Hall of Fame pitcher to become the 24th Yankees icon honored in franchise history
The New York Yankees have announced that legendary left-hander CC Sabathia will have his iconic No. 52 jersey retired on September 26, 2026. The ceremony will take place at Yankee Stadium before the team’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, where Sabathia will also receive a permanent plaque in Monument Park.
This honor marks another major milestone in Sabathia’s remarkable baseball journey, coming just one year after his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A Historic Honor for a Yankees Leader
Sabathia will become the 24th player or manager in Yankees history to have his number retired. He is the first to receive the honor since Paul O’Neill in 2022.
The ceremony recognizes not only his performance on the field but also his leadership, impact in the clubhouse, and deep connection with the Yankees organization and fans.
CC Sabathia’s Yankees Career Overview
Sabathia joined New York as a free agent before the 2009 season and quickly became the ace of the pitching staff. He spent 11 seasons in the Bronx and played a key role in delivering the franchise’s most recent World Series title.
| Category | Yankees Career |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 2009–2019 |
| Record | 134–88 |
| ERA | 3.81 |
| Games Started | 306 |
| All-Star Selections | 3 (with Yankees) |
| Postseason Highlight | 2009 ALCS MVP |
During the 2009 postseason, Sabathia went 3–1 with a 1.98 ERA, helping lead New York to its 27th World Series championship.
Full Career Achievements
Over a 19-year MLB career with Cleveland, Milwaukee, and New York, Sabathia built one of the most respected pitching resumes of his generation.
| Career Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Wins–Losses | 251–161 |
| ERA | 3.74 |
| Strikeouts | 3,093 |
| All-Star Appearances | 6 |
| Major Awards | 2007 AL Cy Young Award |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2025 (First Ballot) |
He is one of only a few left-handed pitchers in history to record 3,000+ strikeouts.
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Impact Beyond the Numbers
Sabathia’s legacy goes beyond statistics. He was widely respected as:
- A clubhouse leader and mentor
- A competitor who performed in big moments
- A player who embraced the pressure of New York
- A community figure dedicated to helping youth
In 2008, he and his wife Amber launched the PitCCh In Foundation, which supports inner-city children through sports programs, education initiatives, scholarships, and community events.
Since retiring after the 2019 season, Sabathia has remained involved in baseball and community work, including serving in advisory roles within the sport.
Monument Park: Joining Yankees Legends
With this honor, Sabathia joins some of the greatest names in Yankees history, including Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Bernie Williams.
His No. 52 will now stand permanently among the franchise’s most iconic numbers, ensuring his legacy remains part of Yankees history forever.
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This honor recognizes Sabathia’s key role in the 2009 championship, his leadership and consistency, and his outstanding Hall of Fame career. It also serves as a lasting tribute to one of the great Yankees of the modern era, completing his journey from a free-agent signing to a franchise legend
FAQs
When will CC Sabathia’s number be retired?
September 26, 2026, before the Yankees play the Baltimore Orioles.
What number did CC Sabathia wear?
No. 52.
How many Yankees have retired numbers?
Sabathia will be the 24th player or manager honored.
When was Sabathia inducted into the Hall of Fame?
He was inducted in 2025 on the first ballot.
What was his biggest achievement with the Yankees?
Leading the team to the 2009 World Series and winning ALCS MVP.
What is Sabathia’s career win total?
251 career wins with more than 3,000 strikeouts.
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