More than anything else, Paul O’Neill sounded philosophical when talking about what appears to be the end of Bernie Williams’ career as a Yankee.
No matter how great a player is, there is always a final chapter, O’Neill said. So for all the glory that Williams experienced at Yankee Stadium in his 16 seasons, there has to be an end, even if it is not a happy one.
“It is always sad to see players who have been a huge part of the organization go,” O’Neill told The Post yesterday. “You have to realize that sooner or later, things go on. There is going to be a sad day, maybe 10 years from now, when Derek Jeter doesn’t take shortstop or Mariano Rivera doesn’t come in to close.”
Though O’Neill acknowledged Williams is a “great Yankee,” he understands GM Brian Cashman’s thinking. The Yankees plan on keeping seven relievers to support a starting rotation with question marks. Thus, they will have room for just one spare outfielder and, at 22, the versatile Melky Cabrera is the better option.
“It is just a reminder that little run we had in the late ’90s is progressively coming to an end and that guys are just stepping out of the game or stepping to new teams,” O’Neill said. “I don’t think that it has anything to do with the importance of Bernie to this organization.”
When O’Neill left in 2001, he was 38, which is the same age that Williams is now. But O’Neill left on his own terms.
“Bernie still has enough talent to play in the major leagues,” O’Neill said. “That is not a question. You have to realize, if you break it down, the Yankees have All-Star players at nearly every position, so for Bernie to play with another organization or to find another job is not going to be difficult.
“He still is a very good player. I think any time you are not able to play where you want or with whom you want, you take it personally. You take it personally as a player. I think when it is all said and done years down the road, I think Bernie is going to be remembered as a great player and a great Yankee.”