The New York Yankees will retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52 jersey in a special ceremony scheduled for late September. The event will take place during the team’s final regular-season series against the Baltimore Orioles.
This milestone marks Sabathia as the 24th Yankee to receive the honor of having his number retired, although the franchise has technically retired 23 distinct numbers due to two players sharing No. 8.
Sabathia expressed his gratitude and pride on social media, stating, "From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park — this Hall of Fame journey has come full circle." He added, "To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The legacy continues."
A respected Hall of Fame pitcher, Sabathia was inducted last year alongside Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner. While he began his career with the Cleveland Indians, including a Cy Young Award-winning season in 2007, his Cooperstown plaque proudly features a Yankees cap.
After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008, Sabathia joined the Yankees, where he became a cornerstone of their rotation. His 11 seasons in New York included a World Series championship in 2009.
The Yankees hold the record for retiring the most jersey numbers in Major League Baseball, reflecting the storied history of the franchise. Sabathia’s induction into Monument Park continues this tradition by honoring his lasting impact on the team.
Key highlights of Sabathia’s career with the Yankees:
- Joined the team mid-2008 following trade from Milwaukee Brewers
- Played 11 seasons pitching for the Yankees
- Integral part of the 2009 World Series championship team
- Achieved over 3,000 career strikeouts spanning all teams
Sabathia’s legacy extends beyond statistics, reflecting his leadership and resilience on and off the field. The upcoming jersey retirement ceremony will celebrate these contributions in front of the Yankees faithful.
Fans and baseball historians alike recognize this event as a fitting tribute to a pitcher whose career helped define a successful era in New York. The No. 52 will now become a permanent symbol of Sabathia’s commitment and excellence with the Yankees.