Former New Yorker Yankee Greg Bird, who watches one of 27 homers he has hit this season for the Albuquerque Isotopes, says he has found great satisfaction in playing every day after his injury-ridden past few years.
Roberto E. Rosales / Journal
It’s not that this is the most significant fall baseball Greg Bird has ever played.
After all, the 28-year-old former New York Yankee has played in more than a dozen major league playoff games and started three post-season home runs, including Game 1 of the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros.
He was on the biggest stage the sport has to offer – and delivered.
But when the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Albuquerque Isotopes first baseman stood near the Pitcher’s Mound at Rio Grande Credit Union Field for a pre-game ceremony on Saturday night, holding a small plaque commemorating his choice by his Triple-A -Teammates remembered the squad’s Power Hitter of the Year, his smile told the story of a man who really enjoyed being right where he is.
“It’s been a really rewarding season,” Bird told the Journal late last week as the Isotopes prepared for their final home stand, which ends against the Reno Aces on Monday night.
“First and foremost, simply being able to play, every day; the rockies gave me a good chance.
“So just getting out there and playing was really the most rewarding.”
At his age, calling Bird a veteran may seem strange.
The former Yankees First Baseman of the Future wore the pinstripes of the Big League at the age of 22.
He then suffered a series of serious injuries that limited him to an average of just 48 games and 183 record appearances between the majors and minors over four seasons from 2016 to 2019.
He didn’t play a game in 2020 while at the Texas Rangers alternative training ground.
For 2021 it was time for a fresh start, a chance to see if he could just play a full season again.
Not only has he played but also produced numbers that leave no doubt that he can get a setback in the big leagues.
“Yes, my biggest goal was to play,” said Bird. “When you come in you want to be in the big leagues, of course, but that’s not all, be everything to me. To be honest, it wasn’t. I hadn’t played a full season since 2015. “
On Sunday, Isotopes lost 7-6 to Reno, Bird was down with four RBIs (he has 87 this season) 3 for 4 (beating .271) and started his 27th season. The number he’s most satisfied with is 108: the number of games he’s played.
“If anything, it was the best minor league season I’ve ever had,” said Bird.
The numbers don’t tell half the story.
His ability to share his experiences with teammates has made him a clubhouse leader who Warren Schaeffer credits for making his first season as triple A manager such a success.
“These guys (in the clubhouse) feed on Bird Man’s knowledge and his advertising for everyone else,” said Schaeffer. “He’s fantastic. One of the favorite guys I’ve ever had in a clubhouse. “
Bird said there was never any conversation or instruction to be a clubhouse manager. He doesn’t even know if it is him.
Sharing what you’ve learned with younger players is something he thinks baseball is just right when compared to other sports.
“People I found in the smaller leagues and guys I got into the big leagues with, who were older than me, who had more experience than me, were there for me when I needed them,” said Bird. “So it’s just my job.”
It’s not something to keep to myself, you see? It shouldn’t be like that. “
Bird says he doesn’t know what’s next, but whatever it is, he knows that his year in Albuquerque with the isotopes did nothing but reinforce his belief that more top-class baseball is to come .
“My whole mindset is that I’m in for the long run,” said Bird. “I still think I have a lot to give.”
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