The New York Yankees are set to honor CC Sabathia's illustrious career by retiring his No. 52 jersey and adding a plaque to Monument Park. This move comes a year after Sabathia was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection. The ceremony, scheduled for September 26, will mark the 24th time a Yankee player or manager has had their number retired, and the first since Paul O'Neill's number 21 in 2022. The other Yankees from the 2009 World Series championship team who have had their numbers retired include Derek Jeter (2), Andy Pettitte (46), Jorge Posada (20), and Mariano Rivera (42).
Sabathia's journey with the Yankees began in 2009 when he signed as a free agent. Over the next 11 seasons, he compiled an impressive 134-88 record in 307 games (306 starts), with a 3.81 ERA. His contributions went beyond statistics; during the 2009 postseason, Sabathia's performance was exceptional, with a 1.98 ERA over five games and 36 1/3 innings pitched, earning him the AL Championship Series MVP award. Sabathia's career, which also included time with the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians, resulted in a 251-161 record with a 3.74 ERA and 3,093 strikeouts, making him one of only four left-handed pitchers to surpass 3,000 strikeouts. His impact on the team and the sport was recognized by Aaron Judge, who praised Sabathia's leadership, teamwork, and indelible mark on the lives of those who shared the field with him.
Since his retirement at the end of the 2019 season, Sabathia has been serving as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred. In 2024, the Cleveland Guardians elected him to their Hall of Fame and dedicated a youth baseball field in his honor. Sabathia's three-time All-Star selection with the Indians further solidifies his legacy in baseball.
