The Last Hip Hip for Jorge

Heading into the 2012 season the New York Yankees will be without one of the franchise's most beloved players, Jorge Posada. This week Jorge Posada announced his retirement from the game of baseball after 17 brilliant seasons behind the plate for the Yankees. In an environment where big markets tend to look to high profile free agents to fit starting positions, Posada was an anomaly of the rarest form. Originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the 24th round of the 1990 MLB amateur draft, this smooth hitting catcher from the dominican republic would become a fixture in the yankee lineup for almost the next 2 decades. Jorge Posada would go on to reward the yankees with 5 all-star game appearances, 5 silver sluggar awards and an incredible 2003 season in which he placed 3rd in the MVP race. Defensively, Posada was clearly an asset behind the plate as seemingly nothing got by him. Posada's career fielding % is a staggering .992.

Jorge Posada was a rare breed. Posada was a durable player that would hit for a nice average (.273 career line), hit for very nice power (8 seasons of 20 or more HR's) and most importantly he GOT ON BASE (career .374 on-base %). At a premium position, the Yankees were a much better ballclub for having Posada behind the dish. Not only did Posada get the job done consistently at the bat but thoughout his career when a clutch hit was needed, Posada delivered time and time again. Fans loved him for this. Yankee fans are some of the most passionate, loyal fans in all of sports. If you play the game right, you will be treated like a king. On the contrary, if you do not play well, believe me, the yankees fans will let you know! It didn't take long for Posada to become a clear fan favorite. Game after game, year after year...a familiar chant of hip hip...jorge would fill the stands at yankee stadium. You'd even hear the chant on the road as the Yanks travel well across america to support their team. Jorge Posada will always be loved by yankee fans and his career is a testament on how to play the game the right way. Jorge's legacy will forever be etched into historic yankee lore and his contributions to 5 world series championship teams will never be forgotten. Hip Hip Jorge, job well done!