CC Sabathia's No. 52 to be Retired by New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have announced that they will retire CC Sabathia's No. 52 jersey on September 26, 2026, during a ceremony at Yankee Stadium before a game against the Baltimore Orioles. This honor will include the unveiling of a plaque in Monument Park, making Sabathia the 24th player in Yankees history to have his number retired. He is the first player to receive this honor since Paul O'Neill's No. 21 was retired in 2022.

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CC Sabathia, a six-time All-Star and the 2007 American League Cy Young Award winner, had a distinguished 19-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Cleveland Indians from 2001 to 2008, the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008, and spent the majority of his career with the Yankees from 2009 to 2019. Over his career, Sabathia achieved a record of 251 wins and 161 losses, with a 3.74 earned run average (ERA) and 3,093 strikeouts, ranking third among left-handed pitchers in MLB history.

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During his tenure with the Yankees, Sabathia posted a record of 134-88 with a 3.81 ERA and 1,700 strikeouts across 307 games. He was instrumental in the Yankees' 2009 World Series championship, earning the ALCS MVP award that year. Sabathia was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025, where he was honored with a Yankees cap on his plaque.

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In response to the announcement, Sabathia expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, "From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park — this HOF journey has come full circle. To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life." Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has acknowledged Sabathia's significant impact on the team's culture and success during his time in New York.

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While the announcement has been met with widespread acclaim, some fans and commentators have noted that the Yankees have a history of retiring numbers for players who have not spent their entire careers with the team. This practice has led to discussions about the criteria for jersey retirement and the potential for future players to have their numbers honored.

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CC Sabathia's legacy in the Bronx is firmly established, as he is remembered not only for his on-field achievements but also for his leadership and presence in the clubhouse. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the franchise, and his upcoming jersey retirement is seen as a fitting tribute to a player who helped define a generation of Yankees baseball.

Yankees to retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52 jersey

• “From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park – this HOF journey has come full circle. To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues.” — CC Sabathia

Yankees to retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52 jersey

• “I've been here now 16 years. I love the other organizations, but this is home. I found a home in the Bronx and I don't think I'll ever leave this city.” — CC Sabathia

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The retirement of Sabathia's No. 52 will not only honor his contributions but also solidify his place among the legends of the New York Yankees.

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