MLBSep 26
Yankees Retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52, Add Monument Park Plaque
The Hall of Fame left-hander joins fellow stars of New York’s 2009 championship team among the franchise’s most celebrated names.
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A permanent place in Yankees history
The Yankees retired CC Sabathia’s No. 52 and dedicated a Monument Park plaque to him Friday before the opening game of a doubleheader against Baltimore. Sabathia became the 24th player or manager to have a number retired by the franchise. He also joined Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada as the fifth member of the 2009 championship Yankees to receive both honors. Having watched teammates receive similar tributes during his 11 seasons in New York, Sabathia said he had never expected to find himself at the center of such a ceremony. He described the recognition as especially meaningful because of his initial doubts about earning the acceptance of Yankees fans and the city.
An arrival that helped deliver a title
Sabathia arrived before the 2009 season on a seven-year, $161 million deal, then the largest contract for a free agent pitcher. He immediately delivered, finishing his debut Yankees season with a 19-8 record and a 3.37 ERA across 34 starts. His postseason work included American League Championship Series MVP honors after posting a 2-0 record and a 1.13 ERA against the Los Angeles Angels. New York went on to defeat Philadelphia for its 27th championship. Sabathia finished his Yankees tenure with 134 wins and 1,700 strikeouts. Across his major league career, he recorded 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts before earning election to the Hall of Fame in 2025.
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