Growing up one of my favorite players to watch was New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams. So now I’m taking the time to look back on his career.
The Start
Bernie Williams signed with the Yankees when he was 17 years old. While in the minor league, Williams learned how to become a switch hitter. Williams broke into the majors in 1991.
In 1991, Williams was brought up to replace injured outfielder Roberto Kelly. With 320 at-bats, Williams batted .238. In 1993, Williams became the regular center fielder for the Yankees. In his first full season with the Yankees, he batted .268 with 12 homers.
Entering His Prime
When 1995 came rolling around, Williams started coming into his own. The center fielder posted .307 batting average and led the team with 18 home runs. He also led the team in runs, total bases, and stolen bases. In the playoffs in 1995, Williams batted .429 in the American League Division against the Seattle Mariners, which the Yankees lost in five games.
Following 1995 season, Williams batted.305 with 29 home runs. In the Playoffs in 1996, Williams batted, .467 in the divisional round and .474 in the ALCS. Also, he played an outstanding center field in those playoffs for the Yankees. In 1996, Williams helped lead the Yankees to the World Series title.
The 1998 season was magical for the New York Yankees. Williams killed it in 1998, he won his first batting title batting .339, while also hitting 26 home runs. That season, Williams became the first player to win a batting title, gold glove, and world series ring. The Yankees win 114 games that season, the 1998 Yankees could be the best baseball team of all time.
From 1998 to 2002 The Yankees appeared in four straight world series and won 3 out of 4 and Bernie Williams was a key piece to that epic run. Williams maintained a high batting average and played a solid center field during that stretch. Also, Williams kept up his good work in the postseason placing in the top 10 in various postseason categories. Bernie was known for coming through in the postseason.
The Conclusion
2006 was Bernie Williams last season in baseball. In that season, he batted .281 with 12 homers. The former Yankee star finished with 2,336 hits, 287 home runs, 1,257 RBIs, and career average of .297. Williams closes his career as a five-time all star, four time gold glove, and four-time World Series champ.
Bernie Williams in my opinion is a very underrated players. He came through in some clutch moments for the Yankees and played his best when it counted. Williams may never make it to Cooperstown, but I think he should be.
