Are the Yankees Likely to Retire CC Sabathia's Number?

While I cannot predict future events as of my last knowledge update in August 2023, there has been considerable discussion about the New York Yankees potentially retiring CC Sabathia's number 52. Sabathia, a key player for the Yankees from 2009 to 2019, was instrumental in helping the team win the World Series in 2009 and earning multiple All-Star selections during his tenure. His contributions to the team both on and off the field have made him a beloved figure among fans and within the organization.

Typically, the Yankees have a tradition of retiring the numbers of players who have made significant contributions to the franchise, and Sabathia's impact seems to warrant consideration. However, the decision to retire his number would ultimately depend on the Yankees' management and their criteria for number retirement. Many fans and analysts believe that it is likely that his number will be retired in the future. Let's explore the case for both retiring and honoring Sabathia without retiring his number.

Is Retirement Essential?

No, the Yankees do not necessarily have to retire Sabathia's number 52. Over his 11 years with the team, Sabathia had one World Series appearance, barring the Yankees' win in 2009. His career did experience a decline beyond that initial success.

Chances are that the Yankees will give him a plaque in Monument Park without retiring his number. This type of honor has been given to the likes of Paul O’Neill and Tino Martinez. Sabathia's contributions, while significant, do not mandate a retired number. In fact, his contributions as well as the success of his team during his Yankees tenure are not the sole criteria for number retirement.

Other Hall of Famer numbers that have been retired by the Yankees provide context. The Yankees have retired the numbers of players who were not Yankees for their entire careers or were honored for contributions as managers. For example:

3 - Babe Ruth (played for the Red Sox but became "the Babe" in the Bronx, greatest player of all time) 9 - Roger Maris (honored for breaking Ruth's season HR record) 32 - Elston Howard (played 13 of 14 seasons for the Yankees, a great player and the first black Yankee) 44 - Reggie Jackson (Mr. October) 42 - Jackie Robinson (a historical figure who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball)

While CC Sabathia has had a great career and is expected to safely enter the Hall of Fame in 6–7 years, his contributions and the success of his team during his Yankees tenure do not necessarily warrant a retired number.

Case Against Retirement

CC Sabathia's recognition and honor by the Yankees can be achieved through other methods without retiring his number. For instance, the team often honors players with plaques in Monument Park, which houses the retired numbers of illustrious Yankees. However, this does not necessarily entail retiring the number itself.

The Yankees have historically recognized players who have made significant contributions to the franchise, but not all such players have their numbers retired. This includes players like:

Paul O’Neill Tino Martinez

The decision to retire a number often hinges on a player's impact on the team and their legacy. While Sabathia's career with the Yankees was overwhelmingly successful, his individual achievements and the overall success of the team during his tenure do not strictly necessitate the retirement of his number.

Conclusion

While CC Sabathia was undoubtedly a valuable asset to the New York Yankees, his number 52 does not need to be retired. The Yankees have other methods to honor him and acknowledge his contributions, such as placing a plaque in Monument Park. The decision to retire a number ultimately depends on the criteria set by the management and the unique impact each player has had on the team's history. Whether his number will be retired or simply honored, Sabathia's legacy with the Yankees remains significant and beloved.