Get ready to tip your cap to a legend, because the New York Yankees are immortalizing CC Sabathia’s legacy in a way that only a handful of players have ever achieved. On September 26th, the Yankees will retire Sabathia’s iconic No. 52 jersey, cementing his place among the franchise’s all-time greats. But here’s where it gets even more special: Sabathia will also receive a plaque in Monument Park, the team’s hallowed ground reserved for its most revered figures. This honor makes him just the 24th player or manager in Yankees history to receive such recognition, and the first since Paul O’Neill’s No. 21 was retired in 2022.
Sabathia’s journey with the Yankees is nothing short of remarkable. Over 11 of his 19 MLB seasons, he dominated in the Bronx, winning 134 games and striking out a staggering 1,700 batters in pinstripes. And this is the part most people miss: He’s one of only three left-handed pitchers in MLB history to reach the 3,000-strikeout milestone, a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity.
But it’s not just the numbers that make Sabathia a Yankee great. He was the ace of the team’s last World Series-winning squad in 2009, posting a 19-8 record with a 3.37 ERA during the regular season. In the postseason, he was even more dominant, going 4-1 and earning ALCS MVP honors with a 1.13 ERA. His performance that year remains one of the most clutch in Yankees history.
Sabathia’s greatness extends beyond the Bronx, too. He was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, earning his plaque in Cooperstown last year—a no-brainer for a pitcher of his caliber. Yet, the Yankees’ decision to retire his number feels like the perfect hometown tribute to a player who gave so much to the team and its fans.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Sabathia’s achievements are undeniable, some fans debate whether his career ranks among the very best in Yankees history. Is he on the same level as legends like Mariano Rivera or Whitey Ford? Or does his legacy stand in a tier of its own? We want to hear from you—where does CC Sabathia rank in your all-time Yankees lineup?
For more on Sabathia’s storied career and the Yankees’ upcoming ceremony, visit AMNY.com. And don’t forget to join the conversation below—let’s celebrate (or debate) one of baseball’s true greats!
