GREATNESS TODAY WITH THE CORE FOUR

There is something to be said about a bunch of individuals that work together, produce together and win together.  They're very special.  They're the core.  For many years, Yankee fans have seen greatness and it was incredible for a long, long time. As a fan writing this, I get chills as many, many great moments flood my mind. 

We had Mariano Rivera. Andy Pettitte. Jorge Posada. And of course, Derek Jeter.  We all knew that eventually, through time, they would all go away, but we enjoyed the ride and sang their praises through 5 championships.  It was the golden years of OUR New York Yankees. A nice run and an incredible time.

Today, Opening Day, we will witness it all again as Andy, Mo, Jorge and Jeet are once again united.  It's the sweetest concert in baseball.  It's the nicest group of guys that are "friends in your head."  In short, the Yankees are doing it right, and no doubt the stadium and the baseball world will be on their feet today, as Mariano and Andy throw out 2 ceremonial first pitches to Jorge Posada. It's the Official kick-off to the Farewell Tour of Derek Jeter.

I can't believe I'm even thinking about an official end of the Core Four.  I mean sure, they'll always be in our hearts and minds as true Yankee fans, and they'll always come back.  But seeing them on the field, leading us, well, not too many teams have had that luxury for this long.  They were just so damn good... they had a great run together.

Over time, their may be another "momentum" dive to prevent the Red Sox from scoring. But it won't be Derek.

And sure, in 3 to 5 years maybe we find the new Andy Pettitte... determined, never frazzled, the rock on the mound in a critical moment. But it won't be Andy.  Over time, David Robertson will shine as a great closer, but will we ever see someone as incredible as Mariano Rivera? I mean, 652 saves.  That's superhuman.  

And Jorge, we love him for his grit, his determination and his heart. And we love him more for never giving up and coming through in the clutch, for oh, so many times.  These guys are incredible players, no question, but it's not only talent that makes them truly great.  It's not only the championships, although, that's a big part of it.  It's the way they understand what it means to be a New York Yankee.  It's because they understand what's expected of them as players who wear the pinstripes. It's respect for the game, the uniform and the fans.  They love their fans, us... and we love and respect them back.

Today, Opening Day at Yankee Stadium will be great.  And if there's rain, know that it's symbolism. Tears. This is the beginning of the end, the Yankee world is crying today. It's bittersweet.  It's tears of happiness, but it's tears, knowing that the end of the Core Four will happen after the 2014 season concludes.

So what do we do as fans? Enjoy it. Enjoy every single moment of it this season.  Today, stand tall, and know that our soldiers worked their tails off for us and made our franchise just alittle greater.  Applaud, tip your cap, jump and down in joy.  Do whatever works for you, and know this, despite a possible big loss, or lousy outing in years past, the Core Four brought us more joy than tragedy and we need to always embrace them... it's greatness and we were here to witness it.

Overtime there will be kids that you will meet and they'll tell you, "I want to be Derek Jeter."  Tell them this... "You be you, but keep Jeter as your role model."  One day there will be a new group of players and that kid will be one of them.  Let them work like the Core. Let them learn from them, and yes ladies and gentlemen... one day, hopefully if we're lucky, we will witness greatness like the Core Four again. History repeats itself, and I know this because the Cour Four led by example.

For now though, I applaud the Yankees for this great day. I salute Jorge, Andy and Mo for coming out for their teammate.  And I encourage all Yankee fans to cherish this moment forever.

Oh Yeah... and GO YANKS!

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