what numbers have the ny yankees retired

New Era

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31-10-2024

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The Numbers That Belong to the Bronx Bombers: Retired Yankee Numbers

The New York Yankees, a team steeped in history and legend, have retired a number of jersey numbers to honor the great players who have donned the pinstripes. These numbers stand as a testament to the franchise's rich legacy and serve as a constant reminder of the iconic figures who left their mark on Yankee lore.

The Retired Numbers

The following numbers have been retired by the New York Yankees:

• 1 - Billy Martin, a legendary player and manager, earned the first retired number in Yankee history. His fiery personality and fierce competition made him a fan favorite, and his number stands as a symbol of his impact on the team.
• 2 - Derek Jeter, the captain of the 1990s and early 2000s dynasty, holds a special place in Yankee history. Known for his exceptional talent and grace on the field, Jeter led the team to five World Series titles and became synonymous with Yankee success.
• 3 - Babe Ruth, the "Sultan of Swat," is arguably the most iconic figure in baseball history. His powerful bat and charismatic personality revolutionized the game, and his number remains a symbol of the team's legendary past.
• 4 - Lou Gehrig, a Hall of Famer known for his iron will and durability, played 17 seasons with the Yankees, winning six World Series titles. His career was cut short by ALS, which was later named "Lou Gehrig's Disease."
• 5 - Joe DiMaggio, "The Yankee Clipper," was a star center fielder who captivated fans with his grace and athleticism. He is best known for his 56-game hitting streak, a record that still stands today.
• 7 - Mickey Mantle, known for his incredible power and speed, was a key figure in the Yankees' dynasty during the 1950s and 60s. His "M&M" partnership with teammate Yogi Berra made the Yankees one of the most feared offensive teams in the league.
• 8 - Yogi Berra, one of the most beloved figures in baseball history, was a legendary catcher known for his unique language and memorable quotes. He played for the Yankees for 18 seasons, winning 10 World Series titles.
• 10 - Phil Rizzuto, a beloved shortstop known for his enthusiastic broadcasting style, played for the Yankees for 13 seasons. He was also known for his infectious energy and love for the game.
• 16 - Don Mattingly, "Donnie Baseball," was a consistent and powerful hitter for the Yankees during the 1980s. He led the American League in batting average three times and was a fan favorite for his quiet determination and clutch hitting.
• 21 - Reggie Jackson, "Mr. October," was a key figure in the Yankees' World Series victory in 1977. Known for his power hitting and brash personality, Jackson became a legend for his three home runs in Game 6 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• 32 - Elston Howard, the first African-American player in the American League, was a key player for the Yankees during the 1960s. He was known for his strong arm and clutch hitting, paving the way for other Black players to join the league.
• 42 - Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player in Major League Baseball, broke the color barrier in 1947 and was a symbol of hope and equality. His number was retired by all MLB teams in 1997 to honor his legacy.

The Numbers That Could Be Retired

While these numbers are etched in Yankee history, there are other players who have made strong cases for having their numbers retired. Some of the most notable contenders include:

• 23 - Paul O'Neill, a key player in the Yankee dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for his intense playing style and clutch hitting.
• 28 - Mariano Rivera, the legendary closer who was a key part of the Yankee dynasty and holds the MLB record for saves.
• 39 - Andy Pettitte, a left-handed pitcher who won five World Series titles with the Yankees, known for his clutch performances in big games.
• 49 - Bernie Williams, a graceful and powerful center fielder who was a key figure in the Yankee dynasty of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The Future of Retired Numbers

The New York Yankees have a long tradition of honoring their legends by retiring their numbers. As the team continues to add new stars to its roster, it's likely that more numbers will be retired in the future, further cementing the franchise's legacy as a powerhouse in baseball.