The first World Series ring presented at Yankee Stadium yesterday came in a suite about 30 minutes before anyone else received theirs.
Derek Jeter and Joe Girardi took an elevator up to George Steinbrenner’s suite, where they gave The Boss his seventh World Series ring as the owner of the Yankees.
“Quite frankly, he was speechless,” said his son, Hal.
Jeter, who grew up a fan of the University of Michigan, had some fun with Steinbrenner, telling him to take his Ohio State ring off. Steinbrenner immediately said “Michigan” and pointed at the shortstop.
“That’s the thing I’ll take the most from this Opening Day was getting the opportunity to go up there and present him with his ring,” Jeter said. “None of us would be here, the Stadium wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for The Boss.”
Girardi was equally moved by being in the room with Yankees executives and Steinbrenner’s family.
“One of the best parts of the day was giving the ring to Mr. Steinbrenner, who gave me the chance to win three as a player and now one as a manager. I’m extremely grateful,” Girardi said.
The private ceremony was a prelude to the public one on the field, where the rest of the Yankees received their 2009 championship rings.
Yankees legends Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford helped Girardi pass out the rings. The introductions began with ailing trainer Gene Monahan, who is battling cancer. The Yankee Stadium crowd brought Monahan to tears with a rousing ovation.
“The toughest ring I gave out was the first one to Geno, knowing what he is going through,” Girardi said. “We are all thrilled to see him here.”
The Core Four of Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Jeter each received loud cheers, as did Alex Rodriguez, getting his first ring.
The day was special for the players who received their fifth rings or their first.
“I get to put the pinstripes on and be part of a team like this,” Posada said. “You look back and remember days like today, to be able to grab another ring is special for me.”
Several players said while yesterday’s ceremony was thrilling, they are glad it’s behind them.
“On one hand, you’re happy because you’re being rewarded for what happened last year,” Jeter said, “and on the other hand you’re happy that this day is over with so now we can focus on 2010.”