Paul O'Neill Day- August 2007?

[Retire21]

Just curious- I read somewhere that the Yankees were waiting to see if Paul O'Neill got elected into the Hall of Fame before retiring his number. I don't think he's going to get there, but now that he's on the ballot, maybe this is the year we have a Paul O'Neill day.

I think they announce the results of the HOF in January, don't they? The Yankees historically have had their "retirement" days in late August. With the Yanks playing at home against Bos/TB the last days of August, this might be the year we see #21 in Monument Park.

I know there has been discussion on whether or not Paulie is deserving of a retired number, but I think it is going to happen. I think he SHOULD have his number retired- he was the heart and soul of an era that is receding further and further away. I also think that, while a number of people have argued the Yankees should not retire "fringe" players' numbers because they're going to run out of numbers, this will not happen. The era of baseball players hanging around one team for even 5 years, let alone a career, are becoming increasingly rare. I think, in the years to come, we will see fewer and fewer baseball "lifers," with one team, which makes Paul O'Neill's 9 years with the team the exception, not the norm. Basically, Derek, Mo, Bernie, Joe, and Paulie are deserving. Posada is close- look at his career numbers; they are better than every Yankee catcher who has had their number retired, except Berra (arguably Dickey, too). I think we will look back at these guys' long careers with the Yankees, relatively speaking, and marvel that they played with the Yankees that long, and that will make their contributions even more special.

[Evil Empire]

I hope they retire it(and by your handle, I can tell you want it too.) He, Jeter, Mo and Bernie(if he ever retires) should get it in my opinion. Posada can get a plaque or something.

[Nome]

Originally Posted by Retire21

Just curious- I read somewhere that the Yankees were waiting to see if Paul O'Neill got elected into the Hall of Fame before retiring his number. I don't think he's going to get there, but now that he's on the ballot, maybe this is the year we have a Paul O'Neill day.

I think they announce the results of the HOF in January, don't they? The Yankees historically have had their "retirement" days in late August. With the Yanks playing at home against Bos/TB the last days of August, this might be the year we see #21 in Monument Park.

I know there has been discussion on whether or not Paulie is deserving of a retired number, but I think it is going to happen. I think he SHOULD have his number retired- he was the heart and soul of an era that is receding further and further away. I also think that, while a number of people have argued the Yankees should not retire "fringe" players' numbers because they're going to run out of numbers, this will not happen. The era of baseball players hanging around one team for even 5 years, let alone a career, are becoming increasingly rare. I think, in the years to come, we will see fewer and fewer baseball "lifers," with one team, which makes Paul O'Neill's 9 years with the team the exception, not the norm. Basically, Derek, Mo, Bernie, Joe, and Paulie are deserving. Posada is close- look at his career numbers; they are better than every Yankee catcher who has had their number retired, except Berra (arguably Dickey, too). I think we will look back at these guys' long careers with the Yankees, relatively speaking, and marvel that they played with the Yankees that long, and that will make their contributions even more special.

What do you mean by arguably Dickey? Dickey was far, far superiour to Posada. I'm a Yankee fan and I love Jorge; but facts are facts. Look it up.

While we're at it, Munson was better offensively and far better defensively than Posade. Howard as Yogi's backup and occasional starter was also a better player.

Sorry to disalusion you. Posada is a fantastic player but no where deserving of a plaque, HOF or any other post career award.

Andy

[RhodyYanksFan]

I bet this happens. Nobody has worn #21 since he's left. He was one of the most beloved players by fans and most hated by fans of other teams. Does he belong in the HOF...doubtful, but I think he deserves a spot in Monument Park.

[ny]

I have a feeling their going to retire Paulie's number in 08 seeing as its the last year the Yankees will be playing in the stadium. As for Posada his numbers are pretty close but not there yet.

[jimmyclark]

Are there any other Yankee numbers that have been taken out of circulation but not retired like #21? What about #54 for Goose Gossage or is that too high a number to be issued to a regular?
The Yankees can be secretive on what a "day" involves. They didn't announce beforehand of #49 would be retired on "Ron Guidry Day" or #31 for "Dave Winfield Day".

[ny]

Originally Posted by jimmyclark

Are there any other Yankee numbers that have been taken out of circulation but not retired like #21? What about #54 for Goose Gossage or is that too high a number to be issued to a regular?
The Yankees can be secretive on what a "day" involves. They didn't announce beforehand of #49 would be retired on "Ron Guidry Day" or #31 for "Dave Winfield Day".

54 is currently worn by Arods best friend

[JL25and3]

Originally Posted by Retire21

Just curious- I read somewhere that the Yankees were waiting to see if Paul O'Neill got elected into the Hall of Fame before retiring his number. I don't think he's going to get there, but now that he's on the ballot, maybe this is the year we have a Paul O'Neill day.

I think they announce the results of the HOF in January, don't they? The Yankees historically have had their "retirement" days in late August. With the Yanks playing at home against Bos/TB the last days of August, this might be the year we see #21 in Monument Park.

I know there has been discussion on whether or not Paulie is deserving of a retired number, but I think it is going to happen. I think he SHOULD have his number retired- he was the heart and soul of an era that is receding further and further away. I also think that, while a number of people have argued the Yankees should not retire "fringe" players' numbers because they're going to run out of numbers, this will not happen. The era of baseball players hanging around one team for even 5 years, let alone a career, are becoming increasingly rare. I think, in the years to come, we will see fewer and fewer baseball "lifers," with one team, which makes Paul O'Neill's 9 years with the team the exception, not the norm. Basically, Derek, Mo, Bernie, Joe, and Paulie are deserving. Posada is close- look at his career numbers; they are better than every Yankee catcher who has had their number retired, except Berra (arguably Dickey, too). I think we will look back at these guys' long careers with the Yankees, relatively speaking, and marvel that they played with the Yankees that long, and that will make their contributions even more special.

I don't know why they would wait to see if O'Neill get elected to the Hall of Fame. Yankee fans love O'Neill, but there's no chance that he'll ever be elected to the Hall - and he shouldn't be. A more reasonable question would be whether he'll get the 5% necessary to stay on the ballot next year. 75%? Not a chance, not this year or any other.

The spring after Paulie retired, I noticed that the numbers out in Monument Park had been squeezed a little to the left, leaving enough room at the end for another. I'm surprised they've waited this long.

Personally, I'd be perfectly happy if they didn't retire 21. They've retired too many numbers already, and there are several no-brainers left to come.

[JL25and3]

Originally Posted by Nome

What do you mean by arguably Dickey? Dickey was far, far superiour to Posada. I'm a Yankee fan and I love Jorge; but facts are facts. Look it up.

While we're at it, Munson was better offensively and far better defensively than Posade. Howard as Yogi's backup and occasional starter was also a better player.

Sorry to disalusion you. Posada is a fantastic player but no where deserving of a plaque, HOF or any other post career award.

Andy

I'm not so sure that Munson was better offensively than Posada. Posada hits for a lower average, but takes many more walks and has more power than Munson did. And while it's hard for me to judge Howard defensively - I was a kid when he played, there are no useful stats, and I mistrust anecdotal memories - I think Posada was better offensively.

[Retire21]

I was thinking where I heard that the Yankees would wait to retire Paulie's number until the HOF vote, and I think it came from a Michael Kay Q & A, so take that for what it's worth.

I do think his number should be retired in the current Yankee Stadium, where he played. They'll have plenty of future numbers to retire in the new Stadium.

I didn't see any of the Yankees' previous 4 catchers play, but I'll stand corrected on comparing Posada's numbers to Bill Dickey's. However, I do think Posada compares favorably to Munson and Howard, particularly offensively. Jorgie has gotten considerably better defensively since 2002, when Gary Tuck began working with him and perhaps got even better (at least at throwing at runners) this year under Tony Pena. I remember how many passed balls Jorgie had, I think in 2001, as well as how poorly he blocked the plate- he has vastly improved there.

[Octoberbaby]

I'd like to see them have a Paul O'Neill day and retire his number.

It's interesting that those years the Yankees were a championship team yet some of these guys are not quite good enough for the HOF. Why is that? I think, forgetting about their numbers, the reason the team were consistenly champs is because those guys knew how to be team players, an extremely important element in winning. Something that is lacking now even with the players with the big numbers. Credit should be given for that aspect.

[Dr. Gonzo]

as time passes what paulie did was more amazing as we learned how hard it is to win especially as much as they did. HOF no, but yankee HOF yes

[GMVP]

Originally Posted by jimmyclark

Are there any other Yankee numbers that have been taken out of circulation but not retired like #21? What about #54 for Goose Gossage or is that too high a number to be issued to a regular?
The Yankees can be secretive on what a "day" involves. They didn't announce beforehand of #49 would be retired on "Ron Guidry Day" or #31 for "Dave Winfield Day".

31 isn't retired.

[BW51]

Originally Posted by Octoberbaby

I'd like to see them have a Paul O'Neill day and retire his number.

It's interesting that those years the Yankees were a championship team yet some of these guys are not quite good enough for the HOF. Why is that? I think, forgetting about their numbers, the reason the team were consistenly champs is because those guys knew how to be team players, an extremely important element in winning. Something that is lacking now even with the players with the big numbers. Credit should be given for that aspect.

let's retire the numbers 96, 98, 99, and 00

[JL25and3]

Originally Posted by Octoberbaby

I'd like to see them have a Paul O'Neill day and retire his number.

It's interesting that those years the Yankees were a championship team yet some of these guys are not quite good enough for the HOF. Why is that? I think, forgetting about their numbers, the reason the team were consistenly champs is because those guys knew how to be team players, an extremely important element in winning. Something that is lacking now even with the players with the big numbers. Credit should be given for that aspect.

The Yankees of those years had Jeter and Rivera for the whole time, Boggs and Clemens for part of it. After that they had a bunch of guys who were one solid step short of the Hall: Bernie, O'Neill, Cone, Wells, Raines. But while not Hall of Famers, they were still among the best players in the league, and that will win you championships.

Most championship teams don't have a lot more than that. The '77-'78 Yankees had two Hall of Famers, Jackson and Hunter. The '75-'76 Reds had four, if you count Pete Rose - which seems appropriate here, he did have HOF playing career. (The others are Morgan, Bench and Perez.) The '72-'74 A's had three, Jackson, Hunter and Fingers.

[longtimeyankeefan]

Originally Posted by Retire21

Posada is close- look at his career numbers; they are better than every Yankee catcher who has had their number retired, except Berra (arguably Dickey, too).

There are four Yankee catcher numbers retired - 8 for Berra and Dickey, 15 for Munson and 32 for Ellie Howard.

Munson's number was retired for obvious reasons - despite what many think of his career, it remains arguable if Thurm would ever have been elected into the HOF. Would his number have been retired if he remained a Yankee his entire career and not been killed in the plane crash? IMO, that's a debatable question.

As to Elston Howard, if you never got the pleasure of watching Ellie play, you missed out.

[Nome]

Originally Posted by longtimeyankeefan

There are four Yankee catcher numbers retired - 8 for Berra and Dickey, 15 for Munson and 32 for Ellie Howard.

Munson's number was retired for obvious reasons - despite what many think of his career, it remains arguable if Thurm would ever have been elected into the HOF. Would his number have been retired if he remained a Yankee his entire career and not been killed in the plane crash? IMO, that's a debatable question.

As to Elston Howard, if you never got the pleasure of watching Ellie play, you missed out.

Ellie's number wasn't retired because he was a catcher. Ellie also played the OF and 1B and was as you said, a hellof a player. Of course sentamental reasons also played into it. After all George owns the club and he can do whatever he wants.

Not that I disagree with Ellie's number being retired, but I would like all numbers to be retired and to have names on the back of the uniforms.

Andy

[Eldee5]

Originally Posted by Octoberbaby

I'd like to see them have a Paul O'Neill day and retire his number.

It's interesting that those years the Yankees were a championship team yet some of these guys are not quite good enough for the HOF. Why is that? I think, forgetting about their numbers, the reason the team were consistenly champs is because those guys knew how to be team players, an extremely important element in winning. Something that is lacking now even with the players with the big numbers. Credit should be given for that aspect.

"Tell them it wasn't easy.
When they look back and see 125 wins, tell them we never took a single one for granted
Teach them about our passion, and our patience.
If they ask who was our star, give them 25 names, and if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees.
And in the season of our lives, we became a team.
A team that made people believe baseball could be magic and a man could be perfect."

That being said, I'd like to see Paulie's number retired too.

[JL25and3]

Originally Posted by Nome

Ellie's number wasn't retired because he was a catcher. Ellie also played the OF and 1B and was as you said, a hellof a player. Of course sentamental reasons also played into it. After all George owns the club and he can do whatever he wants.

Not that I disagree with Ellie's number being retired, but I would like all numbers to be retired and to have names on the back of the uniforms.

Andy

I guess you mean names instead of numbers - otherwise, retiring all numbers would make things difficult.

Never mind my hidebound traditionalism, which takes pride in the Yankees' refusal to put names on the uniforms. Either way, numbers are still necessary because they're so much easier to see than names are. There's no way I'm going to be able to read the name of a player running sprints in the outfield, or warming up in the bullpen.

[BillBuckner]

No, NO. I love Paulie as much as anybody, but his number SHOULD NOT be retired. They have already retired too many numbers. And what about #s 2, 6, 51, and 42 to come? I'm sorry, but no way.

Give him a Paul O'Neil Day and a plaque in the Park though.