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The New York Yankees have had a long and storied history in Major League Baseball, and they are one of the most successful franchises in the sport. As such, they have retired the numbers of some of the most iconic players in baseball history, including the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Lou Gehrig. One number that has yet to be retired by the Yankees is number 46, which was worn by legendary Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. This article will look at the question of whether or not the Yankees have retired number 46, and what the implications of such a decision would be.
Retiring Numbers
Retiring a number is a great honor that is bestowed upon some of baseball’s most iconic players. The Yankees have retired the numbers of 18 players, including Hall of Famers like Ruth, Mantle, and Gehrig. The decision to retire a number is made by the Yankees organization, and it is often done in recognition of a player’s great career and impact on the team.
Mariano Rivera’s Career
Mariano Rivera is one of the greatest players to ever wear the pinstripes, and he is widely regarded as the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history. Rivera spent his entire 19-year career with the Yankees, and he was a key member of their championship teams in the late 1990s and 2000s. He was a 13-time All-Star, a five-time World Series champion, and a World Series MVP. He was also a two-time American League Rolaids Relief Award winner and a six-time AL Reliever of the Year. He holds the record for most career saves (652) and holds the lowest career ERA (2.21).
Is Number 46 Retired?
Despite Rivera’s legendary career, the Yankees have yet to retire his number. He is the only player in the Hall of Fame who has not had his number retired by the team. This raises the question of whether or not the Yankees will eventually retire number 46 in honor of Rivera.
The Benefits of Retiring Rivera’s Number
Retiring Rivera’s number would be a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in Yankees history. It would also be a way for the team to show their appreciation for Rivera’s immense contribution to the franchise. Retiring his number would also help to further immortalize Rivera’s legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history.
The Risks of Retiring Rivera’s Number
Retiring a number is a major decision, and it is not one that should be taken lightly. One of the risks associated with retiring Rivera’s number is that it could potentially diminish the impact of the other players who have had their numbers retired. It could also be seen as an insult to the other great players who have worn number 46, including Hall of Famers Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra.
The Debate Around Retiring Rivera’s Number
The debate surrounding the retirement of Rivera’s number has been ongoing for some time. Supporters of the idea argue that Rivera is one of the greatest players in Yankees history and deserves to have his number retired. Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the Yankees should not retire Rivera’s number out of respect for the other players who have worn it.
The Yankees’ Stance on Retiring Rivera’s Number
The Yankees have been very tight-lipped about the possibility of retiring Rivera’s number. They have not made any official statements on the matter, but it is widely speculated that the team will eventually retire the number in honor of Rivera’s legendary career.
The Impact of Retiring Rivera’s Number
If the Yankees were to retire Rivera’s number, it would have a significant impact on the team and its fans. It would be a fitting tribute to Rivera, and it would be a way for the team to show their appreciation for the player who has given them so much. It would also have an emotional impact on the fans, as they would be able to commemorate one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Conclusion
The Yankees have yet to retire number 46 in honor of Mariano Rivera, but it is widely speculated that they will eventually do so. Retiring Rivera’s number would be a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in Yankees history, and it would be a way for the team to show their appreciation for his immense contribution to the franchise. It would also have a significant emotional impact on the team and its fans, as they would be able to commemorate one of the greatest players in franchise history.