Dear Bernie,
Don't do it! Please!
Don't go play for another major league baseball team this season. Heck, don't even play in one of those lame independent leagues just to keep fresh in case the Yankees call in June.
You're a Yankee. Although many other teams now have pinstripes on their uniform, there is only one Pinstripes for you.
Most published reports of late have you realizing your Yankee career is ending and that you're likely leaning toward not going elsewhere. Which is good. Of course, if a team comes across with some nice dollars, perhaps after a key injury during spring training, it may be hard to resist. Please, Bernie, resist.
No athlete wants to admit when the time has come to step aside. No human enjoys facing their mortality. We all want to feel bigger than life, athletes especially. But there comes a time when we all must face reality.
Yes, it sucks the way the Yankees handled your situation, Bernie. You've been nothing but a graceful, thoughtful person since you came up with the Yankees in 1991. They tried to make you a leadoff hitter and a base-stealer because you could run fast. Then Joe Torre made you the first non-traditional cleanup hitter the Yankees had seen since before Babe Ruth. You excelled.
We watched you struggle in that position, then flourish elsewhere in the order. You're right up there with all-time greats in many Yankee franchise career statistics. There's something to be said for that, especially in the George Steinbrenner era. You've also hit in every position in the batting order. Few players can say that. You've got a bunch of postseason records, a few Gold Gloves, a batting title and four World Series rings. You've earned to undying respect and admiration of your peers and the people of New York. You've done quite well for yourself.
Even though you swung at the first pitch and popped up in Game 5 of the 1997 ALDS against Cleveland after Paul O'Neill legged out a double with two outs in the ninth, we forgave you because you were Bernie. A homegrown Yankee and a positional descendant of the Combs-DiMaggio-Mantle lineage. A man know for clutch hitting.
(Plus, according to Stats Inc., Bernie, you put the first pitch in play 1,156 times in your career and had 412 hits, including 44 home runs. A .356 average ain't too shabby.)
Your No. 51 jersey likely will find its way to Monument Park one day, perhaps even the first such to be instilled in the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.
Remember what you said on Nov. 25, 1998, just after you stopped flirting with Boston and signed a seven-year deal to stay with the only franchise you've known? "To me, that was a very important thing," you said. "It was going to be hard for me to go somewhere else. I wanted to be a Yankee. I wanted to remain a Yankee for the rest of my career."
That career is coming to a close, barring some strange events in spring training. Don't misunderstand, Bernie. I want to see you play one more year, even in a limited role as a pinch-hitter off the bench. I just don't want to see you do it in a different uniform. I don't want to see your name added to this list:
• Willie Mays, centerfielder, New York Mets
• Joe Namath, quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
• Johnny Unitas, quarterback, San Diego Chargers
• Michael Jordan, guard, Washington Wizards
• Emmitt Smith, running back, Arizona Cardinals
• Muhammad Ali, loser of 1980 fight to Larry Holmes
You're clearly not as broken down as these fellas were when they jumped ship to another team (excluding Jordan and Smith, who are on par with you now), but isn't this list below much nicer?
• Cal Ripken
• Tony Gwynn
• Don Mattingly
• Larry Bird
• Dan Marino
Bernie, you're a Yankee. Stay that way.
Best,
Mark La Monica, longtime Yankee fan
Comments (36)
Bernie, your much too much a class act to play somewhere else..You belong with DiMaggio, Mantle and others that were only Yankees
Yo Bernie! will always be the start of myfavorite roll call, right before I think about the last great Yankee to retire - Paul ONeill. We've seen Coney and Wells go away. We came to terms with the Pettitte thing. Reggie came back, Doc came back, Strawberry hangs around too. They had their time. When I look back, this version of the team I love started with Bernie and I hope he ends it with the same class and dignity that he showed through all his years in NY. AS A YANKEE!!!
Yo Bernie! will always be the start of my favorite roll call, right before I think about the last great Yankee to retire - Paul ONeill. We've seen Coney and Wells go away. We came to terms with the Pettitte thing. Reggie came back, Doc came back, Strawberry hangs around too. They had their time. When I look back, this version of the team I love started with Bernie and I hope he ends it with the same class and dignity that he showed through all his years in NY. AS A YANKEE!!!
Bernie,
Yankee fans all over the world love you and it would be terrible to see you in any other uniform. You are rich, healthy and a very talented musician so why not go and enjoy some time w/ your family and your music, the years go by so fast.
I remember when you were a skinny little youngster coming up with the Yanks and you wore those glasses that didn't look like they belonged to you. You've been a pleasure to watch and root for over the years and I'll always root for you. If an injury occurs in spring training, you will be the first person the Yanks call so just stay in shape for a while but if it doesn't work out, you will still be a fan favorite, now and forever. Your ovation at "Old Timers Day" will be tremendous, I hope you know that.
Bernie,
Please, please don't play for another team. I am a Saturday season ticket holder and last year I had to leave my home in CT before the lineup was posted. But everyone in my section (610)knew the first thing I wanted to know was...is my Bernie in the lineup. I know you have a few more good years left, but I would be very sad to see you in another uniform. I am praying they come to their senses and give you the contract you deserve!!!
Bernie,
I am still holding on, thinking that a contract will come, but if that doesn't happen, you should never play anywhere after Yankee Stadium. I am another Saturday Section (610) fan, who will miss Maria's cheer everytime your at bat. Remember, even if you go out of our sight, you will never be out of our minds and you will be cherished in all true Yankee hearts!!!
Bernie please make sure u dont join a different team for money reasons but keep your options open with the yankees and only them and if it dont work out you know that one day u will probably be part of winning a championship not as a player but maybe a coach.
Screw all of those who have asked for Bernie to go quietly.
He's still a good ball player and too bad if the Yankees have to be the bad guys and cut him.
I hope he makes it.
And Jeter needs to man-up and make nice with A-Rod.
Listen, Bernie's got one more year left in him before he really has to shut it down. Granted his knees aren't in great shape, and he doesn't have as much pop in his swing as he did back in the 90's, he is still a clutch ballplayer. His desire for the game alone would be enough to get him through the 2007 season. BERN BABY BERN!
Bernie,Thanks for being such a class act.Good Luck with the choice you make, but know... you will always be a Yankee to me
It's pretty selfish of Yankees fans to ask a guy to give up several million dollars just so he could be called a lifelong Yankee. Big deal. Are you saying the Yankees won't retire his jersey if he goes to another team for a year or two? Will you remember his years with the Yanks any less fondly? Come on... baseball is a business, and if the Yankees don't want Bernie and another team is willing to pay him to play, he should definitely take the offer.
Hey Bernie, can you play 3rd?
Bernie, a class act, a dying breed in our day. Whichever road you choose, I'm behind you win or lose! Baseball hats off to you - always!!
Hey Bernie, Business is business. When you ran off to the Red Sox during free agency, you did so to extract more money from the Yanks. What goes around comes around, buddy!
I have been a Yankee fan all my life, and it is a disgrace the way the Yankees are treating Bernie. He could've bolted a few years back for greener pastures, but he stayed. He's been a class act his whole career, and what a job he did last year when Sheff and Godzilla were hurt. His 2006 numbers were a tremendous improvement over the previous season, and that alone should solidify a spot on the Yankee roster. Sure it would be great to be with 1 team your whole career, but if he wants to play then he has a right to go elsewhere. The #51 should be retired immediately once he goes elsewhere.
Bernie, (assuming that you will be reading this) this message is not to beg you to stay a Yankee or to take a shot at team management for this situation, it is simply to say thank you for the years of enjoyment you have brought to my family and me. while I was growing up the Yankees were less than contenders and when watching a game with my father he would tell me of the great Yankee
players of the past. The way his eyes would light up as he spoke only made me feel something was missing between us as I had no such icons to share. You and your Yankees however have allowed me to know how my father must have felt. I've been blessed as I am able to share this with my children and you have been our favorite. be well, stay healthy and thanks again.
Bernie should play at least one more year (still can turn around a 98mph fastball), if not with the Yankees, with another team. He will always be welcomed back by us Yankee fans, and we all know that Bernie playing elsewhere would not be by his doing. Good Luck, Bernie and have a great year for another team. Bern, Baby, Bern!
Great article - I'm not from the Northeast but agree wholeheartedly that sticking with one town for an entire career (or at least as with Oneill, the overwhelming predominance of his peak years) is such a great "old school" model for our youth - guys like Mays and Unitas and Maris never made the big bucks that they paved the way for in subsequent generations - I hope the Yankees find a way to keep Bernie - I was in tears when Paul O'neill retired and I'm not even a Yankee fan. (What cynical impact does it have on a kid when he sees his favorite player leave the hometown for 15 million when the hometown offered 14.5 million (as we see so often)? No wonder kids trade YUGIOH and Pokemon cards instead of baseball !
others to add to the all-class list (along with Bird and Ripken);
David Robinson
Troy Aikman
Magic Johnson
Jeff Bagwell
Kirby Puckett
John Elway
Bernie,
You have been one of the greatest players to ever wear the Yankee uniform. The fact that they did not give you a contract speaks volumes. Go on and play for someone else. You still have it! You have made all Puerto Ricans very proud. Thanks for being a YANKEE always.
just want to say --- we luv ya bernie, no matter what...
Bernie:
It would be nice to have you return to the Yankees of course; but it is understandable if you don't. Maybe you can reunite with my "other" favorite Yankee - WILLIE. Best to you and your family and hope to see you in pinstripes until YOU don't want to wear them anymore.
Bernie,
As a lifelong Yankee fan I just want to say, you've been an inspiration to all young Puerto Ricans; the way you've handled yourself on and off the field. My only regret is that my 2 year old son will never get to see you play. Thanks for all the great memories.
Hey Bernie-We were there on your Birthday, September 13th double header when you hit a home run in each game (my son caught the ball!)and we are with you now whatever you choose. You will always be a Yankee to my family. We love you. Debbie
Bernie,
Just wanted to let you know that you're my all time favorite player. I don't believe it's over for you, I think you can still play and everyday I might add. I'm a former Yankee fan. I've given up on them after the 2004 playoffs against Boston. I said it before, that except for you, Jeter and Rivera the whole team should be flushed!! The Yankees disrespected you by offering you that minor league contract and for that I hope Brian Cashman and his whole family die of cancer! I hope the Redsox offer you a contract this way you can shove it up Cashmans ass. I would never set foot in Yankee Stadium ever again as long as Cashman is the general manager. If they tell you they want to retire your number and have a Bernie Willimas day I would tell them to go f--k themselves for not giving you the opportunity to say good bye to the fans in the proper way.
The New York Yankees are notorious for being heartless and I don't buy into their hype anymore. You're a great player and a great guy Bernie and don't let them insult you like that! I'll be praying for you Bernie and I'll be praying for Cashmans long and painful death
Bernie,
Whether they allow you to return or not (and I am so praying that they do), I just wanted to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Not only for being the best throughout your career but for the inspiration you have provided. There are no words to describe the role model you have been, with the way you compose yourself on and off the field. Although I do wish you could play for ever, I do hope they allow you to return at least one more season. You deserve more than that Bernie. Once again, thank you, keep on jammin (your tunes are cool), and number 51 for ever.
Bernie,
Tell George, the puppeteer, he can't treat people as a commodity.
Go play where you are wanted and not as a Yankee replacement player. He should have either signed you or told you that your services were not needed.
In response to Debbie: I think Bernie and Joe Torre would be disgusted with you wishing cancer on another human being. Bring it down a notch! We're all angry about this whole situation, but you went too far. You owe the Cashman family an apology, even if you are a Yankee hater.
In Response to Pete: Bernie Williams is a human being too. He's one of the Yankee greats. Cashman and Torre have had a bug up their a** about Williams for years. They never gave Williams the respect that he deserved. Remember it was Torre who said in public that Williams lacked the instincts that other players have, after signing Johnny Damon. I thought that statement was very disrespectful.
As far as Cashman being a human being well, if he can sit in his office and spin a web about another human beings future without remorse, then he deserves every bad thing that Gods judgment has to offer. You're noble in your concern about the Cashman family, but go see if the Cashmans will pay your rent or your mortgage if you lose your job or your business. Brian Cashman sucks, and I hope the fans will let him know that on opening day, for what he did to Bernie Williams. Bernie Williams will not play this coming season because the Yankees now have three 1st basemen and out of those three, only one can hit. Why? Because of Cashman. Bernie Williams will not play this coming season because they have a left fielder who doesn't give a rats a** if they win or lose, and is the king of meaningless homeruns and RBI. He's just here for the money and to appeal to the foreign market. Why? Because of Cashman. Bernie Williams will not play this coming season because he was offered a minor league contract and basically told thank you now go to hell. Why? Because of Cashman. Cashman a human being? I wouldn't spit on him if he was on fire!!! As far as Cashman being disgusted for someone wishing cancer on him, I'm sure it bothers you more than him. You're probably a nice guy Pete, but Cashman is a piece of crap, and crap has no feelings. I curse the day he was born! This move will go down in history as one of the coldest, indecent, and despicable things the Yankees ever did. I hope Brian Cashman will be tormented by it for the rest of his life!
I'm not a Yankee fan (love the Rangers and Astros), but am a lifelong baseball fan. Bernie Williams has been a great player, a clutch hitter, and a guy none of us could fault for his consistency and talent. Yankee management/ownership has long been a joke in Texas. I sincerely hope that Bernie will get to play, and that Yankee management/ownership will redeem itself.
Hey Pete in Valley Stream-THAT wasn't me who said the cancer thing. I would never ever wish that. Read it again and please acknowledge that you did. I love Bernie and yes, I feel badly for him. He is sensitive but this is not the way to go out. Torre and Williams are personal friends and this may hurt that. I really hope not. I wrote about my son catching Bernies homerun ball. Please scroll up. Have a good day!
Responce to Debbie: Sorry you took the brunt of my rant. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, however I don't take back what I said about Brian Cashman. I truly hope the Yankee fans will let Cashman know how they feel about the way he made Bernie Williams go out, win or lose.
Joe Torre is no angel and him going public with his calls to Williams is a bunch of propaganda, so he wouldn't look like the bad guy in this. Bernie, Jeter, and Rivera made him look like a great manager for years. Remember Torre reports to Cashman. Torre is just as much to blame. It's Joe who put Melky in CF in place of Bernie in 05, remember what a disaster that was? Then in the series in Boston Bernie made a fantastic catch in deep center. Torre always knocked Bernie publicly saying he was a day dreamer, and he lacks the skills and instints that other players have. Yet when they needed a key hit Bernie almost always provided. Even at 38 years old I'm more comfortable with him at the plate then that 25 million dollar a year paper weight. (Arod) Anyway since 2004 I don't root for any major league team anymore. I'm a Bernie, Jeter and Rivera fan. Now I've just been given one more good reason not to go to Yankee Stadium anymore.
Bernie,
This is a slap in the face and you proved you still have life in the bat.
Sure you will always be a Yankee but
Joe Montana produced big time with
the Kansas City Chiefs and is still
remembered as a 49er. Go help another team and when you bat against
the Yankees I'll be rooting for you to
pummel one at the Stadium you should
still have a roster spot in.
Bernie,
Switch hitting Designated Hitter, you
can still play this game and that was
obvious from last year. You should
considered another club and then
just hit the daylights out of the ball.
You will always be a Yankee first but
sitting out from something you love
because of the pinstripe nonsense
these fans talk about...that is just
selfish on the fans part. Go play
elsewhere because once it's over
you'll regret looking back.
To Lou-the reader just read my name into that response from you. I don't like the negative things you said but on a business level, I agree with you. Bernie had 2 more years to offer the Yanks. He did everything he was supposed to do and more. He was just so quiet about it and it went unrecognized. but thats Bernie, a true to heart Virgo. What I am surprized about is: I met Torres nephew and he said that Bernie and Torre are social friends outside of the Yankee ballclub. So to treat Bernie's future only in a business as usual sense seems awkward. I don't know if the public is getting the complete story through the media. There is probably more going on then is publicly known. I hope so anyway. Debbie
Bernie Williams is such a class act and deserved better from the Yankees. I live on the other coast but have managed to attend many games in NY watching Bernie show his magic. I just can't feel the same about the Yankees with him gone. Whatever you choose to do Bernie, you will always be my favorite ballplayer. All the best to you Bernie.
P.S. Brian Cashman is the one that should have been let go!!!
Kathy
Well, it's the end of May and still no Bernie. I am in tears as I write this. I was always hoping he would come back. Now it's too far into the season and don't think he is going to. I love Bernie and won't think that way even if it's true. I think I am in denial. I have so many pictures and things to remind me of my Bernie, BUT I want him BACK with the YANKS where he SHOULD BE. BERN BERNIE BERN. Luv ya and won't give up til the fat lady sings. Miss ya Bernie !!!!