No Major League franchise boasts a richer and more storied history than the Yankees. Appropriately, the 21 numbers that have been removed from circulation to honor 22 of their finest players and managers stand as the most in Major League Baseball.
Born: May 16, 1928 in Berkeley, CA
Died: December 25, 1989 in Binghamton, NY
Height: 5-11, Weight: 165
Threw and batted righthanded
Number retired in 1986
Had as much "Yankee Pride" as any player or manager to wear pinstripes and he implanted his own fierce desire to win in his teams. Played an integral part in four World Series in the 50's as a player, and added another ring managing the Yankees in 1977. His .333 lifetime series batting average is fourth with at least 75 AB on the all-time series list. Combative and daring, Martin was a brilliant baseball strategist and a legend in Yankee history.
Born: June 26, 1974 in Pequannock, NJ
Height: 6-3, Weight: 195
Threw and batted righthanded
Number retired in 2017
The face of baseball for a generation of fans, Jeter played a franchise-record 20 seasons with the Yankees from 1995-2014, retiring with a personal career winning percentage of .593 (1,628-1,117-2) and five World Series rings. A 14-time All-Star, Jeter retired with the sixth-most hits in history (3,465) and played in 16 postseasons.
Born: February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, MD
Died: August 16, 1948 in New York, NY
Height: 6-2, Weight: 215
Threw and batted lefthanded
Number retired in 1948
Baseball's greatest slugger and the most colorful figure in the game's history. Debuted as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, winning 89 games over six seasons before being converted to the outfield because of his tremendous power. Was sold to the Yankees for $120,000 in 1920 and his 54 home runs that year were more than any other American-League team. Enroute to 714 career home runs, won 12 home run titles, hitting 60 in 1927. Added 15 home runs in World Series competition as he led the Yankees to seven Series appearances and four World titles. A member of the inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees in 1936.
Born: June 19, 1903 in New York, NY
Died: June 2, 1941 in Riverdale, NY
Height: 6-1, Weight: 212
Threw and batted lefthanded.
Number retired in 1939
Durable, powerhitting first baseman who played in an amazing 2,130 consecutive games between 1925 and 1939. Drove in at least 100 runs for 13 straight seasons (1926-38) and established an American-League record with 184 RBI in 1931. Compiled a .340 lifetime batting average and belted 493 home runs in a career shortened by terminal illness. Was honored at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 and made memorable "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech. Life was immortalized in classic 1942 motion picture, The Pride of the Yankees, starring Gary Cooper. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939.
Born: November 25, 1914 in Martinez, CA
Died: March 8, 1999 in Hollywood, FL
Height: 6-2, Weight: 193
Threw and batted righthanded
Number retired in 1952
The "Yankee Clipper" is considered by many experts as the best all-around baseball player in history. Was a sensational hitter for average and power, a splendid, graceful, ball-hawking center fielder with a powerfully accurate arm and a daring and alert baserunner. Compiled a .325 lifetime batting average from 1936 to 1951. The two-time batting champion and three-time MVP powered the Yankees to the first of four consecutive World Championships in his 1936 rookie season. Many rate his 56-consecutive-game batting streak in 1941 as the top baseball feat of all time. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955.
Born: July 18, 1940 in Brooklyn, NY
Height: 6-2, Weight: 212
Threw and batted righthanded
Number retired in 2014.
Joe Torre managed the Yankees to 1,173 regular season wins between 1996 and 2007. His teams compiled a 76-47 record over 12 consecutive postseason appearances. Torre guided the Bronx Bombers to 10 division titles, six American League pennants, and World Series championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Inside the clubhouse, Torre's calm demeanor maintained stability and minimized distractions. He related to players with honesty, respect, and fairness. The Brooklyn native earned American League Manager of the Year honors in 1996 and 1998.
Born: October 20, 1931 in Spavinaw, OK
Died: August 14, 1995 in Dallas, TX
Height: 6-0, Weight: 201
Threw right and switch hit
Number retired in 1969
"The Mick" was the most feared hitter on the most successful team in history. In his best seasons, and there were many, Mantle was simply a devastating player. He could run like the wind and hit tape measure homers, like his famous 565-footer in Washington in 1953. He led the Yanks to 12 fall classics in 14 years, and seven World Championships. He still owns records for most homers, RBI, runs, walks, and strikeouts in World Series play. In 1956, Mantle had one of the greatest seasons ever at the plate. He hit 52 homers with 130 RBI and a .353 average to win the Triple Crown. Mantle was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974. Beginning with Lou Gehrig's number 4 in 1939, the Yankees have retired 15 uniform numbers to honor 16 players and managers.
Born: May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, MO
Died: September 22, 2015 in West Caldwell, NJ
Height 5-8, Weight: 191.
Threw righthanded and batted lefthanded.
Number retired in 1972.
A mainstay for the most dominating teams in history, the Yankee that played from the end of World War II until the early 1960's. Although he never led the league in a single major offensive category, he was just the third man to win three Most Valuable Player awards. Selected to play in 15 successive All-Star games. Played on 14 pennant winners and 10 World Champions, more than anyone in history. Led Yankees to the 1964 pennant as manager. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972.
Born: June 6, 1907 in Bastrop, LA
Died: November 12, 1993
Height: 6-1, Weight: 185
Threw righthanded and batted lefthanded
Number retired in 1972
Regarded as one of the greatest catchers of all-time. A durable and tireless worker, he caught more than 100 games in 13 consecutive seasons (1929-41), an American-League record. He did not allow a single passed ball in 125 games behind the plate, another AL record. Dickey also excelled at the plate, batting over .300 in 10 of his first 11 seasons while hitting 202 homers during his career. He handled Yankee pitching staffs on eight World Series teams, winning seven championships.
Born: September 10, 1934 in Hibbing, MN
Died: December 14, 1985 in Houston, TX
Height: 6-0, Weight: 197
Batted lefthanded and threw righthanded
Number retired in 1984
In one of the most dramatic assaults on a baseball record, Maris caught, then surpassed Babe Ruth's famous home run record of 60. In 1961, Maris hit 61 home runs, a Major-League record which stood until 1998 and was an American League record until Aaron Judge clobbered 62 in 2022. The two-time American League MVP (1960-61) is also considered as one of the best defensive right fielders in Yankees history.
Born: September 25, 1917 in New York, NY
Died: August 13, 2007 in West Orange, NJ
Height: 5-6, Weight 150.
Threw and batted righthanded
Number retired in 1985
Playing 13 years for the Yanks, "Scooter" went to the World Series in 10 of those seasons. That stat may best explain why the diminutive shortstop is regarded as a true Yankee legend. He was a durable, outstanding shortstop, skilled bunter and enthusiastic baserunner with a solid .273 lifetime batting average. In 1950 Rizzuto earned the A.L. MVP Award, batting .324 with 200 hits, 92 bases on balls, and 125 runs scored. He batted .320 in the 1951 World Series and was named Series' MVP. Spent 40 years as a Yankee broadcaster (1957-96). Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995.
Born: June 7, 1947 in Akron, OH
Died: August 2, 1979 in Canton, OH
Height: 5-11, Weight: 190
Batted and threw righthanded
Number retired in 1979
Was the undisputed leader and most respected man on the Yankee teams that won three AL pennants in a row (1976- 78) and two World Championships. Munson was a tremendous defensive catcher, winning the Gold Glove Award in three consecutive seasons (1973-75). From 1975-77, Thurman drove in more than 100 runs and hit better than .300 in each of those three seasons. He hit the first Yankee home run in the "new" Yankee Stadium. There is no more tragic date in Yankee history than August 2, 1979. On that date Munson passed away when the plane he was flying crashed while landing.
Born: October 21, 1928 in New York, NY
Height: 5-10, Weight: 181
Threw and batted lefthanded.
Number retired in 1974.
"The Chairman of the Board" was the ace pitcher on the great Yankee teams of the 1950's and early 60's. The wily southpaw's lifetime record of 236-106 gives him the best percentage (.690) of any 20th century pitcher. He paced the American League in victories three times, and in ERA and shutouts twice. The 1961 Cy Young Award winner still holds many World Series records, including 10 wins, 33 consecutive scoreless innings and 94 strikeouts. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974.
Born: August 17, 1971 in Santurce, P.R.
Height: 6-2, Weight: 215
Threw right and switch hit.
Number retired in 2015.
One of the best-hitting catchers of his era, Posada spent each of his 17 Major League seasons with the Yankees, batting .273 with 379 doubles, 275 homers, 1,065 RBI, a .374 OBP and .848 OPS in 1,829 games from 1995-2011. A player on five World Series winners (1996, '98, '99, 2000, '09), Posada was also a five-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner. He is one of just six catchers all time to have at least 11 seasons of 17-or-more home runs.
Born: February 25, 1963 in Columbus, OH
Height: 6-4, Weight: 200
Threw and batted lefthanded
Number retired in 2022.
O'Neill's warrior persona galvanized the Yankees from 1993 to 2001. With a .303 batting average and 858 RBI during his time in the Bronx, the right fielder brought an intensity and reliability that helped lift the Yankees to four World Series titles. A four-time All-Star while wearing the pinstripes, O'Neill won the AL batting title in 1994 with a .359 average. In 2001, he became the first 38-year-old in Major League history to steal 20 bases and hit 20 home runs in the same season.
Born: April 20, 1961 in Evansville, IN
Height: 6-0, Weight: 185
Batted and threw lefthanded
Number retired in 1997
"Donnie Baseball" was only the 10th captain to be named by the Yankees in their storied history. The premier first baseman of his era, Mattingly was a nine-time Gold Glove winner. The 1985 American League MVP set records for most grand slams in a season (6), most home runs in seven consecutive games (9) and eight consecutive games (10). A humble man of grace and dignity, Mattingly carried on the legacy of the pinstripe tradition and dedicated his career to the pursuit of excellence.
Born: February 23, 1929 in St. Louis, MO
Died: December 14, 1980 in New York, NY
Height: 6-2, Weight: 196
Batted and threw righthanded
Number retired in 1984.
Became the first black player in Yankee history when he made the club in the spring of 1955. The versatile two-time Gold Glove catcher was an important member of the A.L. pennant-winning Yankee teams in nine of his first ten seasons with the club. The 1963 American League MVP, Howard was a clubhouse leader who was respected as both a player and a man. Howard's dignified manner off the field and competitive spirit on the field were positive influences on the Yankee team.
Born: July 30, 1889 in Kansas City, MO
Died: September 29, 1975 in Glendale, CA
Number retired in 1970
In a distinguished 54-year professional career, "The Old Professor" emerged as one of the game's greatest managers. His feat of guiding the Yankees to 10 pennants and seven world titles in a 12-year span ranks as the top managerial accomplishment of all time. Simply put, Casey Stengel was one of the best things to ever happen to the game of baseball. He was an authentic baseball ambassador, making the game fun for millions of Americans. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1966.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to play in the Major Leagues. His number retired throughout baseball in 1997. Played for Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-56. From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque: "Leading NL batter in 1949. Holds fielding mark for second baseman playing in 150 or more games with .992. Led NL in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. Most Valuable Player in 1949. Lifetime batting average .311. Joint record holder for most double plays by second baseman, 137 in 1951. Led second baseman in double plays 1949-50-51-52.
Born: November 29, 1969 in Panama City, Panama
Height: 6-2, Weight: 195.
Threw and batted righthanded.
Number retired in 2013
Mariano Rivera defined ninth-inning excellence. His signature cut fastball shattered bat handles and stifled rallies over 19 seasons. Regarded for consistent success and an unflappable demeanor, Rivera pitched his entire career in a Yankees uniform. "Mo" appeared in 1,115 regular season games and compiled a major league-record 652 saves. Rivera's star shone brightest in October competition. He established postseason records with 96 games pitched, 42 saves, and a 0.70 ERA. Rivera retired as the last major league player to wear uniform number 42.
Born: May 18, 1946 in Wyncote, PA
Height: 5-10, Weight: 181.
Threw and batted lefthanded.
Number retired in 1993.
One of the game's premier power hitters, "Mr. October" blasted 563 career roundtrippers, sixth all-time. In Game Six of the 1977 World Series, Jackson hit three home runs, all on the first pitch, as the Yankees beat the Dodgers to wrap up the club's first World Championship since 1962. Jackson was an exciting clutch player and an intimidating cleanup hitter with a .490 career slugging percentage. The 1973 American League MVP once said, "Some people call October a time of pressure. I call it a time of character." Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993.
Born: June 15, 1972 in Baton Rouge, LA
Height: 6-5, Weight: 225.
Threw and batted lefthanded.
Number retired in 2015.
Reliable and consistent throughout his career, Pettitte pitched 15 seasons with the club (1995-2003, '07-10, '12-13), going 219-127 with a 3.94 ERA (447G/438GS, 2,796.1IP, 2,020K). The left-hander is the franchise leader in strikeouts and tied with Whitey Ford for the most starts. He trails only Ford (236 wins, 3,171.0IP) and Red Ruffing (231 wins, 3,168.0IP) in wins and innings pitched. A three-time AL All-Star (1996, 2001 and '10), Pettitte is the only pitcher drafted by the Yankees to win 200 games in the Majors. As a Yankee, Pettitte went 18-10 with a 3.76 ERA (251.1IP, 105ER) in 40 career postseason starts, winning five World Series titles (1996, '98-99, 2000, '09). He famously started and won all three series-clinching games in the 2009 postseason.
Born: August 28, 1950 in Lafayette, LA
Height: 5-11, Weight: 165
Threw and batted left-handed
Number retired in 2003.
Won 20 games three times, in 1978 (25-3), 1983 (21-9) and 1985 (22-6). Compiled one of the most dominating seasons in baseball history in 1978 and became known as "Louisiana Lightning." He went 25-3 with a 1.74 earned run average in leading the Yankees to a dramatic comeback-from 14.0 games behind the Boston Red Sox-to capture their second straight World Championship. In 1978, he compiled a club-record 248 strikeouts and nine shutouts en route to a unanimous selection as the American League's Cy-Young-Award recipient. On June 17, 1978 vs. the California Angels at Yankee Stadium, Guidry shattered the club's single-game record for strikeouts with 18. The Yankees' co-captain-with Willie Randolph-from 1986 through his retirement in 1989, he remains in the Top 10 on the Yankees' all-time list in games pitched (368), innings pitched (2392.0), wins (170), winning percentage (.651), strikeouts (1778) and shutouts (26). A four-time American-League All-Star.
Born: September 13, 1968 in San Juan, P.R.
Height: 6-2, Weight: 205
Threw right and switch hit.
Number retired in 2015.
Williams played his entire 16-year Major League career with the Yankees (1991-2006), batting .297 (2,336-for-7,869) with 449 doubles, 278 home runs and 1,257 RBI in 2,076 games. A five-time AL All-Star (1997-2001), four-time Gold Glove winner (1997-2000) and Silver Slugger Award recipient (2002), Williams won the AL batting title in 1998 with a .339 average. A four-time World Series champion (1996, '98, '99, 2000), he is the Yankees' all-time postseason leader in HR (22) and RBI (80) and ranks third in games played (121). He was named the 1996 ALCS MVP after batting .474 (9-for-19) with two homers and six RBI in the Yankees' five-game win vs. the Orioles. In Game 1 of the 1999 ALCS vs. Boston, he hit a memorable 10th-inning, "walk-off" home run.
