Bronx Bomber Ball

How can I start this off? As the 2016 season draws to a close, so does the career of our first baseman, the five-time gold glove winner (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 ,2012), three-time All-Star (2005, 2009, 2015), and one-time World Series champion with the Yankees (2009), Mark Charles Teixeira. Reflecting back, I can personally say that I took Teixeira's presence for granted. Next season, we will be without our defensive powerhouse at first base, a presence that will be greatly missed in the infield. With his departure, the infield will no longer have any members from the 2009 championship team. The core of that 2009 team was destined for more winning, but it never came to fruition. That story can be told at another time because this is Teixeira's moment. Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

Before I begin, I must note that this is probably the most emotional piece I've ever written here at the BBB. Alex Rodriguez's sudden, albeit forced, retirement has been difficult for me to mentally process this past week or so. Regardless of what one may think of his legacy and all the baggage associated with it, there's no denying that A-Rod has been a very consequential Yankee. During his time in pinstripes, A-Rod gave it his all. He may have made a number of mistakes along the way, but as far as I'm concerned, he's righted the ship. Though the retirements of Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and especially Derek Jeter, were quite emotional for me, A-Rod is truly the last player I can connect to my childhood. Having been born in 1995, Rodriguez has been a Yankee since about as far back as I started following baseball. I've also been in the building for quite a few big A-Rod moments, which I'll elaborate on in the subsequent paragraphs. Taking ...