Posada measures up to Hall of Fame catchers

NEW YORK — Jorge Posada said that it marked “one of the happiest days of my life” to catch a glimpse of the plaque bearing his likeness that will forever hang in Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park, accompanied by the retirement of his uniform No. 20.

The only thing that could possibly top that August 2015 ceremony in The Bronx would be Posada’s possible enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and the voting members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will officially consider Posada’s case for the first time this year.

A player’s name must appear on at least 75 percent of the ballots to be elected, and voters can list up to 10 names. The announcement of the Class of 2017 is slated for Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. ET, and it will be simulcast on MLB Network and MLB.com The induction ceremony will be held on July 30 behind the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Spending his entire 17-year career in Yankees pinstripes, the switch-hitting Posada was a proud member of the “Core Four” alongside teammates Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, securing five World Series championship rings and participating on seven American League pennant winners.

“I could never wear another uniform,” Posada said. “Being a part of seven World Series and having five rings was something I never imagined, and being a part of it was just priceless. I will forever be a Yankee.”

A five-time All-Star and five-time American League Silver Slugger Award …

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