The iconic wag of Gary Sheffield’s bat is something that most fans don’t forget if Sheffield plays for your favorite team. His production is wanted by most teams and fans of said teams. However, the controversy he brings to the teams he plays for is a different subject all together. A subject most teams or fans don’t want to deal with, yet some do because his production is needed.
In the offseason that followed the 2003 season, most Yankees fans wanted the Bombers to sign Vladimir Guerrero. However, George Steinbrenner negotiated with Sheffield (sans agent) and struck a deal with him for 3 years/$39 million with a team option for 2007.
In 2004, Gary had one of his better years as a Yankee as he hit .290, 36 homeruns, and drove in 121 RBI’s while placing second in MVP voting to Vladimir Guerrero.
2005 was a lot similar to 2004 as in he hit .291, 34 homeruns and 123 RBI’s while coming in 8th in MVP voting.
Unfortunately for Gary, 2006 wasn’t that great for Gary as he injured his wrist in April against Toronto and needed surgery. He didn’t return until September and by then, the Yankees had acquired Bobby Abreu in a trade with the Phillies. Sheffield then was tried at first base as he lost his job to Abreu. Sheffield apparently didn’t like this and had no problem voicing his opinion of the situation.
Luckily for Sheffield and the Yankees, Cashman picked up his option and proceeded to trade him during the offseason to Detroit for Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan, and Anthony Claggett. However, Sheffield would still stir the pot from Detroit. During an interview on ‘Real Sports’ he took shots at Torre (‘Treated black players different from white”) and Jeter (‘Ain’t all the way black’). So, I guess Gary was shuttled out of town at about the right time.
Regardless, Gary Sheffield was a good player on the field for the Yankees and off the field he was decent at times. However, near the end of his tenure as a Yankee, Gary became less agreeable off the field and regardless of his production, I don’t think the Yankees could have put up with him much longer. If Gary kept his mouth shut, things might have been different. Either way, on the field, Gary had a productive career as a Yankee. Off the field is a different story.
M. B. Rozell
Kevin Rozell
