Bernie Williams highlights Yankee Stadium ceremony

September 21, 9:50 PMNew York Yankees ExaminerPete Sabatini

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In a pregame ceremony that lasted over one hour and featured baseball greats like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson taking the field at this Yankee Stadium for one last time, it was Bernie Williams who elicited the loudest applause of the night.

The honor of being the final name announced was likely not lost on Bernie, who beamed with pride as he tipped his cap to the standing Yankee faithful – especially the right field Bleacher Creatures.

This was the first appearance for Williams at Yankee Stadium since his retirement in 2006.

Willie Randolph took the field with the most style as he slid into second base when his name was announced. 

The former Mets manager showed a wince as he stood upright, but the smile on his face quickly showed that he wasn’t feeling the pain if there was any.

Fan favorite Paul O’Neil received a sizable ovation of his own as “The Warrior” took his rightful place in right field. 

There were moments of sadness, moments of re-lived joy, and even moments of sentimental cliché.  But overall, the emotional ceremony was a fitting tribute to the history of Yankee Stadium and the Yankees who played there.