Everyone knows that the New York Yankees are the most storied team in the history of sports. They boast 27 World Championships... more than any other professional sports franchise in the world.
In over 100 years in the Major League, the Yankees have had quite a number of legendary ballplayers grace their playing field. Because of this the Yankees have retired more numbers (15) than any other team in baseball, and are tied with only the Montreal Candiens for the most retired numbers in professional sports (this is not taking into account the number 42 which was retired league-wide... more on that later).
The last number retired by the Yankees was Ron Guidry's number 49 in 2003. But after the newest Yankees dynasty of the 1990s/2000s, there is sure to be more numbers headed for Monument Park.
Before I get to the list, here are some notable"just misses":
#54 - Rich "Goose" Gossage: The Goose is recognized as the games first "closer" by defining the position during Yankees dynasty of the late 70s. Until Mariano Rivera, he was probably the greatest relief pitcher in Yankees history... and he's a Hall of Famer. But, if his number hasn't been retired by now, I don't think it's going to happen at all.
#31 - Dave Winfield: Winfield spent the better part of his career in pinstripes. He had his most productive offensive seasons as a Yankee... few can forget the epic battle he had with teamate Don Mattingly for the 1984 batting title (Mattingly came out on top by .003 points). He's also a Hall of Famer. But, his feuds with late owner George Steinbrenner and the fact that he shunned the Yankees and went into the HOF as a Padre, will keep #31 out of monument park.
#24 - Rickey Henderson: Rickey still holds the Yankees single-season and career stolen base records. And besides stolen bases, he had respectable numbers in walks, runs scored and OBP in his tenure in pinstripes... and he's a Hall of Famer. But his HOF carrer is most attributed with the Oakland A's (where his number is retired) and that is where his legacy lies... not in the Bronx.
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