Not Jorge Posada. Going into the 2011 season, he knew it was probably his last year with the Yankees. He was no longer wanted, a point made even more obvious as a very difficult season for him wore on. It was clear that he wasn't going to be wearing a Yankees uniform in 2012. Even at age 40, he had plenty of options if he wanted to play somewhere else next season. But he didn't want that. Jorge Posada has been a Yankee for 17 years. He couldn't ever envision himself wearing another uniform. As a fan, I couldn't picture that, either. So instead of giving us an awkward image reminiscent of Joe Namath in a Rams uniform, Jorge decided to hang it up.
Watching the press conference today, he certainly looked like a man at peace with his decision. I don't think he has any regrets. Being a career Yankee meant more to him than anything. In fact, he opened the press conference by quoting Joe DiMaggio: "I want to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee." The man has spent literally half his life playing baseball for the New York Yankees organization. The organization has meant as much to him as he's meant to the organization. He deserved to go out a Yankee. On his own terms. There was a chance for this to be a very painful exit after a very messy divorce. But in the back of his mind, I think Jorge knew he was going to retire after the 2011 season all along. That's why he wouldn't even let his agent entertain offers from other teams this offseason.
Today wasn't about his final season. A year in which he had trouble adjusting to DHing (he even said that it felt like he got "demoted"), didn't get a hit against a lefty until June, removed himself from the lineup for a game against Boston, only to receive massive negative backlash, then became a part-time player towards the end of the season. Although, let's not forget he had some pretty great moments in 2011, too. The pinch-hit two-run double that clinched the AL East. The grand slams on back-to-back days. The incredible hot streak in May/June after he put himself back in the lineup. In his final series as a Yankee, he led the team with a .429 average in the Division Series against the Tigers.
I have two favorite Jorge Posada memories from 2011. I went to the game against the Orioles on my birthday, and the Yankees were losing 5-4 going into the bottom of the ninth. Jorge led off the inning with a monster shot into the bullpen in right. The Yankees won 6-5 in 10. I then went to a game against Cleveland in June. It was Jorge Posada Figurine Night. Jorge had hits in his first three at-bats that night. The figurine is on the shelf in my living room. Then there was the final night he caught. In Seattle in September, when Russell Martin got hurt, new Mariner Jesus Montero was DHing, and Francisco Cervelli was out with a concussion. Or how about his inning at second base? When he, of course, had one ground ball to field, and almost killed Nick Swisher with the throw to first!
Today was the celebration of a great career for a great Yankee. A guy who played a major role on four World Championship teams. A beloved member of the "Core Four." The man who caught more games than all but three other Yankees in history, including David Wells' perfect game. The man who hit the first home run in the new Yankee Stadium. And, of course, there was that memorable two-run double off Pedro Martinez that tied Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.
The "Core Four" is down to two. The two that are left will be inducted into the Hall of Fame exactly five years after they retire. It'll take about 11 seconds to decide that. Cooperstown isn't a lock for Jorge or Andy Pettitte. I do think they'll both eventually get the call, but whether or not they're also elected isn't really the point. All four are beloved Yankees. Even during Jorge Posada's trying final season, that never changed. Despite his struggles (and with a notoriously tough fan base), I don't remember him being booed at all in 2011. What I do remember are plenty of standing ovations. We felt his pain. It was hard to see him struggle, and we wanted him to know he never lost our support. But it was more than that. The fans knew as well as anybody that 2011 was Jorge Posada's swan song. I think some of those standing ovations were just as much an opportunity to say both "Thank You" and "Goodbye" at the same time.
Thank You, Jorge. And Goodbye. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do next. I think you'll be a tremendous coach/manager someday, maybe even in the Yankees system. I'm sure we'll see you again at Old Timers' Day. And on "Jorge Posada Day", when No. 20 goes on the wall in Monument Park. And, at some point in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future, in Cooperstown.
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