Jorge Posada Retirement: 12 Unforgettable Moments of NY Yankees Career

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One of the greatest Yankees, Jorge Posada, will announce his official retirement within the next week or two.

The news comes as no surprise to fans, but even so, it will leave a bit of a sting in their hearts.

Posada has been a piece of the foundation of the Yankees since his call-up.  His departure will leave fans with heavy hearts, but it is the right time.

His long career with the Yankees is filled with many unforgettable moments that will go down in the New York history books.

Let’s take a look at 12 of those moments.

1. A Taste of Perfection

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After his call-up and not getting much playing time, he pushed for more.

On May 17, 1998, he caught David Wells’ perfect game.

He proved that he could call the game as the right backstop for Wells.

2. Star-Gazing Performance

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Posada appeared in five All-Star games over his 17-year career.

He played in All-Star games from 2000 to 2003, and then in 2007.

He won five Silver Slugger Awards in each of those years.

3. Double-Down

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When the 2007 season came to an end, Posada made some history.

He and Ivan Rodriguez were the only two catchers in MLB history to hit 40 doubles in two seasons.

4. Acting Debut

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Posada had an explosive season in 2007, and then-manager Joe Torre gave the veteran an honor.

Torre allowed Posada to act as the manager for the final game of the season.

In Posada’s acting managerial debut, the Yankees beat the Orioles, 10-4.

Posada had an unofficial win as an acting manager.

5. Slugging Leader

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The 2007 season proved to be a powerful one for Posada.

Batting .395 in September, he became the first Yankee catcher since Thurman Munson in 1978 to end the season among the top 10 batting leaders in the AL.

6. The New Cathedral Christening

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The 2009 season was the beginning of a new Yankees era. 

The new Yankee Stadium opened its doors to begin a new chapter in history.

On April 16, 2009, Posada gave the new stadium a proper christening.

He smashed the first home run in the new stadium off of Cleveland pitcher Cliff Lee.

He created history.

7. Isn’t It Grand?

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In June, 2010, Posada put his name on another page in the history books.

He became the first Yankee since Bill Dickey in 1937 to hit grand slams in back-to-back games.

8. A New Member in the Club

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On July 23, 2010, Posada hit his 1,000th RBI against the Kansas City Royals.

9. Good Days and Bad Days

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The 2011 season started with a slump for Posada.

His frustration grew daily, and it became evident.

On May 14, Posada asked Girardi to remove him from the lineup.

He told Girardi that he had stiffness in his back and that he needed time to clear his head.

His actions caused some controversy and he apologized.

He was removed from the lineup temporarily due to declining numbers, but he soon made amends.

10. In the Grand Scheme of Things

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Aug. 13, 2011.

Posada took the field in his first start since his benching.

In this game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Posada went 3-for-5 with six RBI and a grand slam. 

This grand slam was the 10th of his career.

11. A Second Time for Everything

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On Aug. 25, 2011, against the Athletics, Posada played second base during the ninth inning.

Posada recorded the final out by fielding a ground ball.

The Yankees won the game, 22-9.

12. In a Pinch

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On Sept. 21, 2011, Posada stepped up to the plate as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the eighth inning.

He pinch-hit a go-ahead two-run single.

The Yankees won and clinched the AL East division.

13. Enshrined in Our Hearts

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We hate to see Jorge Posada leave, but his retirement announcement is the right timing, and inevitable.

No one knows if he will ever be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he will forever be enshrined in the hearts of all Yankees fans.

He created memories.  He created history.

Thank you, Jorge.