Bernie Williams -- scorned former Yankees CF -- apparently does not hold a grudge against his former manager and teammates for not keeping him on the team this year. Instead, Williams called the clubhouse yesterday to talk to manager Joe Torre and veterans Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada. Also, Williams left open the chance that he might come back this season:
And the New York Post reported manager Joe Torre was told that Williams, 38, is still working out and has not written off the possibility of playing this season, preferably for the Yankees. It was the first time Torre and Williams had spoken since February, when Williams declined the minor-league camp invite.Back in Spring Training, we chided Bernie for not swallowing his pride and taking the minor league contract, if only to get a foothold on a small role in the team. Instead, Bernie wanted a guaranteed spot and the Yankees didn't want to give it to him, and now dude is sitting at home trying to figure out MLB Extra Innings like the rest of us."I know he wants to be here," Torre said, according to the Post.
"It was very nice. It certainly put a smile on my face. He was the same guy. He's a caring individual, and that's what makes him so special," Torre said of Williams, according to the New York Daily News. "He sounded like Bernie; God love him. I told him I wished he had come to spring training, but I certainly respect what he decided to do, which was not come."
After a classy move like this, though, it's harder to begrudge the guy a little pride. We'll see if Williams and the Yankees work something before the season is over; it wouldn't be so bad to see Bernie fielding center every once in a while this summer.
Previously:
Bernie Williams is Too Old
Bernie Williams Continues Stubborness
