In a move that will surely delight Yankees fans, the legendary CC Sabathia is set to have his No. 52 retired by the Bronx Bombers on September 26. This honor places him among the pantheon of Yankees greats, becoming the 24th player to receive this distinction. Sabathia, who was inducted as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2025, joins the likes of Paul O'Neill and Derek Jeter in Monument Park, a testament to his impact on the franchise.
The Yankees, known for their rich history, have retired more numbers than any other MLB team. Back in 2015, they honored Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte in one go, underscoring their tradition of celebrating excellence.
Sabathia, now 45, was a cornerstone of the Yankees' 2009 World Series-winning team, earning the ALCS MVP in the process. Over his 11 seasons in pinstripes, he notched a 134-88 record and struck out 1,700 batters over 1,918 innings. His journey with the Yankees began in December 2008, when he inked a then-record seven-year, $161 million deal after claiming the AL Cy Young with Cleveland in 2007.
Meanwhile, the future looks bright for the Yankees with George Lombard Jr. making waves in spring training. The 20-year-old prospect showcased his defensive prowess with a stunning barehanded play at third base against the Nationals.
Not content with just a defensive highlight, Lombard also displayed his offensive skills, smacking a double off former Yankee Clayton Beeter to drive in two runs. His performance is already sparking dreams of him adding a powerful right-handed bat to the Yankees lineup in the near future.
In other Yankees news, infielder Max Burt has found a new home with the Detroit Tigers. Burt, who was drafted by the Yankees in 2018, has been a steady presence in the minors, even setting a hits record with the Somerset Patriots. Now with the Tigers, Burt will continue his journey in AA Erie, potentially paving the way for Detroit's next wave of talent.
As the Yankees celebrate their storied past with Sabathia's jersey retirement, they also look ahead with promising talents like Lombard, ensuring the legacy of greatness continues in the Bronx.