Two interesting faces showed up at the Yankees spring training facility in Tampa this morning. The Boss, George Steinbrenner, made an appearance, as did Bernie Williams. Their showings are both nostalgic and poignant, while being a little bit sad as well:
Steinbrenner arrived at about 10 a.m., was brought from the parking lot to Steinbrenner Field in a golf cart, then was transferred to a wheel chair near a bank of elevators before going up to his office. The 78-year-old has been increasingly frail in recent years.
Williams, who has not played since 2006, changed into uniform in the Yankees clubhouse and prepared to work out with the team. The 40-year-old, a five-time All-Star during 16 seasons with the Yankees, is getting ready to play for Puerto Rico in next month’s World Baseball Classic.
The previously imperious Boss is now wheeled about the facility that he used to run with an iron fist, while Bernie continues to try and play a game that has passed him by. It’s nice to see them keep trying to do what they love, but it is a bit depressing to watch them fighting against their diminished abilities. I hope that Bernie makes the Puerto Rican team and surprises us with some effective play.
(h/t Newsday)
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He made their provisional roster, right? He’s basically trying to get through the next round of cuts, but I don’t think there is anyway they cut him. He’s a huge draw for them. Chris H.(Quote)
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