A letter to Andrew Miller

Dear Andrew Miller, As you head off to start the next chapter of your career in Cleveland, I wanted to take the time to say a few things. You were only here for a year-and-a-half, but you quickly became one of my favorite Yankees. Ever. I went to my first game in 1994, and have watched this team religiously since '96. You weren't just one of the best free agent signings over that period - you're one of the best free agent signings in team history, in my opinion. You appeared in a mind-boggling 104 games over that year-and-half and compiled a 1.77 ERA. You struck out 177 in 107 innings. You probably pitched the best baseball of your life on the biggest stage, and you should be proud of that. A lot of players shy away from New York. You didn't. You turned down bigger contract offers to pitch here. I respect that a lot. You didn't care what role the team gave you, either. Seventh inning guy, eighth inning or closer. It didn't matter. You wanted to win first and foremost. I wish more players had that attitude. When the team acquired Aroldis Chapman, who essentially took over the job you excelled at last year, you didn't care. Team first. You played hurt. With a broken hand. In an era when so many players sit out with the most mundane injuries, you refused to leave the field. You easily could've decided to go on the disabled list at the end of spring training, but you went out there for your teammates and the fans. The team was already without Chapman for the first 30 games because of his suspension, but you knew you were needed. That's what being a professional athlete should be about. This Yankee team hasn't had that many exciting moments over the past few years, but the two games that stick out in my mind both involve you. Aug. 14, 2015 when you struck out Tulo in the ninth after a 12 pitch at-bat with the winning run on second base. May 6, 2016 when you struck out David Ortiz and then Hanley Ramirez with the bases loaded to win the game 3-2. Thank you for those moments. I've never met you, but the writers and teammates who interacted with you on a daily basis say you're one of the nicest guys in the game. I believe it 100 percent. The Cleveland Indians are getting the cream of the crop. I know you'll be back in the Bronx later this week wearing a different uniform, but I think I speak for all Yankee fans when I say we'll be cheering for you. Yankee fans respect those that do their job, and you did yours better than anyone else these last two seasons. Once a Yankee, always a Yankee. I'm sorry the team couldn't win more while you were here. You were the solution, not part of the problem. But hey, when that contract is up after 2018, we'll all welcome you back with open arms. Good luck in Cleveland. Go get that ring. Sincerely, Rich Kaufman