Yankees and Number 7
The New York Yankees have a long and storied history when it comes to the number 7. Over the years, many of the team’s greatest players have worn the number, including Hall of Famers such as Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Lou Gehrig. But how many Yankees have worn the number 7? Let’s take a look at the history of the number 7 in the Bronx.
Why Number 7?
The Yankees have traditionally been associated with the number 7 due to the “lucky seven” superstition. The number seven is considered a lucky number in many cultures, and it has been a part of the Yankees’ culture since the team’s inception in 1903. The number 7 was one of the first numbers ever used by the Yankees, and it has been a part of the team’s identity ever since.
Notable Yankees to Wear Number 7
Some of the most iconic Yankees of all time have worn the number 7, including the aforementioned Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Lou Gehrig. Mantle wore the number from 1951-1968, and he is one of the most beloved players in Yankees history. Joe DiMaggio wore the number from 1936-1951, and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in baseball history. Lou Gehrig wore the number from 1923-1939, and he is remembered as one of the greatest first basemen of all time.
Other Notable Yankees to Wear Number 7
In addition to the Hall of Famers, there have been a number of other notable Yankees to wear the number 7. Some of these players include:
- Babe Ruth – Ruth wore the number 7 from 1923-1934, and he is widely considered to be the greatest baseball player of all time.
- Billy Martin – Martin wore the number 7 from 1950-1957, and he is remembered as one of the most controversial but successful managers in Yankees history.
- Phil Rizzuto – Rizzuto wore the number 7 from 1941-1956, and he is remembered as one of the greatest Yankees shortstops of all time.
- Graig Nettles – Nettles wore the number 7 from 1973-1983, and he is remembered as one of the most feared third basemen in Yankees history.
- Reggie Jackson – Jackson wore the number 7 from 1977-1981, and he is remembered as one of the greatest clutch hitters in Yankees history.
- Derek Jeter – Jeter wore the number 7 from 1995-2014, and he is widely considered to be the greatest Yankees shortstop of all time.
How Many Yankees Have Worn Number 7?
Over the years, a total of 22 Yankees have worn the number 7. This number includes the aforementioned Hall of Famers as well as some of the most iconic Yankees of all time.
The Last Yankees to Wear Number 7
The last Yankees to wear the number 7 were Brett Gardner and Giancarlo Stanton. Gardner wore the number from 2008-2018, and he is remembered as one of the greatest outfielders in Yankees history. Stanton wore the number from 2018-2020, and he is remembered as one of the Yankees’ most feared sluggers.
Number 7 Retired by the Yankees
In 2017, the Yankees honored Mickey Mantle by retiring his number 7. Mantle is widely considered to be the greatest player in Yankees history, and the team wanted to recognize his legacy with this honor.
Since Mickey Mantle’s number 7 was retired by the Yankees, the number is no longer available to players. Any player who wants to wear the number 7 must now request permission from the team to do so.
Conclusion
The number 7 has been a part of the Yankees’ history since the team’s inception in 1903, and it has been worn by some of the greatest players in Yankees history. Over the years, a total of 22 Yankees have worn the number 7, and the last Yankees to wear the number were Brett Gardner and Giancarlo Stanton. In 2017, the Yankees honored Mickey Mantle by retiring his number 7, and the number is now unavailable to players.