Retired Numbers Tradition
Honoring the legends of the Bronx Bombers.
via Wikipedia: New York Yankees · see source
The New York Yankees have a tradition of retiring uniform numbers to honor players and managers who have made significant contributions to the team.
Quick Facts
- First retired number
- Number 4 (Lou Gehrig, 1939)
- Most recent addition
- Number 51 (Bernie Williams, 2015)
- Total honored individuals
- 23
Lore & Background
The Yankees' retired numbers tradition is part of the team's storied history, which includes iconic figures such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson. More recent inductees into the Hall of Fame include Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.
Reader's Guide
For visitors to Yankee Stadium, the retired numbers are displayed on the outfield wall. Fans can view the numbers of legendary players during games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any banners represent more than one individual?
Yes, number eight serves as a shared honor for both catcher Bill Dickey and his successor Yogi Berra.
Why is number 42 treated differently than other retired numbers?
This numeral was retired across Major League Baseball to honor Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier. While Yankees wear it on Jackie Robinson Day, no new player can permanently retire the number in their career.
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