Harlan Chamberlain Celebrates World Series w Son Joba Chamberlain

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Even if you're a diehard Yankees hater, you have to be happy for Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain and his dad Harlan Chamberlain. After the Yankees won the 2009 World Series last night, Joba celebrated his first title with Harlan Chamberlain, embracing him in the stands.

The story of Joba and Harlan Chamberlain is a touching one. Harlan Chamberlain, who is wheelchair-bound due to a childhood fight with polio, largely raised Joba on his own, after he split up with Joba's mother when their son was just 18 months old. Joba Chamberlain's mother Jackie Standley has had her fair share of troubles. She is currently facing 20 years in jail for selling meth.

Harlan, who was raised on a Winnebago Indian Reservation, raised Joba in Lincoln, Nebraska as a single father.

As a child Joba struggled with his weight and didn't exactly show the kind of promise that would suggest he would make it to the Majors. But through determination and Harlan Chamberlain's encouragement, Joba managed to make it to the Big Leagues and celebrate a 2009 World Series win with the father that inspired him.

For a longer and more detailed account of Joba and Harlan Chamberlain's life, check out this outstanding 2007 Joba Chamberlain profile in Sports Illustrated by award-winning writer Gary Smith.