Yankees Retire CC Sabathia’s No. 52

The Yankees retired CC Sabathia’s No. 52 on Friday before a doubleheader against Baltimore, adding his plaque to Monument Park. He became the 24th player or manager honored and the fifth from the 2009 title team. A nor’easter forced the ceremony forward from Saturday; Sabathia declined a 2027 postponement so visiting family could stay. The plaque is dated Sept. 26. He threw the first pitch to son Carsten and stood with Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Dellin Betances and Chris Young. Sabathia called the moment bigger than the Hall of Fame, saying he once doubted he could win over Yankee fans. No. 52, he recalled, was just the number in his 2000 spring locker that made him think he might make the team. Video messages came from Jeter, Paul O’Neill, Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams. Brian Cashman presented a blue blazer, framed plaque, retired number and ring amid boos, then laughed and hugged Sabathia. EssentiallySports and Pinstripes Nation credit him with 134 wins; the New York Post lists 132. All cite a 3.81 ERA and 1,700 strikeouts over 11 seasons after his 19-8 debut year.