Answer: champions

AnswerCrossword Clue
CHAMPIONSDefenders.
CHAMPIONSThe Yankees often in the 20's
CHAMPIONSThe Braves in 1995
championsCHAMPION, to defend or support
championsA knight who fought in single combat on behalf of the monarch
championsA person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else
championsA person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition, esp. in sports