The last time the Yankees began spring training without Bernie Williams, George Steinbrenner was out of baseball, supposedly"for life." That was back when Fay Vincent put the smackdown on Boss George for the Howard Spira incident.
Ah memories….
Left to his own devices, Stick Michael nurtured the Yankee farm system, held on to their talent, drafted well, and laid the groundwork for four world championships in five years.
The first of the young bucks to come up and make a lasting contribution was Bernie Williams. He would be followed by Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada-strength right up the middle.
When Bernie was a young man trying to make the big club, he was terrorized daily by the likes of Mel Hall, the resident bully. That's where the nickname "Bambi" came from.
It's no coincidence that the Yankee resurgence in the 90s began with the ascent of Bernie Williams and the departure of Mel Hall.
The glory years of the Yanks in the late 90s, of course, were punctuated by Bernabe Williams Figueroa patrolling the vast, sacrosanct centerfield grounds at Yankee Stadium.
The litany of Yankee and Major League records he has set position him as one of the greatest ball players of his time. The way he carried himself brought dignity to the Yankees and to the game that we all love.
That is why it is all together fitting that he not report to Spring Training and attempt to make a club that he will not be a part of unless there is an injury to one of four outfielders.
Bernie deserves to go out in dignity, as his own man.
The lasting image I have imbedded in my mind's eye is of Bernie belting a game winning homer against Baltimore in the playoffs, of Bernie tracking down a screaming liner in the gap against San Diego in the '98 series, or simply Bernie trotting into the dugout after Mariano saves another game down the stretch…
Bernie's long, lanky frame moved with the quiet confidence that characterizes his soul.
For 16 years, the stage belonged to Bernie. For 16 years, He's been a champion as a Yankee and as a competitor. He's been a major part of four world championships, six World Series, and 25 post-season series.
The person who sponsored his page at baseballreference.com has this to say:
"Bernie's 22 home runs, 82 runs scored and 80 runs batted in are Major League post-season records. The longest-tenured Yankee, he's a Gold-Glove winning, switch-hitting, guitar-playing, mensch!"
Add to that the astonishing fact that Bernie is 4th on the all-time Yankee hit list, behind only Gehrig, Ruth and Mantle.
I could go on listing the stats (God knows Bernie's stats, particularly in the late 90s, can even make the grouchies at Baseball Primer take notice), but what I respect most is the man. Bernie always seemed to play for pride and he loved that Yankee uniform.
Let us all remember Bernie the way he should be remembered.
As a champion.
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