Yankees legend says he does not ‘feel welcome’ by team despite legendary career
Jorge Posada says he does not feel welcome at the Yankees and believes the club does not want him around, despite a 17-year career with the team. His comments raise questions about how the organisation maintains ties with a celebrated former player whose number is retired.
Posada won five World Series titles and attended Yankee Stadium twice this season, including for Old Timers’ Day. His final season in 2011 was difficult: he had been moved from catcher to designated hitter and backup first baseman, and publicly objected to being placed ninth in the batting order. He said the Yankees did not offer him a contract after that season; he retired in January 2012, while denying that he has a problem with former manager Joe Girardi.
In short
- Posada says he does not feel welcome at the Yankees.
- He spent all 17 seasons of his career with New York.
- His difficult final season still shapes how he feels about returning.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Yankees have a strong reason to keep close ties with Posada: his 17 years of service and five World Series titles made him an important part of the club’s history. A retired number and occasional appearances may not feel like meaningful recognition if he believes the organisation has made clear he is not wanted, so the club should consider whether its welcome matches the honour it has given him.
The case against
A celebrated career does not necessarily guarantee a former player an ongoing role or close relationship with the organisation. Posada’s final season involved public disagreement over his place in the lineup, and the Yankees may see his two visits this season, including Old Timers’ Day, as evidence that he remains welcome at team events while keeping the relationship informal.