Jorge Posada – “It’s been an Honor”

As long as I have been watching baseball – granted, it’s only been something like 13 or 14 years – Jorge Posada has been driving in key runs and catching well enough to help propel his team to 5 World Championships.  Year after year, I can recall John Sterling raving about just how important “Georgie” was to the Yankees, and how much of an impact he really had on the team over the span of his 17-year career.  If there is one thing that I will remember Posada for, it would be how he approached the game.

Even though it was painful to watch him run out a double, nobody was faster to run onto the field to give a teammate a high-five after a home run.  Every time they showed Jorge in the dugout, he was smiling whether it was cracking a joke to Jeter, or celebrating a good outing by a starting pitcher.  He was – and still is – a crowd favorite in New York.  Even though he has been often overshadowed in the media by guys like Jeter, Pettitte, and Rivera, Posada had a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and the Yankees’ organization.

Diana Munson, the widow of Yankee great Thurman Munson, actually said that Jorge was the reason she began to follow baseball again.  After her husband passed away in a plane crash, she couldn’t even bring herself to look at the box scores – that was, until Posada came around. ”I think he and Thurman definitely would have been best buds,” she said.

Taking away parts about being a fan favorite and a beloved teammate, Jorge Posada could play.  Over a 17 year span, Jorge had 275 home runs, 1,065 RBI, and a .273 batting average.  Without a doubt, Posada was among the greatest catchers of all time when it came to hitting.  The one stat that really jumps off the paper, and really helps the Hall of Fame argument, is his .374 On Base Percentage.  This stat tops 7 out of the 10 catchers that are currently in the Hall, among those are names like Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra.  His contributions to the Yankees Dynasty 

In the late 90’s cannot be overlooked.  The man was a fierce competitor, and that was part of the reason behind the decision to retire.  “I knew in my heart, and I knew in my head that I didn’t want to play anymore” Posada said.  He wore his heart on his sleeve, and that was why he was great.

“Playing for the New York Yankees has been an honor,” Jorge said during the press conference where he announced his retirement. “I could never wear another uniform.  I will forever be a Yankee”

Jorge, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

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