Part of Lyrics " Todo Tiene Su Final "by salsa singer Hector Lavoe
Yankee Stadium, el Bronx-NY- If a musical tune were to accompany Jorge Posada's farewell, such as when a batter comes out of the dugout on to the plate, Hector Lavoe's song would surely be the one.
The first two lines of the song say: “All has an end. Nothing lasts forever.” Sooner or later every any prominent player has to come to grips with the fact he will one day have to say adios - goodbye. None is more true of Jorge Posada, a possible Hall of Famer.
But when it comes to Jorge there is a paradox in the lyrics. The next two lines read: “We have to remember. There is no eternity.” In a very emotional farewell, in front of a packed media room at the stadium, he assured himself a space in eternity in the most renowned team in sports.
He played with a passion and it was just as fitting that an emotional press conference was the closing to an illustrious career for a Puerto Rican player who is in essence a true a caribeño – born in Puerto Rico of a Cuban father and Dominican mother.
Jason Zillo, media relations director, acted as master of ceremonies. Before giving the mick to Jorge, Mr. Zillo acknowledged the names of several notables in the audience, from top brass CEOs to Yankee players including former Yankee Willie Randolph.
A video clip played during the press conference showed season ticket holders expressing their appreciation for Posada while highlighting his on-the-field exploits
“Playing for the New York Yankees has been an honor,” he said, and followed by stating that “I could never wear another uniform.” Later press questions were asked on the possibility of playing for another team, but he made it clear that he would not pursue that path. “I will always be a Yankee,” is what Jorge wanted to cherish. In today’s baseball, playing out a career with only one team is indeed a rare occurrence.
Jorge then introduced the Spanish language to the press conference that would be followed with several tearful emotional pauses: the first one came after he acknowledges his mother Tamara, his father Jorge and his sister Michelle. He went on mention his wife (firm support on his baseball career) and children, thanking them for always making him smile. At this point his daughter Paulina broke a wide cute smile while his son Jorge raised his arm when his name was mentioned and this tickled the audience into laughter.
He thanked his teammates (there was an emotional pause here) and quipped to Derek Jeter, “I hope you don’t miss me that much… Mariano Rivera, my brother, we would not have any of those without you (referring to the trophies).” Jorge went on to mention a number of other players and personnel (except Skipper Joe Giraldi who may have been over sighted – twice, but with no further ado in this article).
Jorge thanked the Media not only for his playing time, but for promoting the work of the Jorge Posada Foundation.
In Spanish he went to say, “Finally for all the Latinos and my people of Puerto Rico, my friends and family I love you very much with all my heart and I am grateful for all your support throughout my career (emotional pause). As my father would say, I bid farewell and I hope you are proud of me. Thank you.”
Fans, Latinos and Boricuas in particular are certainly proud of Jorge Posada. As yet-to-announce-his-retirement and former teammate Bernie Williams said in a sent message: “”I can’t believe that ‘Jorgito,’ is actually announcing his retirement before I do…he will be missed by the Yankees family, all of his teammates, coaches, and most of all, the great Yankees fans.”
But as the song says: “Todo tiene su final. Nada dura para siempre. But for Jorge, there is a window to eternity in Yankees folklore – where legends are made.
Photos by Lation Sports Photographer Bill Menzel
Article first published at www.latinosports.com on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
Second Publishing with editing by Julian Gerena Quiñones
