Torre to don pinstripes on Old-Timers' Day

TAMPA, Fla. -- Joe Torre made his first visit to Steinbrenner Field Thursday night since the cold day in 2007 when the Yankees told him his services no longer were required as manager.

The détente that started with Torre's appearance at Yankee Stadium last season for George Steinbrenner's memorial service appears complete. Torre revealed he has been invited to appear at this season's Old-Timers' Day ceremonies June 26.

"I don't know if I'm letting the cat out of the bag," Torre said. "Maybe they'll withdraw the invitation."

Torre will don the pinstripes and wear uniform No. 6 for the first time since Oct. 8, 2007, when the Yankees were eliminated in the ALDS by the Indians at old Yankee Stadium.

A few days after that, he met with Steinbrenner and other executives at what then was known as Legends Field. He left knowing he was done as Yankees manager.

"I don't think the emotion will ever go out of it because of what these 12 years meant to me that I spent here," Torre said. "It's not sad by any stretch of the imagination. It was a great run. You can't appreciate the good times unless there are some bumps along the way."

Torre arrived a little before 6 p.m. and went into manager Joe Girardi's office, where he was joined by Brian Cashman, Yogi Berra and Ron Guidry. He visited with former players such as Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Russell Martin, whom he managed with the Dodgers.

Torre is touring spring training camps as part of his new job as Major League Baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations. He is scheduled to have a formal visit here Saturday, but couldn't help stopping by before checking into his Tampa-area hotel.

"We decided to stop here," he said. "It does feel strange, but it feels good. It's water under the bridge, I guess."