Bernie Williams To Be Honored? Not At This Yankee Stadium

The man known to his mother as Barnabe Figueroa Williams left the Yankees some time ago, against his own will, one might add. He wanted, and deserved, to stay. The man Yankee fans know in their hearts as Bernie will remain forever a Yankee.

It is perplexing that such a beloved Yankee would not be considered for number retirement or some event to honor his time with the franchise before the wrecking ball is brought in to disgrace the great cathedral he called home for so many years. Never will Bernie Williams be mentioned with the likes of Gehrig, DiMaggio, Ruth, or Mantle.  

He was not the superstar one needs to be to rival those greats, as Derek Jeter will be by the time he walks away. One thing Bernie was, and can never be taken away from him, was a lifelong Yankee. In this day and age, that is a rarity indeed. Very few can boast such a legacy.  

The ability to stay a Yankee shows in itself what a gifted and important bomber Bernie was. That legacy was in jeopardy when Mr. Steinbrenner chose to pursue the trade of Williams between '93-'95 in the midst of mediocrity. I'm sure all Yankee fans would agree that a great appreciation is due Mr. Showalter for advising him otherwise.  

Later, Bernie was offered a seven-year contract, thus keeping Bernie where he belonged in the Bronx. No, Bernie wasn't a Yankee superstar, but yes, he was a lifelong Yankee. One thing he did quietly was put himself in a respectable position amongst some prestigious records while wearing the pinstripes.  

Remember now, he's not a Yankee great, yet he's suspended in time amongst them. Here are some examples as of the close of the 2007 season.

HRs                   Sixth
Extra Base Hits   Fifth
Doubles              Second-Trailing Lou Gehrig
Hits                    Fifth
RBIs                   Sixth
Walks                 Fourth

Bernie was a switch hitter. He was the ALCS MVP in '96. He was the AL batting champ in '98, as well as the Gold Glove winner in center field within the same year, to go along with his World Series Championship ring. Bernie was the first player to achieve all three in a season. That was quite an accomplishment.

The topic here is: Why didn't the Yankees' front office take the opportunity forced upon them to do something meaningful for such a great Yankee in the proper setting before it was too late? Why didn't they retire Williams’ number?

One thing is for sure: Yankee fans proved it this year when not one but two players with no history with the franchise attempted to sport the No. 21, worn by the great Paul O’Neill. What resulted was a tongue lashing to rival the likes of A-Rod on an August afternoon.  

Both players, who will remain unnamed, were promptly given alternate numbers, either by their own choice, or in one case, by the advice of veteran players. What was proved by this is, like it or not, official or not, some players' numbers are retired, regardless of what the organization thinks.  

If there is any question of that, put the No. 51 on some free-agent acquisition or rookie next year. The people in New York will let everyone know that number is spoken for. The fans know it, and the organization knows it. What is the hold up? In the end, this event will come to pass.  

It just seems more fitting if it happens in this stadium, in Bernie's house. What glory will it bring next door in a setting that really has no history, no nostalgia, and no mystique? A place where Bernie never accomplished anything. A strange new place.

One can only hope and wish for what they feel should be done with their respective teams. What trades are made, what prospects are given a chance, and who manages. Many choices are made on and off the field that affect every fan.

This is a choice one writer wishes would have been made for the better. This is one choice that can never be made right once this stadium comes crashing down on a tragic day.  

The opportunity will be lost forever. This is a shame for Yankee fans and for the great Bernie Williams. Bern baby Bern. We miss you Bernie.