This week, the Yankees will say goodbye to their catcher for the last 16 almost 17 years. Jorge Posada announced that he will officially announce his retirement from the game of baseball. He was believed to want to test the free agent market after two years of disagreement with the Yankees on whether or not Posada can still play the catcher position. The Miami Marlins was one of the few teams that expressed interest in the catcher. This would probably not have worked out since the Marlins play in the National League and Posada is old for the game of baseball.
Posada came up in 1995 and played one game for the Yankees. Then, in 1996, Jorge played a total of 8 games and batted .071 during those 8 games. In 1997, Jorge played 60 games and batted .250 with 12 doubles, 6 home runs and 25 RBI’s. Besides last year, and since 1998, Posada has been the Yankees fulltime catcher.
Jorge Posada has also been a part of the Yankees “Core Four,” Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Posada. Together the four won 5 World Series titles. Posada has hit 11 career postseason homeruns and batted a solid .248 through 29 postseason series’. Jorge Posada was named to 5 All Star Games in his career and he won 5 Silver Slugger awards.
Posada has had many memorable moments as a Yankee. In a playoff game against the Red Sox in the playoffs, Posada tied the game win a bloop double against Pedro Martinez. Later in the game, Aaron Boone sent the Yankees to the World Series with a HR. Jorge also hit the first HR in the new Yankee Stadium.
It was the smart choice for Posada to retire as a Yankee. Not only has his skill decreased the last couple of years, but there was no room for him at either 1B or behind the plate. The Yankees will now hold a special day honoring Jorge Posada. By being a fan favorite, Yankees fans will flock to the Stadium for his day. Another great thing about the organization is that once you’re a Yankee, you’re a Yankee for life. Posada will have many opportunities to return, whether as a coach, an announcer or someone in the front office. More importantly, Posada can focus on spending time with his family.
It was the smart choice for Posada to retire as a Yankee. Not only has his skill decreased the last couple of years, but there was no room for him at either 1B or behind the plate. The Yankees will now hold a special day honoring Jorge Posada. By being a fan favorite, Yankees fans will flock to the Stadium for his day. Another great thing about the organization is that once you’re a Yankee, you’re a Yankee for life. Posada will have many opportunities to return, whether as a coach, an announcer or someone in the front office. More importantly, Posada can focus on spending time with his family.
Jorge has had an amazing career and should be on the minds of many writers when talking about the Hall of Fame.
HIP HIP! JORGE
To see more of Posada's great career, follow this link.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120110&content_id=26299746&vkey=news_nyy&c_id=nyy&partnerId=aw-8016587396096952033-1038
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