“Does it get any better”- Paul O’Neill’s No. 21 retired by Yankees as tribute to the legend
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Hal Stienbrenner and Paul O'Neill
The New York Yankees honored Paul O’Neill with a plaque at Monument Park eight years ago for his contributions to their success. The Yankees retired his No. 21 on Sunday, making him the 23rd player or manager to receive such an honor in the club’s history. Since Paul O’Neill is not immunized against COVID-19 and the Yankees had lost 14 of their previous 18 games coming into Sunday, the ceremony was significantly different from others.
Boos for managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman were audible during the 33-minute ceremony, indicating that frustration levels are high. Since Derek Jeter’s No. 2 was honored in 2017, New York’s inaugural jersey retirement ceremony has included the customary video tributes and greetings, presents, and an acceptance speech.
Paul O’Neill celebrates the biggest dream of his life
The 59-year-old Paul O’Neill expressed gratitude to the crowd multiple times throughout his about eight-minute address. “You Yankee fans have obviously been practicing and it sounds great still today.”O’Neill, a Yankee who won the World Series four times, was known by the moniker “The Warrior.” by late owner George Steinbrenner. “The fans remember the teams that win and we won,” Paul O’Neill said. “And we won a lot.”
O’Neill played for the Yankees from 1993 to 2001, batting.303 with 185 home runs and 858 RBIs. He played for the squad as a four-time All-Star and captured the American League batting crown in 1994 despite the season being cut short by a strike. Starting as a rookie with the Reds in 1985, he played in the major leagues while donning No. 21 “That’s why I’m celebrating this day because this is the biggest dream that I’ve ever had in my life,” O’Neill said in his speech.
Along with teammates Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera, former trainer Gene Monahan was present. O’Neill unveiled his retired number in Monument Park six minutes into the ceremony while standing next to his wife and family members. Highlights from his final home game in Game 5 of the 2001 World Series and his running grab to end Game 5 of the 1996 World Series were shown on the video board as he was rolled onto the field in a golf cart.
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Leslie Savio Baptist
(151 Articles Published)