Highlights of Jorge Posada’s pregame ceremony at Yankee Stadium

We’re underway here at Yankee Stadium with the Jorge Posada pregame ceremony.

• The ceremony started with a video tribute to Posada’s career, then Posada and his family — parents, sister, wife and children — unveiled the retired number in Monument Park. Now various friends and former teammates are being introduced on the field.

• Former Yankees on the field for Posada: Gene Michael, Gene Monahan, Scott Brosius, David Cone, Hideki Matsui, Paul O’Neill, Joe Torre, Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter.

• Posada now entering the field from center field. He’s coming in on carts with his family.

• In front of the mound, Posada and his wife unveil the Monument Park plaque. Jeter and Pettitte leaning over to get a look at it. Williams walked over to take pictures on his phone.

• The plaque notes that Posada continued the tradition of great Yankee catchers. Mentions a lot of the stats that we all know. Tremendous offensive numbers, obviously.

• Message from Yogi Berra shown on the video board. It’s written, not a video. Yogi wrote that his knees hurt too much to be here, and added, “Just wait, one day your knees are gonna hurt too!”

• Diana Munson’s wife is here to give Posada a replica of the plaque. Girardi also part of that presentation. He and Posada hugged on the field.

• Hal Steinbrenner presenting a framed replica of the retired number.

• Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal presenting an engraved ring with diamonds forming the No. 20.

• Posada to the microphone now.

• “I am simply a man who was born passionate about baseball and the New York Yankees.”

• “Honestly, I didn’t have a Plan B.”

• “Today I must say, I thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee.”

• Posada to his children: “I understand love because of you.”

• Super classy from Posada. After speaking about his son’s past health issues, he wishes the best for the daughter of Indians’ utility man Mike Aviles.

• Posada lists multiple coaches and off-the-field personnel from the minor leagues through the big leagues who have helped along the way.

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