Yankees to Retire CC Sabathia's No. 52 in 2026, Honoring Hall of Fame Pitcher
The New York Yankees have announced a momentous tribute to one of their modern legends. On September 26, 2026, the franchise will officially retire the No. 52 jersey of Carsten Charles "CC" Sabathia, inducting him into an elite group within baseball history. This ceremony marks the first number retirement by the Yankees since Paul O'Neill in 2022, underscoring the organization's deep-rooted tradition of celebrating its iconic figures.
A Championship Anchor in the Bronx
Sabathia's journey with the Yankees began in 2009 when he signed a then-record seven-year, $161 million contract. He immediately proved his worth as the ace the team desperately needed. In his debut season, Sabathia posted an impressive 19-8 record with a 3.37 ERA, leading the Yankees through a dominant postseason campaign that culminated in a World Series championship. His performance earned him the ALCS MVP award, setting the tone for a championship-caliber rotation that defined an era.
Over 11 seasons with the Yankees from 2009 to 2019, Sabathia compiled a remarkable record of 134-88, with a 3.81 ERA across nearly 2,000 innings pitched. He ranks among the franchise's top 10 in key categories such as wins, starts, and strikeouts. Throughout his 19-year career, which also included stints with the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers, Sabathia achieved a milestone of 3,093 strikeouts, surpassing the 3,000 threshold—a hallmark often associated with Hall of Fame pitchers. Despite facing injuries and declining velocity in his later years, he adeptly adapted his pitching strategy and remained a steadfast leader in the clubhouse.
Cementing Sabathia's Lasting Legacy
The Yankees hold the distinction of retiring more numbers than any other team in Major League Baseball, a practice they uphold by never reissuing these honored jerseys. This underscores the profound significance of Sabathia's upcoming honor. His No. 52 will now be immortalized alongside other legends in Monument Park, celebrated not only for his statistical achievements but also for his pivotal role in securing the franchise's 27th World Series title.
Sabathia, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025, will become the 24th player in Yankees history to have both his number retired and a Hall of Fame induction. The ceremony on September 26, 2026, will feature the unveiling of a plaque in Monument Park, further solidifying his legacy in the Bronx. This event serves as a fitting tribute to one of the most defining pitchers of the late 2000s and 2010s, whose impact on the game and the Yankees organization remains indelible.
