalisation. Mr Paea, wounded and in shock, managed to escape from the offender’s attentions, left the house, alerted another neighbour and asked them to call the Police.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS)
He then returned to his home to save his wife and grandchildren, who were in the lounge. His wife managed to pass the two children out of the window and he took them to a place of safety before returning to his home yet again to get his wife and see if he could assist the victim. As he approached the house he met the offender, who was leaving carrying two knives. Seeing Mr Paea coming towards him, the offender jumped over a fence, ran through a neighbouring property to his car and drove away.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Star (NZBS)
Mr Paea entered his home to find his wife safe, but the other woman had since died, having received some thirty stab wounds. Although he was unsuccessful in saving the life of the victim, Mr Paea showed exceptional bravery in attempting to do so by tackling the armed offender at considerable risk to his own life. He also displayed bravery, presence of mind and determination in alerting a neighbour to the situation and by returning to his home to ensure the safety of his wife and grandchildren and to see if he could provide any further assistance to the victim.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
On 5 June 2005 at 9.20 am, a man drove into the St Lukes shopping centre carpark in Auckland after being pursued by Police for driving dangerously through inner-city Auckland. Once in the carpark the offender, who was armed with a cut-down AK47 style assault rifle, tried unsuccessfully to hijack a car occupied by a mother and her six year old daughter. The offender then tried to hijack a second car, but was distracted by the arrival of a Police car driven by Constable Pennington and Constable Gibson.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
Seeing the Police officers arrive, the offender approached the Police car and pointed the rifle at Constable Pennington. He pulled the trigger, but the gun failed to fire as it had not been properly cocked. Undeterred, the offender continued to approach the car still aiming the rifle at Constable Pennington. While this was happening, Constable Pennington retained his composure and hastily made a radio call to Police Control. Constable Gibson dived out of the car.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
The offender continued to struggle with his rifle and when he finally managed to chamber a round, he fired a shot into the roof of the carpark. Not knowing in which direction this shot had been fired, Constable Pennington also dived out of the car. Realising that both Police officers were now lying prone on the opposite side of the vehicle, the offender fired several shots through the rear passenger door of the Police car in an attempt to kill them. One of these shots passed close to Constable Gibson’s head.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
The offender then ran off and attempted to hijack a further two vehicles at the car park entrance. During this time, both constables moved to a position where they could observe the offender. Believing that several members of the public were in grave danger, Constable Pennington stepped out from behind cover to attract his attention. Realising the Police officers were still alive, the offender ran back into the carpark firing at them.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
Both constables ran up a ramp and, once they believed they were clear of the offender, they warned other members of the public who were in the vicinity to get clear of the area and then called for back up. During this time, the offender finally managed to hijack a vehicle containing a man and his elderly parents and drove off with them still in the car. During the ensuing pursuit of the hijacked vehicle, the offender fired on Police a further three times and was eventually apprehended by the Armed Offenders Squad.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Decoration (NZBD)
Throughout this incident both these unarmed Police officers displayed great bravery in confronting an armed offender who was intent on killing them. Working as a team, they made sure members of the public were warned of potential danger and managed to prevent at least two attempts by the offender to hijack vehicles in the car park. They also kept Police controllers informed throughout the incident, which facilitated the subsequent arrest of the offender by the Armed Offenders Squad.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
At 7.40am on 4 January 2006, a male resident of Great Barrier Island arrived at the residence of Senior Constable Roger Bright (one of two police members on Great Barrier Island), seeking help. The resident had found a will, suicide note, wallet, and two chequebooks belonging to his friend on his front porch and asked if Senior Constable Bright would accompany him to his friend’s house, because he feared what might have happened to him. When Senior Constable Bright and the resident arrived at the house there was a strong smell of gas emanating from the rear of the property.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
All the doors and windows of the house were secured and after a further search, a male body was seen lying on the floor of the bathroom along with two 60lb gas bottles, which were venting gas into the room. Senior Constable Bright, looking through the window, could not see any signs of life from the man. In an attempt to gain entry into the house without igniting the gas inside, he used a nearby machete he had found to try and lever open the bathroom window.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
Whilst doing so, however, he heard the man cough, and immediately ran back to the porch to retrieve a splitting axe, which he used to smash the window. When Senior Constable Bright entered the house, he was hit with a wall of gas fumes, which also filled the bathroom. He physically dragged the man, who was unconscious, solidly built, and 6 feet 4 inches in height, from the bathroom whilst almost being overcome by the gas himself.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
He continued to drag the man away from the bathroom and through the house, stopping half way to battle the effects of the gas. Eventually he managed to drag the man out of the house to a safer area of the property. With the help of the victim’s friend, he then moved the victim to the friend’s house. Senior Constable Bright then went to wake the doctor who lived up the road; however, he was unsuccessful and had to get the local radio operator to contact the on-call doctor before returning to the victim. Senior Constable Bright displayed quick thinking and bravery in order to save a life, when he entered, without hesitation, a life threatening situation knowing that further police and medical assistance were not immediately available.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
Senior Sergeant Allan Stewart was deployed as part of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste for a six month period between October 2006 and April of 2007, where he was the Sub District Commander of the Becora area as part of the United Nations Police (UNPOL). He commanded 140 staff over one of the biggest sub districts of Dili where the Metanaro Internally Displaced Persons Refugee Camp (IDP) was based that contained 7,000 refugees. On 10 November 2006, a group led by a UN co-ordinator and six other UN employees were working at the Metanaro IDP Refugee Camp.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
There was festering anger and unrest amongst the camp residents over perceived delays in the provision of rice and other food stocks from the UN Non Government Organisation (NGO), and after a heated exchange over the allocation of food and water with the camp management, the UN co-ordinator and the other UN employees were taken hostage by a large group of hostile, armed male residents.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
When the employees tried to leave the camp by vehicle, a large crowd of young men physically threatened them with rocks and other weapons and seized the vehicle keys, telling the UN hostages that they could not leave until they (the refugees) had been given what they wanted. The hostages attempted to seek help from the nearby local Timor-Leste Defence Force (FFDTL) Military Camp and although the F-FDTL soldiers came to assist them, the soldiers were unable to resolve the dispute or convince the offenders to release the hostages. The hostages then requested UNPOL to be contacted.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
Senior Sergeant Allan Stewart responded to the request from his headquarters in Dili and accompanied by a fellow Portuguese officer acting as his interpreter, he began a tense negotiation with the offenders and other IDP militants. He entered the camp alone (with the interpreter) and was fully aware of the hostility the residents had towards UNPOL and that more assistance was some distance away. He was also aware that the offenders were armed with a variety of weapons and a hostile crowd had formed.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
After calming the tense atmosphere and checking on the status of the hostages, he began the negotiation for the release of the hostages. He sat amongst the agitators for some 20 minutes listening to their concerns whilst at the same time advising them that their actions were unacceptable and that the hostages must be released. Several times over this period, the crowd became agitated and aggressive and twice threatened to break off talks with Sergeant Allan Stewart.


2008 New Zealand bravery awards, New Zealand Bravery Medal (NZBM)
On both occasions, he managed to calm the offenders down and finally arranged the return of the vehicle keys so the hostages could leave while he remained to hear the resident’s grievances. No injuries resulted from this incident, but there was real potential for violence and attacks against the hostages, which was evidenced in the unrest which followed the next day. Throughout this incident, Senior Sergeant Allan Stewart displayed tact and negotiation skills, which together with his bravery and professionalism secured the release of the hostages and prevented them from further injury or even death.


2008 New Zealand budget
The New Zealand budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 was presented to the New Zealand House of Representatives by Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen on 22 May 2008.


2008 New Zealand budget
This was the ninth budget Michael Cullen has presented as Minister of Finance, and his last before the Fifth Labour Government was defeated at the 2008 general election.


2008 New Zealand budget, Outline
The New Zealand economy went into recession in the last quarter of 2007, putting significant strain on the Government's accounts.


2008 New Zealand budget, Tax changes
The 2008 budget reduced income tax on the first $9,500 earned from 15% to 12.5%, and the company tax rate from 30% to 29%.


2008 New Zealand general election
The 2008 New Zealand general election was held on 8 November 2008 to determine the composition of the 49th New Zealand Parliament. The liberal-conservative National Party, headed by its parliamentary leader John Key, won the largest share of votes and seats, ending nine years of government by the social-democratic Labour Party, led by Helen Clark. Key announced a week later that he would lead a National minority government with confidence-and-supply support from the ACT, United Future and Māori parties. The Governor-General swore Key in as New Zealand's 38th Prime Minister on 19 November 2008. This marked the beginning of the Fifth National Government which governed for the next nine years, until the 2017 general election, when a government was formed between the Labour and New Zealand First parties, with support on confidence and supply by the Green Party.


2008 New Zealand general election
The Green Party became the third-largest party in Parliament, with nine seats. The ACT Party came joint-fourth (in terms of seats), increasing their number of seats from two to five, and reversing some of their losses from the 2005 election. The Māori Party also won five seats – out of the seven Māori electorates – creating an overhang of two seats. The New Zealand First party, which had seven MPs in the previous parliament, failed to win any electorates or pass the 5 per cent MMP threshold, and therefore won no seats in the new parliament.


2008 New Zealand general election
In his victory speech, John Key announced the readiness of the ACT, Maori Party and United Future parties to co-operate with the National Party to form the next government, the Fifth National Government of New Zealand. In her concession speech, Helen Clark announced her resignation as the parliamentary leader of the Labour Party. She had led the party since 1993, and had served as prime minister since the 1999 election.


2008 New Zealand general election, Results
The Labour government failed to secure a fourth consecutive term, after the National Party entered into support agreements with the ACT, United Future and Māori parties, resulting in a National minority government.


2008 New Zealand general election, Results
The Chief Electoral Officer released the official results on 22 November 2008.


2008 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
While the National Party has dominated rural seats since 1938, it achieved a clean sweep this year. The 19 general electorates which Labour retained all have a predominantly urban character, excluding Waimakariri, a predominantly urban area but with a significant rural population, resulting in a Labour MP narrowly elected but National winning the party vote commandingly. Palmerston North remains the only provincial city with a Labour MP. The two seats of Hamilton (considered "bellwether" seats as their demographic profile closely resembles that of the country as a whole) both went to National.


2008 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
The table below shows the results of the 2008 general election:


2008 New Zealand general election, Dates
New Zealand elections traditionally occur after September in the third year following the last election, and snap elections occur rarely; the only three elections out of sync in the period of 1948 to 2008 took place in 1951, 1984 and 2002—and the last two came only a few months early. Convention in New Zealand expects Parliaments to run for a full three years unless the government loses the confidence of the House, although this has not happened since 1911.


2008 New Zealand general election, Dates
The Constitution Act 1986 defines the term of Parliament as "three years from the day fixed for the return of the writs issued for the last preceding general election of members of the House of Representatives, and no longer". Since the writs for the 2005 election were returned on 6 October 2005,the ensuing 48th New Zealand Parliament expired on 6 October 2008, making 15 November the final possible date for the 2008 general election.


2008 New Zealand general election, Dates
On Friday 12 September 2008, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that the general election would take place on 8 November 2008. This set the full election timetable as:


2008 New Zealand general election, Political parties, Non-contesting parties
The following parties either disappeared during the previous parliament's term (2005 to 2008), or did not contest the 2008 elections for other reasons.


2008 New Zealand general election, Political parties, Retiring MPs
In the months preceding the election 13 Members of Parliament announced that they would not seek re-election to the House of Representatives in 2008, namely:


2008 New Zealand general election, Political parties, Retiring MPs
Several list MPs elected in 2005 resigned before the end of the term; for a full list, see 48th New Zealand Parliament#Changes during term.


2008 New Zealand general election, MPs who lost their seats, New Zealand First
New Zealand First received 4.07% of the party vote – below the threshold of 5% – and failed to win an electorate seat. The party's seven MPs lost their seats:


2008 New Zealand general election, Voter enrolment and turnout
The rolls listed almost 3 million people registered to vote in the election, a record number representing 95.3% of the estimated eligible voting population. In contrast, voter turnout of 79.5% of enrolled voters came in lower than in most previous elections, the second-lowest since 1978 (when a large number of outdated and duplicate enrolments deflated the figure) and third-lowest since 1902.


2008 New Zealand general election, Voter enrolment and turnout
Turnout statistics reflect the percentage of those enrolled to vote.


2008 New Zealand general election, Voter enrolment and turnout
Political scientist Stephen Levine from Victoria University speculated that the low turnout may have resulted from the National Party's large lead over Labour in opinion polls running up to the election. Māori Party co-leader Pita Sharples expressed concern that only 55% of those on the Maori roll had voted.


2008 New Zealand general election, Issues, Electoral Finance Act
The Electoral Finance Act 2007 passed by the Labour government had a "chilling effect" on political activity in 2008, according to the Electoral Commission. Some parties attempted to make this an election issue.