New York Yankees to retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52, honor Hall of Famer in Monument Park
The New York Yankees will retire No. 52 in honor of CC Sabathia, adding the left-hander’s name to Monument Park in a ceremony scheduled for Sept. 26.
The announcement comes one year after Sabathia was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection, further affirming his place among the game’s elite. He becomes the 24th player or manager in franchise history to receive the distinction and the first since Paul O'Neill had his No. 21 retired in 2022.
Joining Yankees Royalty
Sabathia now joins a distinguished group from the club’s 2009 championship core whose numbers have been retired, including Derek Jeter (2), Andy Pettitte (46), Jorge Posada (20) and Mariano Rivera (42).
For a franchise built on history, Monument Park serves as both shrine and scoreboard of greatness. Sabathia’s plaque will now sit among the legends who shaped the Yankees’ identity across generations.
The Anchor of 2009
Signed as a marquee free agent before the 2009 season, Sabathia immediately became the ace the Yankees needed. Over 11 seasons in pinstripes, he posted a 134–88 record across 307 appearances (306 starts), compiling a 3.81 ERA.
His defining stretch, though, came during the 2009 postseason. Sabathia delivered a 1.98 ERA over five games and 36 1/3 innings, earning AL Championship Series MVP honors and setting the tone for a dominant October run that ended with a World Series title. In a city that demands postseason excellence, Sabathia delivered under the brightest lights.
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A Career of Durability and Dominance
Across a 19-year career that also included standout tenures with Cleveland and Milwaukee, Sabathia finished with a 251–161 record and a 3.74 ERA. He struck out 3,093 batters, placing him in rare company.
Only three other left-handers in MLB history — Randy Johnson, Clayton Kershaw and Steve Carlton, have surpassed the 3,000-strikeout mark.
He also captured the 2007 American League Cy Young Award and earned multiple All-Star selections, including three with the Yankees.
Leadership Beyond the Numbers
Sabathia’s impact extended beyond the mound. Teammates consistently pointed to his presence as a stabilizing force in the clubhouse.
When Sabathia was elected to the Hall of Fame, Yankees captain Aaron Judge described him as the heart of the team, praising his competitiveness and leadership during challenging stretches.
That influence has continued into retirement. Since stepping away from the game in 2019, Sabathia has served as a special assistant to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. In 2024, Cleveland honored him with induction into the franchise’s Hall of Fame and dedicated a youth baseball field in his name.
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Monument Park’s Newest Addition
For Sabathia, the journey from clubhouse locker to Monument Park feels symbolic. No. 52, once stitched onto the back of the Yankees’ workhorse ace, will now hang permanently among baseball’s immortals in the Bronx.
The ceremony on Sept. 26 promises to be more than a celebration of statistics. It will be a tribute to resilience, leadership and a pitcher who helped deliver championship glory to one of the sport’s most storied franchises.
SportsLigue