Saying Goodbye to Jorge Posada

Posted By Chasing800 on January 12, 2012

The pain has not yet gone away from the Yankees’ early exit in the American League Division Series. As the Detroit Tigers moved on to play the Texas Rangers, a team the Yankees dominated all year, the “what ifs” continue to be asked. The future of the team will be debated, and concern arises over the lengthy contracts of players who have failed to produce in October. But one man who did not fail to produce this October has all but likely ended his tenure in pinstripes, and it has been magical. Jorge Posada, who we first saw on the big stage pinch running in the 1995 Division Series against Seattle, will not be back with the Yankees next season. This is the second member of the Core Four who will leave the team. Whether or not he returns to baseball is a mystery, but it’s hard to imagine Jorge putting on a uniform other than the Yankee pinstripes.

Photo: Off The Record

Photo: Off The Record

Derek Jeter is the captain of the Yankees, but Jorge Posada has always been a leader. A five time All Star and Silver Slugger winner, he probably will not be enshrined in Cooperstown one day. But you can’t argue with the statistics. In 2003, he blasted 30 homers and drove in 101 RBI’s, becoming the first Yankees’ catcher to do so since Yogi Berra. In 2007, before his final contract was signed, Jorge hit a career-best .338 in 144 games. The Yankees may have a better catcher in the future in Jesus Montero, if he’s able to play the position. But rarely, very rarely, do you see a franchise in the 21st century with one man behind the plate for 15 seasons, not to mention 17 seasons with the team overall.

It is pretty easy, I think, to go through the best moments of Jorge’s career. Manager Joe Girardi continues to point out how proud he was of his then-teammate in 1998 when Jorge was behind the plate for David Wells’ perfect game against the Minnesota Twins. But there was one that rocked Yankee Stadium. In the 2003 ALCS, the animosity between Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez and Posada was easily felt in Game Three. During one of their two bench-clearing incidents, Martinez pointed to his head, as if to say he would drill Posada the next time he came up. Jorge, in full catcher’s gear, walked to the field and invited Martinez to drill him. In Game Seven, with revenge on his mind, Posada dumped a game-tying, two run double into center field in the bottom of the eighth, knocking Pedro out of the game and costing Grady Little his job. Oh yeah, someone named Aaron Boone hit a pretty big homer three innings later.

This year, things got ugly. Joe Girardi elected to bat Posada ninth against the Red Sox in mid-May. Jorge was hitting under the Mendoza Line, and it seriously looked like he was going to retire in the middle of his final season. But it got better. The crowd fell in love with him. Girardi correctly realized that Posada could only play against right-handed pitching, and Jorge seemed willing to accept that role. And then October came around. I wanted the Yankees to play Texas, but they matched up with the Tigers. That meant nothing but right handed pitching, and that Jorge was going to play every game. All he did was bat .429, including a triple at Yankee Stadium in Game Two. He didn’t drive in runs, but that’s because the bases were always empty for him. He went out like a true champion, even if the team didn’t.

Photo: ESPN - Fit Home Team

Photo: ESPN - Fit Home Team

I will remember Jorge’s leadership, his intensity, and how much pride he had in putting on the pinstripes every day. I’ll admire the courage he showed during all of his son’s operations, and how his family always came first. I’ll remember how in 1996, he didn’t play in the post-season, but he was the first guy out of the dugout to congratulate teammates every time a run was scored. He was everything the New York Yankees have stood for over the last seventeen years. He will be truly missed, until he is welcomed back for future Old Timers’ Days, and Jorge Posada Day, when number 20 will rightfully be added to Monument Park.

Thank you, Jorge.

-Eric Kopp

Eric Kopp

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Yankee Fans on Jorge Posada

Posted By Chasing800 on January 11, 2012

This past week, the Yankee Faithful lefts comments and responses on the Chasing800 Facebook and Twitter accounts in regards to one of the Yankee greats… the one and only, Jorge Posada. In addition to our “Saying Goodbye” feature on one of our Yankee favorites, we wanted to share and highlight some of the great words and wonderful memories shared by Yankee fans and members of the Chasing800 Faithful!

Photo: Jorge & Laura Posada - Janet Mayer

Photo: Jorge & Laura Posada - Janet Mayer

Everyone here at Chasing800 truly appreciate what Jorge Posada represents on and off the baseball diamond. Through our efforts with the Full Focus Scholarship Fund and a variety of Yankee related charitable causes, we understand the importance of getting involved, helping others, and contributing to our communities. It is wonderful to see all of the amazing and positive things that Jorge and Laura Posada have done through the Jorge Posada Foundation, the Fit at Home initiative, and other helpful and beneficial programs. He is far more than just a great baseball player, he is a great human being.

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Messages from the Chasing800 Faithful for Jorge Posada:

Romeo-L ROMEO LOMBARDI — WARREN, RI

Jorge Posada is and always will be a True Yankee, one of the founding members of the Core Four!

Jimmy-Vasquez JIMMY VASQUEZ — BRONX, NY

He is truly a class act. One of the best catchers I’ve ever seen in my era. There will never be another one like him! I know for sure he will manage an MLB team one day. He loves the game and he respects the game.

Gershon-Rabinowitz GERSHON RABINOWITZ — BROOKLYN, NY

One of the best catchers in Yankees history. A four time world champion.

Kaye-HipHip-Aure KAYE HIPHIP AURE — YANKEE UNIVERSE

Jorge Posda is # 20… (”2″nd to n”O”ne) … ♥

Linda-McNerney LINDA MCNERNEY — WAYNE, NJ

Posada is true champion! No glitz and glamor, just determination and love of the game.

Brian-Danuff BRIAN D — YANKEE UNIVERSE

Jorge Posada is a classy Yankee who will go down as two things – one of the best catchers in baseball history, and a true champion.

Robert-Genovese ROBERT GENOVESE — YANKEE UNIVERSE

He is a true Yankee… and I hope he doesn’t go anywhere else!

Chuck-Greenwood CHUCK GREENWOOD — HALEDON, NJ

Jorge Posada is a Hall of Famer!!

Rasheeda-Genee-Cooper RASHEEDA GENEE COOPER — BRONX, NY

The true symbol of a hardcore Yankee that played with class and pinstriped pride.

Joe-Viggiano JOE VIGGIANO — PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII

Will always remember his game tying single in the 2003 ALCS!

Vincent-Vazquez VINCENT VAZQUEZ — BRONX, NY

Monument Park > Cooperstown. They should retire his number.

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Special thanks to Chasing800’s own, Eric Kopp, for his thoughts on the Yankee great, Jorge Posada. We would also like to thank all members of the Chasing800 Faithful for joining us on Twitter and Facebook to share your thoughts on one the most beloved Yankees of all time!

-Bald Jesus

Bald Jesus

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Twitter Tuesday — Bernie or Donnie?

Posted By Chasing800 on January 10, 2012

The Chasing800 Question of the Day is Available via Twitter & Facebook:

“Congratulations to Barry Larkin on being elected to the Hall of Fame!  Unfortunately for Yankee fans, Bernie Williams and Don Mattingly did not receive enough votes (Williams received the most votes among players who were eligible for the first time). — With that being said, who do you think has a better chance of ever being inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame… Don Mattingly or Bernie Williams?”

Photo: MTV

Photo: MTV

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-Bald Jesus

Happy Holidays from Chasing800!

Posted By Chasing800 on December 28, 2011

The Full Focus team here at Chasing800 would like to wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Chasing800 Faithful and our fellow Yankee fans!

Photo: Book Dataz

Photo: Book Dataz

We thank you for an amazing year and look forward to bigger and better things come 2012! Wishing you nothing but the very best! Thanks again for all your support.

-The Full Focus Team

Follow & Like Chasing800 Today!

Posted By Chasing800 on December 10, 2011

Just a friendly reminder for the Chasing800 Faithful to check out our social networking sites for all the latest updates, news, stories, and fan interaction! Chasing800 is available on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter so be sure to check it out! — Just click on the photo to become a part of the Chasing800 Faithful and for your chance to win all types of New York Yankees apparel, merchandise, collectibles, and FREE tickets to Yankee Stadium!

You will also have access to additional photos and videos from our Full Focus Fridays events, as well as details on the latest promotions, prizes, contests, and giveaways from the Chasing800 team. We look forward to hearing from you!

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