Bernie Williams was a great Yankee. For 16 years he played centerfield in the Bronx with dignity and professionalism. He was a pretty good player too. He appeared in 5 All Star games and is one of the most prolific post season performers in baseball history, lingering at or near the top of every major statistical category.
I remember Bernie's entire career from the debates about who the better Williams was (Gerald Williams was a Yankee prospect at the time Bernie came up) to marveling at the endless supply of big hits Bernie provided in the playoffs. I also remember the end of his career with the Yankees. I thought he lingered too long and should have retired a couple of year earlier than he did because he wasn't providing much value at the plate or in the field. I didn't care though. I was willing to endure an aging Yankee star as payment for what he provided us for those many years.
When I see stories like this, as a fan, I get upset. This story quotes current Yankee general manager Brian Cashman speaking about Bernie Williams negatively.
The rift between Williams and the team got personal on Friday night. Speaking at William Paterson University in New Jersey, general manager Brian Cashman said Williams spent too much time with his burgeoning music career "and that took away from his play" on the field.
Cashman said Williams had a "terrible season" in 2005 and former manager Joe Torre was wrong to play Williams as often as he did in 2006 because better players were available.
My question is why? What good does it serve to hurt Bernie Williams, a man who served honorably at the pleasure of the Yankees for 16 years? What good does it serve to bash a player who not only peformed far above the average major leaguer, but was also an ambassador of the game and a classy guy? What good does it serve to bash a guy who was a key piece of 4 championship seasons? Doesn't Cashman have enough to worry about with pitchers and catchers around the corner and a new Field Marshal Steinbrenner at the helm? As a Yankee fan I would love to see him focus on what's important, the future of the New York Yankees, and let the fans worry about evaluating things that happened years ago.
D Isaac
1 comment:
I get the sense Brian Cashman was very upset with the way Bernie handled himself in Spring Training '07 - I think his attitude was, "We gave you your good-bye tour in 2006 and now you're mad for not giving you another one?" He's obviously still bitter about it.
I also remember reading in 2005 or 2006 people suggesting that Bernie learn to play 1B... but apparently he had no interest and Torre wouldn't force him. I think Cashman was in an untenable position with Bernie and Torre. If Bernie is on the team, Torre is going to use him no matter what. (485 ABs in 2005 with a .688 OPS... as a CF/DH! Come on!)
But still, Bernie was a class act and there is no reason to slam him a year after he retires. Just let it go, Cash.
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