Yankees to Retire CC Sabathia's Number 52

Sabathia's jersey will be permanently retired in a ceremony at Yankee Stadium on September 26.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 12:04am

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The New York Yankees announced that they will retire former pitcher CC Sabathia's number 52 jersey in a ceremony on September 26 against the Baltimore Orioles. Sabathia, a Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion with the Yankees in 2009, will also have a plaque dedicated in his honor in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.

Why it matters

Sabathia's number retirement is a testament to his remarkable career and impact both on and off the field. As a dominant pitcher for the Yankees over 11 seasons, he helped the team win a World Series title in 2009. Beyond baseball, Sabathia has been an active philanthropist in his hometown of Vallejo, California, supporting youth programs and community initiatives.

The details

Sabathia, who retired from baseball in 2019 after 19 seasons, will become the 24th Yankees player or manager to have his number retired by the franchise. He joins other Yankees legends like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte who have also had their numbers permanently retired. Sabathia's number 52 jersey will be the 23rd number retired by the Yankees.

  • The Yankees will retire Sabathia's number 52 on September 26, 2026 in a game against the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Sabathia was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in August 2026.

The players

CC Sabathia

A former MLB pitcher who spent 11 seasons with the New York Yankees, winning a Cy Young Award and World Series title in 2009. Sabathia is a native of Vallejo, California and has been an active philanthropist in his hometown.

Andrea Sorce

The mayor of Vallejo, California, Sabathia's hometown, who praised him as an incredible ambassador for the community.

Josh Ramos

The athletic director and head baseball coach at Vallejo High School, who owns a signed Sabathia jersey from the pitcher's Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— CC Sabathia (X)

“When I often travel outside of the city, people ask me to describe Vallejo. I say it's a city of heart and resilience and spirit and strengths, but really what I should be saying is that it's the story of CC Sabathia. It's that heart and that grit and that unbelievable pride. We punch above our weight class in talent, which leaves the city and comes out of the city. And it's because of people like you, CC, and Amber. Even when you leave, you always stay rooted and are incredible ambassadors of our community.”

— Andrea Sorce, Mayor of Vallejo, California (Times-Herald)

What’s next

The Yankees will hold a ceremony to retire Sabathia's number 52 jersey on September 26, 2026 prior to their game against the Baltimore Orioles.

The takeaway

CC Sabathia's number retirement by the Yankees is a fitting honor for one of the franchise's most dominant pitchers of the 2000s, as well as a beloved figure in his hometown of Vallejo, California. Sabathia's legacy extends beyond the field through his philanthropic work and community impact, cementing his status as a true Yankees legend.