Yankees to retire Joe Torre's number

singaporesoxfan · May 8, 2014

I was looking up WARs by position and was kind of surprised that Torre was the #7 all-time catcher (behind Bench, Fisk, the other Pudge, Carter, Berra, and Piazza). I guess he didn't play a majority of his career at catcher (903 games at C, 787 at 1B, 515 at 3B), but still I think there's a case to be made that together with his managing history Torre should be a Hall of Famer.

AbbyNoho · May 8, 2014

Does this mean Torre will have to recuse himself from umpiring rulings regarding the New York Yankees?

rembrat · May 8, 2014

ThePrideofShiner said:
Joel Sherman ‏@Joelsherman1
#Yankees announce they will retire Torre’s No. 6, and put plaques in Monument Park recognizing Tino Martinez, Gossage, O'Neill

A plaque molded into the shape of dented Gatorade cooler.

Dummy Hoy · May 8, 2014

I'm not saying that the Yankees shouldn't retire Torre's number, but his career managing record without one of the greatest collections of talent in the expansion era (a collection that had been molded by another manager) is 1153-1230.

WenZink · May 8, 2014

"Oh my goodness, gracious!" This will make Suzyn so freakin' happy!

Good move. A mediocre field manager, perhaps, but he knew how to deal with Steinbrenner. Also, he was very gracious after what had to be a crushing defeat in the '04 ALCS, and then the next Spring on Ring Day, he kept his team on the dugout steps and showing respect. One of the best parts of the ceremony. Now maybe the same thing would have happened with Billy Martin... nope.... not in a million years.

section15 · May 8, 2014

The Yankees are trying to backtrack.     They "accidentally on purpose forgot" to honor Joe at the closing of the previous Yankee Stadium, and came off looking like jackasses in doing so -- what people now remember most about that ceremony is not the vast history of that team,   not events like Elston Howard's daughter giving "Uncle Yogi" a big hug,    but the fact that they snubbed Torre and that was the most conspicuous act of the event.

I once told a relative "if you don't have (so-and-so) in your wedding,   you will regret it for life."
There is no do-over on a wedding.

Nor could there be a do-over on the closing ceremony at Yankee Stadium.    Nothing can reverse the infamous Steinbrenner Snub.    No amount of paint can cover the stain.

Lose Remerswaal · May 8, 2014

Dummy Hoy said:
I'm not saying that the Yankees shouldn't retire Torre's number, but his career managing record without one of the greatest collections of talent in the expansion era (a collection that had been molded by another manager) is 1153-1230.

The day he was fired as Mets' manager was a day there was partying in the Mets' bullpen and clubhouse.

Sure, he may have gotten better as a manager later (see Francona, Terry; Belichick, Bill), but this is all I got.

mabrowndog · May 8, 2014

section15 said:
The Yankees are trying to backtrack.     They "accidentally on purpose forgot" to honor Joe at the closing of the previous Yankee Stadium, and came off looking like jackasses in doing so -- what people now remember most about that ceremony is not the vast history of that team,   not events like Elston Howard's daughter giving "Uncle Yogi" a big hug,    but the fact that they snubbed Torre and that was the most conspicuous act of the event.

I once told a relative "if you don't have (so-and-so) in your wedding,   you will regret it for life."
There is no do-over on a wedding.

Nor could there be a do-over on the closing ceremony at Yankee Stadium.    Nothing can reverse the infamous Steinbrenner Snub.    No amount of paint can cover the stain.

HIRE THIS MAN!

Seriously, I want to make sweet spine-tingly love to this post.

WenZink · May 8, 2014

section15 said:
The Yankees are trying to backtrack.     They "accidentally on purpose forgot" to honor Joe at the closing of the previous Yankee Stadium, and came off looking like jackasses in doing so -- what people now remember most about that ceremony is not the vast history of that team,   not events like Elston Howard's daughter giving "Uncle Yogi" a big hug,    but the fact that they snubbed Torre and that was the most conspicuous act of the event.

I once told a relative "if you don't have (so-and-so) in your wedding,   you will regret it for life."
There is no do-over on a wedding.

Nor could there be a do-over on the closing ceremony at Yankee Stadium.    Nothing can reverse the infamous Steinbrenner Snub.    No amount of paint can cover the stain.

I don't get the point? Torre was managing the Dodgers the day of the ceremonies, no? And the Dodgers were in a division race at time. What was supposed to happen?

mabrowndog · May 8, 2014

WenZink said:
I don't get the point? Torre was managing the Dodgers the day of the ceremonies, no? And the Dodgers were in a division race at time. What was supposed to happen?

You show a video of highlights from his managerial career with the Yankees. You include pre-recorded thoughts & reflections from Torre voicing his regrets that he couldn't be there, but expressing how much he'll miss the old stadium. You give the fans there a chance to remember and express appreciation for him and what he meant to the franchise.

Teams include absent players and coaches in ceremonies like that all the time. At Larry Bird Night in '93, there were a cavalcade of ex-teammates & opponents who sent their video congratulations. Michael Jordan, Michael Cooper, James Worthy, Kareem, Charles Barkley, Bernard King among them. Danny Ainge also couldn't make it that night, as he was still active with the Suns.

It's not that difficult.

EvilEmpire · May 8, 2014

It's not that difficult.

It really isn't. While I'll always appreciate the resources and effort the Steinbrenners put into fielding a quality team, the petty bullshit is always disappointing. Thankfully it has diminished significantly since Big Stein died.

curly2 · May 8, 2014

EvilEmpire said:
It really isn't. While I'll always appreciate the resources and effort the Steinbrenners put into fielding a quality team, the petty bullshit is always disappointing. Thankfully it has diminished significantly since Big Stein died.

It seems like someone's holding a grudge against Bernie Williams, who wasn't happy when the team didn't re-sign him. How in God's name does Tino Martinez get a plaque before Bernie?

jon abbey · May 8, 2014

They're doing something for Bernie next year.

curly2 · May 8, 2014

It's good that Bernie is getting his due but still very surprising to me he has to wait in line behind Tino.

section15 · May 9, 2014

WenZink said:
I don't get the point? Torre was managing the Dodgers the day of the ceremonies, no? And the Dodgers were in a division race at time. What was supposed to happen?

Video highlights -- and a pre-recorded (or, live look-in) message to the fans . That's even done at weddings, social clubs, and so forth.

YankeesIsrael · May 9, 2014

section15 said:
I once told a relative "if you don't have (so-and-so) in your wedding, you will regret it for life."
There is no do-over on a wedding.

Actually, Torre himself had 2 do-overs on his first wedding.

orphan · May 9, 2014

The Steinbrenners like their dad are disciplinarians, and like their dad they’re also eventually forgiving. Bernie received approximately $40 million for the last 4 years of his contact. 40 million for a cumulative (-.1) WAR. My point is his grievance against the Yankees was unjustifiable and probably was disciplined, or made to wait. (my opinion)

HriniakPosterChild · May 9, 2014

YankeesIsrael said:
Actually, Torre himself had 2 do-overs on his first wedding.

I was going to mention Liz Taylor, but your post was more on point.

joyofsox · May 10, 2014

Steven Goldman questions the Tino plaque and points out how much the MFY are screwing over Willie Randolph.

http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/5/8/5696224/tino-martinez-yankees-monument-park

worm0082 · May 11, 2014

joyofsox said:
Steven Goldman questions the Tino plaque and points out how much the MFY are screwing over Willie Randolph.

http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/5/8/5696224/tino-martinez-yankees-monument-park

I've always wondered why Frank Crosetti is not honored in Monument Park in any way. He was with the team for 37 consecutive seasons. (1932-1968) He played for the team for 17 seasons winning 8 championships. Then coached for 20 more seasons and won 9 more rings. Although he wore the number 1 the majority of his playing career he wore the #2 for 24 seasons. Yet he doesn't have a number retired or a plaque or anything.

Anyone know why that is? It's like a glaring omission out there. You would think they would have done something similar to Dickey/Berra and retire 2 for both Crosetti/Jeter.

Edit: Also odd that Tony Lazzeri and Roy White aren't out there either.

Yankees to retire Joe Torre's number

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