Jorge Posada, one of the most celebrated players in New York Yankees history, says he no longer feels at home with the organization he served for his entire playing career.
The longtime catcher, who anchored the club during the Joe Torre dynasty years, made the remarks in a recent interview with the New York Post. Asked about a possible return in any role, Posada said: "I mean, I could, but I don't think they want me there, to tell you the truth."
He went on to describe what it is like when he visits. "I don't feel welcome when I go there, you know? Even in spring training, I don't feel like. I'm just like, I don't know, I don't feel welcome. I don't feel like they want me there, so I don't go."
Posada did not elaborate further and did not point to a particular incident that led to the feeling.
Now 56, Posada joined the Yankees organization after they chose him in the 24th round of the 1990 draft. He never played professionally for another team. His major league career in New York ran from 1995 through 2011.
Over those seasons he collected 1,664 hits, 275 home runs, 936 walks and 1,065 RBI, and he posted a WAR of 42.7. He was a five-time All-Star as the team's primary catcher and twice placed in the top 10 of the American League MVP voting. He also won four World Series titles with the club.
The Yankees retired his No. 20 in 2015.
After his playing days ended, Posada held several jobs in baseball. One of them was a front office position with the Miami Marlins, at a time when his former Yankees teammate Derek Jeter led the club's baseball operations.
His comments arrive shortly after the Yankees were knocked out of the postseason by the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series. New York has not won a World Series since 2009, when Posada was still the starting catcher and one of the team's leading contributors.
