Last week, the New York Yankees retired the No. 21 of legendary outfielder Paul O’Neill. The heart and soul of the team’s dynasty of the 90s and early 2000s, O’Neill became the 23rd player to have his number forever etched into Yankee lore. While non-baseball historians will likely be hard-pressed to recite every renowned name on that list, this article will serve as a worthwhile history lesson (you’re welcome future Jeopardy contestants).
Below, I have compiled a table of those numbers retired by the organization in honor of the players who wore them.
New York Yankees Retired Jersey Numbers
| Number | Worn By | Date Retired |
| 1 | Billy Martin | August 10, 1986 |
| 2 | Derek Jeter | May 14, 2017 |
| 3 | Babe Ruth | June 13, 1948 |
| 4 | Lou Gehrig | July 4, 1939 |
| 5 | Joe DiMaggio | April 18, 1952 |
| 6 | Joe Torre | August 23, 2014 |
| 7 | Mickey Mantle | June 8, 1969 |
| 8 | Yogi Berra | July 22, 1972 |
| 8 | Bill Dickey | July 22, 1972 |
| 9 | Roger Maris | July 22, 1984 |
| 10 | Phil Rizzuto | August 4, 1985 |
| 15 | Thurman Munson | September 20, 1980 |
| 16 | Whitey Ford | August 3, 1974 |
| 20 | Jorge Posada | August 22, 2015 |
| 21 | Paul O’Neill | August 21, 2022 |
| 23 | Don Mattingly | August 31, 1997 |
| 32 | Elston Howard | July 22, 1984 |
| 37 | Casey Stengel | August 8, 1970 |
| 42 | Mariano Rivera | September 22, 2013 |
| 44 | Reggie Jackson | August 14, 1993 |
| 46 | Andy Pettitte | August 23, 2015 |
| 49 | Ron Guidry | August 23, 2003 |
| 51 | Bernie Williams | May 24, 2015 |