Dear Mark,
As you embark on life after baseball, I wanted to take the time to say a few things.
First of all, thank you for not signing with Boston and leaving them in the dust in the eleventh hour. That’s always appreciated.
I want to thank you for being a good Yankee. Since day one, you handled yourself with class and dignity, and showed the fans and your teammates what it means to wear the pinstripes. Your work with the Harlem RBI program has been amazing, and you should be proud that your impact will be felt there long after your playing days are over.
You were one of the best switch hitters I’ve ever seen, and honestly, one of the best in the history of baseball. You were also one of the best defensive first basemen I’ve ever seen. You saved countless errors and runs with your glove alone, and it was awesome to see on a daily basis. You never fully know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and I firmly believe the Yankees will miss your glove going forward. It was a game changer.
I also wanted to thank you for simply dealing with New York and all the pressure that comes with playing here. In your retirement press conference a few months ago, you said that you always tried your best, and sometimes that wasn’t even good enough. I could tell that you cared what the fans thought of you, and that you wanted to be on the field everyday even though sometimes your body wouldn’t let you. I understand how frustrating that must be for a professional athlete. Yankee fans are the best, and can also be the toughest, so thank you for putting up with all of us.
Thank you for 2009 and that walk-off home run you hit off Jose Mijares in the ALDS. I’ll never forget where I was when I saw that line drive sneak over the fence in left field. That will be my lasting image of you as a Yankee – fist raised, rounding first base as your teammates pour out of the dugout to greet you at home plate.
I’m happy that you’re retiring as a Yankee, and that you think of the Yankees as your alma mater. You mentioned that you’ll be visible at the Stadium with your kids, and that you’ll be a fan for life. Personally, I think you have a bright future in a broadcast booth somewhere down the road. Maybe the YES Network needs another analyst.
Thank you for these past eight years, Tex. It was a pleasure getting a chance to watch you play everyday after hearing about you when you were on the Rangers, Angels and Braves. Don’t be a stranger in spring training and around the Bronx.
Sincerely,
Rich Kaufman
