Johnny Be Great....Still Wearing Pinstripes

My first impression of Johnny Damon was not in Yankee uniform, but that of a hated Boston Red Sox.

He was that outfielder who was part of the biggest Yankee heartbreak in 2004. Damon played a pivotal role in Boston reversing the curse, so it was not loved at first sight.

His long hair just made me cringe.

Unexpectedly, seeing Damon in pinstripes, the next year just fit from day one. Maybe it was the shorter hair but I would attribute it to Damon’s overall beam. This guy was positive and more-so he was a darn exceptional baseball player. Clearly, he also knew how to win.

For a fan, Johnny Damon quickly, had already made the unthinkable, possible. To move from Bean-town to the Bronx is not a popular tactic and at the mighty least it is a tough one for fans to witness.

The desire for the Yankees was to win #27. The indisputable fact is that obtaining this goal, would not have happened without Johnny Damon.

In game four it was the top of the ninth, a tied score, the bases open with two outs. This was the setting for Johnny Damon up at bat. He was facing Philly closer Brad Lidge who was killing it in the post-season. Damon battled with a incredible nine-pitch at bat.

Finally, finishing by hitting a single to go on first. Knowing the Yankees need to score, Damon noticed that the field had moved over to compensate for Teixeira.

With the total one ball, no strikes Damon just stole second. To viewers initial shock he was not done yet. Damon kept going and stole third base as well.

Then everyone realizing the wisdom of Damon, immediately after that. Just listen to his post-game interview. Damon breathes baseball and is a team player.

Not only did the winning run move closer, but stopped Lidge's infamous slider as well. A pitcher cannot make a pitch that goes into the soil with a player on third. Lidge was clearly shaken as he hit Tex immediately afterwards.

It was baseball at its best. Johnny Damon was unquestionably a genius.

Damon fought at the plate, he thought on foot, and he won this game for the Yankees.

Damon’s flawless production will go down in the history books of one of the most brilliant plays.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DAMON'S PLAY IN GAME 4

Damon now has the off-season to fix up what hurts and he will so just that. He wants to remain an everyday player, he is undemanding, he has the experience, and he wants to win.

This is a player that will stimulate plenty of interest from other teams. You can expect when the two weeks of the home team only negotiating ends, the Giants, White Sox, Cardinals, Braves and his former team the Red Sox.

Johnny Damon has made his preference clear he wants to stay.

Brian Cashman would be foolish not to get this done, and get it done fast. Damon matched a career high with 24 home-runs, in addition to 82 RBI's, .365 OBP, .489 SLG and a mind that knows baseball.

Trust me, the Yankees do not want to face Johnny Damon in the Bronx, not in blue and white pinstripes.