New York Yankees to Honour CC Sabathia with Jersey Retirement on September 26

The New York Yankees have announced plans to retire CC Sabathia's No. 52 jersey on September 26, cementing the former pitcher's place among the franchise's most celebrated legends.

The jersey retirement ceremony will take place at Yankee Stadium before the team's game against the Baltimore Orioles. As part of the honour, the Yankees will also unveil a plaque dedicated to the Hall of Famer at Monument Park, located beyond the centre-field fence.

Sabathia will become only the 24th individual to have his number retired by the storied franchise — the first since Paul O'Neill's No. 21 was retired in 2022. Twenty-three numbers have been retired in total, with No. 8 shared by both Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey.

Reacting to the announcement on Wednesday night, Sabathia expressed his gratitude on social media platform X. "From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park — this HOF journey has come full circle," he posted. "To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues."

The six-time All-Star enjoyed a decorated 19-season career in Major League Baseball, playing for Cleveland (2001–2008), Milwaukee (2008), and the Yankees (2009–2019). He compiled an impressive record of 251 wins against 161 losses, with a 3.74 earned run average and 3,093 strikeouts — the third-highest total among left-handed pitchers, trailing only Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton.

During his time with the Yankees, Sabathia posted a 134-88 record with a 3.81 ERA and 1,700 strikeouts. He was instrumental in helping the team secure the 2009 World Series title during his first season with the club after signing as a free agent. Prior to joining New York, he won the 2007 American League Cy Young Award while playing for Cleveland.

Sabathia was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2025, joining former Yankees teammates Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte in receiving plaques at Monument Park.

Other Yankees legends whose numbers have been retired include Babe Ruth (No. 3), Lou Gehrig (No. 4), Joe DiMaggio (No. 5), Mickey Mantle (No. 7), and Mariano Rivera (No. 42). Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was also retired across all Major League Baseball teams in 1997.