I think the 'never played anywhere other than SS'* label is important to him and to his worshipers, in part because five or fifty years down the road this 'stat' will be trotted out as an extra layer of proof of greatness by those who are either unable or unwilling to remember and/or pass on how things really were that final year (or yearS if you prefer). That, plus the same spot in his batting order edict, will contribute to the 'He went out on top' angle that seems so important to myth building. That the 'go out on top' story (probably) won't include a post-season trip in his final year will, of course, be treated as Cashman's fault, not his. * if we ignore DH - 65 games to date for his career including 9 this season