Joe Torre has no idea who I am. I've never met the man. The several times I've seen him in person was from the upper deck nose bleeds at Yankee Stadium, when he would make his trademarked, slumped over, slow walk to mound to take out a pitcher or argue a call or just give a reassuring word to his infield.
So why, as I sit here on Friday afternoon watching his farewell press conference, do I feel like I'm saying goodbye to a trusted, reliable, old friend who I've known for a lifetime? I haven't even been a Yankee fan for more than five years. But the probable reality that all Yankee fans are facing today is that Joe Torre, come December 2007, will no longer be a Yankee.
I continue to watch as Joe, handling himself with the kind of class and dignity we've become accustomed to over the years, artfully avoids taking the low road, as reporter after reporter bombards him with questions regarding the dodgy and downright insulting offer the Yankee brass put forth yesterday.
Whether you wanted Joe back next year or not, whether you are a Yankee fan or not, you cannot argue what Joe Torre has meant to the Yankee franchise, what he has meant to the city of New York, and what he has meant to the game of Baseball.
And all these things considered, you would expect a man and a Yankee the caliber Joe Torre to be treated with the respect he not only deserves, but has earned. Twelve post season trips in twelve years, 6 World Series appearances, 4 World Series wins, 10 AL East Championships, and the 8th spot on the all-time managerial wins list, does not add up to a one year contract extension, a pay cut, and the unnecessary and embarrasing addition of playoff incentives.
So all that is left for Yankee fans is the uncertainty of who will be selected to fill the shoes of Joe Torre. But one thing is for sure, if that lucky person is one-half the leader, father figure, and friend Joe was to his team, then the Yankees are sure to back next year and for many years to come.
Thank you #6.
1 comment:
It's a shame that it had to end like this. Joe Torre was a great coach and he will be greatly missed from this ball club.
If there is a true light at the end of this tunnel it should be only fitting that as Torre exits so does that ego maniac jerk Steinbrenner.
One can only hope that his two boys have finaly wrestled the club from the senile old man in order to fix the sinking ship.
You are a true gentlemen Joe and I hope that you land on your feet.
YANKEES FOREVER!!!
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