An Open Letter to Bernie Williams

Retire already! Every single day I have to read about you in one the New York newspapers and it is getting ridiculous. It is hard enough to have to read and hear about which team, player, or personnel is trying to kiss Clemens' rear end so he can suck 10 million out of a team for half a season of work. The reason why I can tolerate Clemens, and why everyone else does, is because he is still one of the premiere players at his position in the game. And down a playoff stretch I do not know one team that would not want the Rocket stepping on the rubber to help their team into the post-season. Bernie, you are a shell of what you once were, and if you accept the minor league contract and an invitation to spring training, you are not the man of integrity that we have seen in Pinstripes the last 16 seasons.

With that being said, you have nothing to hang your head about, Bernie. You have finished fifth all-time in games played in the pinstripes behind Mantle, Gehrig, Berra, and Ruth. Not bad company to be in. Bernie you are fifth in runs (1,366), 4th in hits (2,336), 2nd in doubles (449), 6th in home runs (287), 6th in RBI (1,257) and you were able to compile a .297 career average. If it were not for Mantle and DiMaggio you would be hands down the best player ever to play centerfield at Yankees Stadium. You were one of the major pieces in the re-birth of the Yankee Dynasty. You were a 5 time all star, a 1996 ALCS MVP, a 1998 AL Batting Champ, and a four time World Series Champ. Bernie you have done well.

Once you retire and get your name on the Hall of Fame ballot you will be fought and argued over because you have marginal hall of fame credentials. Banter will go on and on for every year that you are on the ballot, and if after 15 years you do not get elected, you can be guaranteed that the Veterans' Committee will get you in bronze. So please hang those cleats up so we can argue whether or not you should enshrined.

I will admit that it will be weird not seeing #51 on the Yankees. Sometimes players look right in pinstripes. So Bernie please take my advise, do not sign a minor league contract and try to compete for playing time with Damon-Abreau-Matsui-Cabrera, do not sign with another team, just retire with grace and class. Drop your bat and pick up that guitar and make great hits on your record like you did on the field. Bernie I am waiting to miss you, so please do us all a favor and fade into the sunset.