Yes I said it. Johnny Damon is not one of the best free agent signings during the Brian Cashman era, but he is just simply one of the GREATEST Yankees ever. Okay, I'm being somewhat facetious, but in my heart of hearts Damon is easily one of my favorite Yankees over the last 10-15 years. His triumphed return to baseball's Mecca in the Bronx almost brought a tear to my eye last night. Seriously, I love Damon on a complete no homo level. From here on out, until the day Damon retires, I will hold a tribute column dedicated in his honor every time he has a big game. You may ask why would I consider Damon one of the greatest Yanks of all time? Well, here are a few of my reasons:
1.) During today's Yankee/Tiger matchup, Yankees tv announcer Michael Kay mentioned that he had spoke with Damon the night before. Damon said his tenure as a Yankee was the BEST 4 years of his career. Yes, the BEST. What about Boston you ask? Well, good ole' Johnny went on to explain that compared to Boston, the Yankees treated their players with respect, dignity, and honor. He basically said Boston could learn a thing or two about player treatment. Totally not surprised bro.
2.) When Damon signed with the Yanks in '05, the Fag Sawx were coming off their first World Series title in 86 years. At the time I thought hey, he's coming for the money. No big deal, I get that. We forget this game we love is first and foremost a business, and Damon wanted to see that paper. However looking back on Damon's series of events changes my perspective completely. He leaves the Sox after their first title in a bagillion years, comes to their hated arch rival Yankees, and then proceeds to bring yet another title to the Bronx, while the Boston faithful has to watch the Yanks stroll down the prestigious Canyon of Heroes for the 27th time. If your a Sox fan its gut-wrenching. If your a Bombers fan, its the ultimate fuck you.
3.) Although Damon was prone to injuries during his time with the Yanks, he never failed to be money in the tight situations. Clutch moment after clutch moment for Damon. Big plays in the field, patient at bats, and more heroic moments then Christopher Reeves pre accident. Your man kept the clubhouse light, and the team energized. In all my Yankee moments, one that I will never forget was when Damon double stole two bases in game 4 of the 2009 World Series. That heads up base running helped the Yankees tie, and eventually win that game and the series. Defining moments like have had Damon's name written all over them since day one in pinstripes.
We love you Johnny, the TRUEST of all Yankees.
-Dbl-A
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