New York is retiring CC Sabathia’s #52 jersey

The New York Yankees they announced their retirement CC Sabathia52nd and the dedication of the memorial plaque at Yankee Stadium – a franchise-defining honor that ranks him among the most exclusive names in team history.

The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, before the Yankees’ home game against the Baltimore Orioles. The club also confirmed that they will retire Sabathia 24th player or manager to have his number retired and marks the 23rd unique uniform number to be retired, with No. 8 shared by Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra.

The 45-year-old responded with an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter) after learning the news has become official.

“From the first number hanging on my locker to 52 hanging forever in Monument Park – this HOF journey has come full circle. Having my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCi continues.”

From the first number hanging in my locker to the 52 hanging forever in Monument Park – this HOF journey has come full circle. Having my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. LegaCCi continues. pic.twitter.com/EvmLFEMhV4

— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) February 25, 2026

The message also emphasized the importance and timing of the tribute. A first-ballot Hall of Famer in the 2025 class, Sabathia will be ensconced in Cooperstown with a Yankee cap, honoring his preferences and emphasizing the credentials that secured his current selection.

On the field, the resume meets the standard. Over 11 seasons in pinstripes from 2009-2019, the flame-throwing lefty posted a 134–88 record with a 3.81 ERA in 307 regular-season appearances and struck out 1,700 batters in 1,918 innings. In 2009, his first season in New York, he set the standard for the club’s rotation, going 19–8 with a 3.37 ERA, earning ALCS MVP honors and contributing to a World Series title.

Over the course of more than a decade, he became both the ace of the staff and a respected club leader throughout the organization.

With his induction into the Hall of Fame and his number soon to join the legends of Monument Park, Sabathia’s legacy in the Bronx is now permanently etched in franchise history – a lasting tribute to the ace who helped usher in a championship era and defined a generation of Yankee baseball.