How many Yankee numbers are retired?
The New York Yankees, one of the most iconic and successful baseball teams in the history of Major League Baseball, have a rich tradition of honoring their legends by retiring their numbers. As a result, the number of retired Yankee numbers has grown over the years, symbolizing the club’s storied past and the contributions of its great players. In this article, we will explore the number of retired Yankee numbers and the significance behind each one.
The first Yankee number to be retired was 2, honoring Lou Gehrig, who played for the Yankees from 1923 to 1939. Gehrig, known as “The Iron Horse,” was one of the greatest first basemen in baseball history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His number was retired in 1939, just a few months before his death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Over the years, the Yankees have continued to retire numbers in honor of their legendary players. Here is a list of the retired Yankee numbers and their respective honorees:
– 2: Lou Gehrig
– 3: Babe Ruth
– 4: Joe DiMaggio
– 5: Mickey Mantle
– 7: Yogi Berra
– 8: Reggie Jackson
– 9: Derek Jeter
– 10: Phil Rizzuto
– 15: Whitey Ford
– 16: Mariano Rivera
– 19: Roger Maris
– 42: Jackie Robinson
The most notable among these is 42, which was retired across all Major League Baseball teams in honor of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in the major leagues. The Yankees retired 42 in 1997, a year after Robinson’s passing, and it has been a significant symbol of the team’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Retired Yankee numbers hold a special place in the hearts of fans and serve as a reminder of the team’s storied history. Each number represents a player who left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport. The number of retired Yankee numbers is a testament to the team’s rich tradition and the legacy of its great players.
As the years go on, it’s likely that more Yankee numbers will be retired, honoring the latest generation of stars who have made their mark on the franchise. The number of retired Yankee numbers will continue to grow, but the significance of each number will never fade, as they stand as a symbol of the team’s rich history and the players who have made it great.
