BRONX, N.Y. — On this date in 1991, Bernie Williams made his major league debut with the New York Yankees. Facing the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, Williams batted eighth, played center field, and wore what would become his signature No. 51.
29 years ago today, I was called up from AAA and made my @mlb debut as a @yankees. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be blessed to have a career where I would be part of four World Championship teams.
I am grateful for all the teammates, managers and pic.twitter.com/w0fsn1GaKF
— Bernie Williams (@bw51official) July 8, 2020
In addition to a sacrifice fly RBI that plated Jesse Barfield in the fifth frame, Williams collected his first big league hit during the ninth inning off O’s reliever Gregg Olson, plating Kevin Maas with an RBI-single smashed to second base and Bernie turned on the burners for the base knock.
While the Yankees lost 5-3, they’d do more winning than not during Bernie’s tenure in the Bronx, including four World Series titles and six AL Pennants.
When it was all said and done Williams recorded 2,336 hits in a New York uniform and ranks fifth all-time in franchise history. Williams’ No. 51 is retired in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.
