Yankees to retire Sabathia's No. 52 in September
CC Sabathia is officially joining the pantheon of New York Yankees legends.
The Yankees announced Wednesday that they'll retire the Hall of Fame left-hander's No. 52 jersey in a ceremony before their Sept. 26 game against the Baltimore Orioles. In addition, Sabathia will receive a plaque in Yankee Stadium's Monument Park.
9.26.26@CC_Sabathia's No. 52 enters Monument Park. #legaCCy pic.twitter.com/z9b9ln9WeN
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 25, 2026
Sabathia's No. 52 will be the 23rd number retired by the Yankees, while he'll become the 25th individual to receive the honor. He'll also be the 37th player to receive a plaque in Monument Park and the first new honoree since his longtime teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Derek Jeter in 2017.
From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park - this HOF journey has come full circle. To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues. pic.twitter.com/EwmLFEMhW4
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) February 25, 2026
Sabathia joined the Yankees on a seven-year, $161-million contract in free agency before the 2009 season. He immediately led the team to its 27th and most recent World Series title the next fall, winning ALCS MVP honors in the process.
The California native, who spent 11 of his 19 big-league seasons in pinstripes, ranks in the franchise's top 10 in strikeouts, wins, and starts. Sabathia was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2025, his first year of eligibility, and went in wearing a Yankees cap on his plaque.