TAMPA – Bernie Williams returned to Yankees camp yesterday after two years away and it looked like the beloved former All-Star was at home.
Williams was headed for the nearby minor league complex in the morning to work out in preparation for playing for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, when equipment manager Rob Cucuzza phoned to tell him manager Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman wanted him to work out with the team at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
“I faced live pitching and saw the ball well, but more importantly I got to hang out with the guys after two years,” said Williams, who will be in camp until March 2.
Two springs ago Cashman offered Williams a spring training invite but not a guaranteed contract. Faced with a family that was tired of him being away and not having a guaranteed deal, Williams walked away. He didn’t attend a Yankees function until the final game at Yankee Stadium last September leading to a belief there was bitterness in the air.
“It had to do a lot with my family,” said Williams, who didn’t rule out a comeback if he performs well in the WBC. “I was going to lose them if I continued to play the game. They were going to do their thing. Obviously, the Yankees’ situation didn’t help. The Yankees’ decision not to put me on the roster made it easier to step away.”
In the two years out, Williams cut his second CD.
Williams took batting practice on the back field and will take it today on the main field. As for a comeback, that’s not front and center.
“Right now I am taking it as it comes,” the 40-year-old Williams said. “I am focusing on representing my country well and not embarrassing myself and the team. If I get to that point and I still have the fire I could consider seriously playing somewhere else, but that’s premature.”
Williams also visited George Steinbrenner.
“It was one of the longest conversations I ever had with him,” Williams said. “We talked about the old days. He was happy to see me. I expressed my gratitude for letting me work out here.”