Yankees Great Bernie Williams To Sign Retirement Papers Friday
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- It's the end of an era -- sort of.
The Yankees say Bernie Williams will sign a minor league contract Friday and then retire, nine years after playing his last game.
.@bw51official will formally sign his retirement papers at a press conference on Friday at Yankee Stadium. pic.twitter.com/kX7KAXjlTZ
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 22, 2015
New York said Wednesday it will host a news conference with Williams before Friday night's game against the Mets, and Williams will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
During Friday's press conference, #Yankees will unveil logo related to @bw51official's number retirement & Monument Park plaque dedication.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 22, 2015
#Yankees to retire @bw51official's number, dedicate Monument Park plaque on 5/24 prior to 8:05pm game vs. Texas. pic.twitter.com/dFGMpXyRpG
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 22, 2015
Williams became a free agent after the 2006 season, declined the Yankees' offer to attend spring training in 2007 on a minor league contract and didn't play again.
.@bw51official will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Friday's game vs. the Mets. pic.twitter.com/MkmEtHh2SK
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 22, 2015
New York announced in February it will retire Williams' No. 51 on May 24.
Williams was a five-time All-Star with the Yankees from 1991-2006, hitting .297 with 287 homers and 1,257 RBIs. He earned four World Series rings and won the 1998 AL batting title.
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