Bernie Goes Boom!

Thursday at Steinbrenner Field there was finally a reason to smile. A player came into camp who truly defined the ‘Yankee Way’ of the glory days from the Torre Era. This player was none other than Bernie Williams. Bernie will be participating in the World Baseball Classic in March for his native Puerto Rico. He was invited by manager Joe Girardi to work out in the big league camp rather than going to the minor league complex which Williams’ originally intended to do. Bernie does say following the Classic if he still has the desire to play he would consider taking offers from other organizations. Thursday though, was all about the Yankees. He said it felt great to be there and even spent time speaking with owner George Steinbrenner.

Williams split with the Yankees prior to the start of the 2007 season was disappointing to say the least. After 16 season with the Yankees, General Manager Brian Cashman felt all Bernie warranted was a minor league contract. Williams’ decided to step away from the game rather than take what can only be described as a disrespectful and insulting offer from Cashman. Unfortunately for Cashman his replacement for Willaims the combination of Andy Phillips and Josh Phelps were anything but effective when on the field.

It’s extremely nice to see Bernie Baseball back in Yankee camp, even if its just to work out for the WBC. Bernie was and still is the epitome of Yankee baseball. He played the game the right way, never flashy on or off the field, soft spoken and respectful. Like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera he led by example. Over his 16 Yankee seasons he hit .297, with 2336 hits, 287 Home Runs and 1257 RBIs. He was a 5 time All-Star and a 4 time Gold Glove winner. To top it all off he has 4 World Series Rings.

There’s no reason Bernie shouldn’t have gotten a major league contract in 2007. Bernie was well aware he was no longer capable of being an everyday player and was perfectly fine with coming off the bench as a pinch hitter or spot starter. Unfortunately like many Cashman moves in recent years he made a poor decision. Bernie should have been the Yankees 5th Outfielder for the last two seasons. Instead of preparing to offer his services to the 29 other organizations, Bernie should be preparing for Bernie Williams Day in New Yankee Stadium and having his #51 retired. Good luck to you Bernie, you’re a class act and any team would be lucky to have you.

-Robb Lennahan