27 Yankees Who Made the Pinstripes Mean Something

Last Updated: September 9th, 2026 by Michael Schatz

New York has been the mecca of America for a long time. So many people from around the world traveled specifically to New York to start their new lives. With all of that diversity in work and culture, there must be something that brings them together for leisure.

The Yankees have been historically that sports team that has been able to bring people together for over a century. There are so many different backgrounds of families that have dedicated their fandom to a baseball team in the Bronx.

Of course, the biggest reasons are the players who make up the team. Players they want to cheer for and sometimes give a hard time to. Good or bad, you can always tell that there is a deep passion and love in Yankee Stadium for their home team.

Let's take a look at the players they celebrated most throughout history.

How We Made This List

To put it simply, we wanted to do 27 players for the 27 World Series championships that this franchise has won in history. No other franchise has come close, which also means no other franchise has had more players that can be put on a list like this than the Yankees.

This wasn't easy, as it basically kind of came down to personal preference and almost just picking straws because there will be many left out that people will think should have been let in. With that, let's start at the hot corner.

27. Graig Nettles – The Human Vacuum Cleaner at Third Base

I've heard so many Yankees fans who will shout from the rooftops about how good Graig Nettles was. Those are the fans that I appreciate, because they just want to see consistency on an everyday basis. That's what Nettles brought.

He just had a steady glove and a steady bat throughout his 22-year career. He earned six All-Star selections with two Gold Gloves, and he was a part of two World Series championships.

Graig Nettles — Career	Total
G	2700
AB	8986
H	2225
HR	390
RBI	1314
SB	32
AVG	.248
OBP	.329
SLG	.421
OPS	.750
All-Star selections	6
Gold Gloves	2
World Series titles	2

26. Willie Randolph – The Steady Hand Who Never Made Headlines

From a national perspective, Willie Randolph seems to be an underrated second baseman. In the Bronx, he is one of their greats. This is another player who just provided steady contributions throughout his 18-year career.

He spent 13 seasons with the Yankees, earning five All-Star selections with them. The reason I highlight his consistency is that he was able to be named an All-Star in his rookie year and then earned another 11 years later.

Willie Randolph — Career	Total
G	2202
AB	8018
H	2210
HR	54
RBI	687
SB	271
AVG	.276
OBP	.373
SLG	.351
OPS	.724
All-Star selections	6
Silver Sluggers	1
World Series titles	1

25. Bobby Murcer – The Oklahoma Kid Who Carried Mantle's Torch

Being named an outfielder in this organization brings much more pressure than at some other teams. There was immediate pressure specifically on Bobby Murcer, as he was tasked with replacing another great center fielder on this list.

He delivered with four straight All-Star selections before being traded. Then he returned to the Yankees to end his career, finishing with a 129 OPS+ in his 13 seasons in New York. That is right on the cusp of what is considered to be a Hall of Fame level.

Bobby Murcer — Career	Total
G	1908
AB	6730
H	1862
HR	252
RBI	1043
SB	127
AVG	.277
OBP	.357
SLG	.445
OPS	.802
All-Star selections	5
Gold Gloves	1

24. Elston Howard – Breaking Barriers Behind the Plate

It took a little while, but Elston Howard became the first African-American to play in pinstripes. If there were any who doubted (which should have been nobody) his ability coming from the Negro leagues where he played in 1948, he certainly proved them wrong.

He rattled off 12 straight All-Star selections and won the MVP in 1963 at the age of 34. His hitting ability brought immense value at the catcher position, as they kept finding ways to keep him in the lineup.

Elston Howard — Career	Total
G	1625
AB	5443
H	1491
HR	168
RBI	775
SB	10
AVG	.274
OBP	.321
SLG	.427
OPS	.748
MVP	1
All-Star selections	9
Gold Gloves	2
World Series titles	4

23. Bill Dickey – The Catcher Who Taught Yogi Everything (HOF)

Before the Yogisms took over the Bronx, Bill Dickey was the backstop that held it down for 17 years. He earned 11 All-Star selections, helping the Yankees to eight World Series titles.

A .313 career batting average and a 127 OPS+ set the standard at the catcher position for years to come. Dickey cemented his legacy with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1954.

Bill Dickey — Career	Total
G	1789
AB	6300
H	1969
HR	202
RBI	1209
SB	36
AVG	.313
OBP	.382
SLG	.486
OPS	.868
All-Star selections	11
World Series titles	7

22. Tony Lazzeri – The Silent Slugger of Murderers' Row (HOF)

This Hall of Famer can be considered a beneficiary of a legendary franchise, but those who watched Tony Lazzeri play will say that Murderers' Row wouldn't be the same without him.

For a second baseman, Lazzeri was a big part of the Yankees' offense. He accumulated 1,194 RBI over his 14-year career, proving his worth as one of the greatest clutch hitters at the position.

Tony Lazzeri — Career	Total
G	1740
AB	6297
H	1840
HR	178
RBI	1191
SB	148
AVG	.292
OBP	.380
SLG	.467
OPS	.847
All-Star selections	1
World Series titles	5

21. Jorge Posada – The Fiery Heart of the Core Four

Speaking of clutch hitters, Jorge Posada always seemed to deliver when the Yankees needed him most. With over 1,000 RBI in his 17-year career, he helped carry New York to four World Series championships.

Posada is regarded as one of the most prolific offensive catchers in his era, as he earned five Silver Sluggers to go along with his five All-Star selections.

Jorge Posada — Career	Total
G	1829
AB	6092
H	1664
HR	275
RBI	1065
SB	20
AVG	.273
OBP	.374
SLG	.474
OPS	.848
All-Star selections	5
Silver Sluggers	5
World Series titles	4

20. Andy Pettitte – October's Most Reliable Left Arm

Sports have always been about the moments, and Andy Pettitte produced them over his 18-year career. It's hard to believe he only received three All-Star selections in his 15 years over two stints with the Yankees.

Sometimes, the regular season really is just a warm-up for the postseason for some players, as Pettitte turned it on when October came around.

Andy Pettitte — Career	Total
W	256
L	153
ERA	3.85
G	531
IP	3316.0
SO	2448
WHIP	1.35
SV	0
All-Star selections	3
World Series titles	5

19. Bernie Williams – The Guitar-Playing Gentleman in Center

Now more known for his electric renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner, Bernie Williams was electric in center field for the Yankees over 16 seasons.

A .297 career batting average with a 125 OPS+ makes him one of the more underrated switch-hitters in history. Of course, the Bronx knows all about great switch-hitting center fielders, as we'll get to one later on this list.

Bernie Williams — Career	Total
G	2076
AB	7869
H	2336
HR	287
RBI	1257
SB	147
AVG	.297
OBP	.381
SLG	.477
OPS	.858
All-Star selections	5
Gold Gloves	4
Silver Sluggers	1
World Series titles	4

18. Paul O'Neill – The Perfectionist Who Punched Water Coolers

Sometimes a change of scenery can change the trajectory of a career. That's how it was for Paul O'Neill. He was known basically as just a hot-headed, solid outfielder in Cincinnati.

Then he came to the Bronx and became one of the premier right fielders in baseball. Four out of his five career All-Star selections came in New York, as he helped them win three World Series championships.

Paul O’Neill — Career	Total
G	2053
AB	7318
H	2105
HR	281
RBI	1269
SB	141
AVG	.288
OBP	.363
SLG	.470
OPS	.833
All-Star selections	5
World Series titles	5

17. Don Mattingly – Donnie Baseball's Back-Breaking Excellence

One of the greatest players not in the Hall of Fame, Don Mattingly has been long overlooked for baseball's highest honor. The 1985 MVP built up a career .307 batting average while collecting nine Gold Gloves. For those who say his career was cut short, the accumulation is there, as his 2,153 career hits are still more than the number of current Hall of Famers.

Don Mattingly — Career	Total
G	1785
AB	7003
H	2153
HR	222
RBI	1099
SB	14
AVG	.307
OBP	.358
SLG	.471
OPS	.829
MVP	1
All-Star selections	6
Gold Gloves	9
Silver Sluggers	3

16. Thurman Munson – The Captain Who Never Got His Due

Thurman Munson had an unfortunately short 11-year career, but he had already made the most of it. A .292 career batting average, 116 career OPS+, and three Gold Gloves show how talented he was offensively and defensively.

Munson won the MVP in 1976, and he helped make the Yankees the home of some of the greatest catchers in history.

Thurman Munson — Career	Total
G	1423
AB	5344
H	1558
HR	113
RBI	701
SB	48
AVG	.292
OBP	.346
SLG	.410
OPS	.756
MVP	1
All-Star selections	7
Gold Gloves	3
World Series titles	2
Rookie of the Year	1

15. Ron Guidry – Louisiana Lightning's Magical 1978

No pitcher in the world was better than Ron Guidry in 1978. His 1.74 ERA and 248 strikeouts led to a 25-3 record that easily won the Cy Young Award. A 3.29 career ERA shows that he was able to keep the Yankees in it throughout his 14-year career. Guidry also played his position well, with five Gold Gloves to go along with his four All-Star selections.

Ron Guidry — Career	Total
W	170
L	91
ERA	3.29
G	368
IP	2392.0
SO	1778
WHIP	1.18
SV	4
Cy Young	1
All-Star selections	4
Gold Gloves	5
World Series titles	2

14. Catfish Hunter – The Mustachioed Ace Who Came Home (HOF)

An amazing career with the Athletics continued when he joined the Yankees in 1975. I understand that some Yankee fans will think that his tenure in the Bronx didn't go quite as well as anticipated. But he still delivered elite performances that helped the Yankees win two World Series championships, earning two All-Star selections along the way.

Catfish Hunter — Career	Total
W	224
L	166
ERA	3.26
G	500
IP	3449.1
SO	2012
WHIP	1.13
SV	1
Cy Young	1
All-Star selections	8
World Series titles	5

13. Goose Gossage – The Intimidating Closer Before Rivera (HOF)

One of the early closers who popularized the save, Goose Gossage was as intimidating as any reliever in history. His look, highlighted by his signature mustache, was a menacing one to face every time he came in from the bullpen.

He spent seven seasons in the Bronx and was an All-Star in four of them, leading the league in saves twice.

Rich Gossage — Career	Total
W	124
L	107
ERA	3.01
G	1002
IP	1809.1
SO	1502
WHIP	1.23
SV	310
All-Star selections	9
World Series titles	1

12. Dave Winfield – The 6'6" Giant Who Outlasted The Boss (HOF)

I always picture Dave Winfield with a generally happy demeanor, which makes it hard to believe that he would have such public conflicts with the legendary owner, George Steinbrenner.

Their personalities clashed for nine years, as Winfield was too good to let go. He earned eight All-Star selections, five Silver Sluggers, and five Gold Gloves in those nine years.

Dave Winfield — Career	Total
G	2973
AB	11003
H	3110
HR	465
RBI	1833
SB	223
AVG	.283
OBP	.353
SLG	.475
OPS	.828
All-Star selections	12
Gold Gloves	7
Silver Sluggers	6
World Series titles	1

11. Reggie Jackson – Mr. October's Three-Swing Immortality (HOF)

There is arguably no one more legendary in the postseason than Reggie Jackson. That's why he's called Mr. October.

Even though he is known for his heroics across four World Series with two different teams, his legendary Game 6 performance came as a Yankee when he blasted three home runs to carry New York to a win in the 1977 World Series.

Reggie Jackson — Career	Total
G	2820
AB	9864
H	2584
HR	563
RBI	1702
SB	228
AVG	.262
OBP	.356
SLG	.490
OPS	.846
MVP	1
All-Star selections	14
Silver Sluggers	2
World Series titles	4

10. Phil Rizzuto – The Scooter's Holy Cow Broadcasting Legacy (HOF)

Phil Rizzuto is a Yankee through and through. The five-time All-Star and 1950 MVP won seven rings while being a part of many more with his work in the broadcast booth.

There aren't many people in baseball history who have dedicated their lives to one team quite like Rizzuto. There are countless Yankee fans who can hear "Holy Cow" in their heads right now.

Phil Rizzuto — Career	Total
G	1661
AB	5816
H	1588
HR	38
RBI	563
SB	149
AVG	.273
OBP	.351
SLG	.355
OPS	.706
MVP	1
All-Star selections	5
World Series titles	7

9. Red Ruffing – The Pitcher Who Could Also Hit Cleanup (HOF)

A long 22-year career saw Red Ruffing switch from a struggling Red Sox franchise to their rivals to join Babe Ruth and company. Ruffing would then earn six All-Star selections as they were instituted halfway through his career, and he was having some of his best seasons.

The Hall of Famer finished with 273 career wins and a legacy that's immortalized.

Red Ruffing — Career	Total
W	273
L	225
ERA	3.80
G	624
IP	4344.0
SO	1987
WHIP	1.34
SV	16
All-Star selections	6
World Series titles	6

8. Whitey Ford – The Chairman of the Board's Clutch Gene (HOF)

Whitey Ford was dominant throughout his 16-year career. A 2.75 career ERA is highly impressive. Even under advanced stats, a 133 ERA+ for a career confirms his status as a Hall of Famer.

The 10-time All-Star won the Cy Young Award in 1961 when he went 25-4, leading baseball in starts and innings pitched as the premier pitching workhorse for the Yankees.

Whitey Ford — Career	Total
W	236
L	106
ERA	2.75
G	498
IP	3170.1
SO	1956
WHIP	1.22
SV	10
Cy Young	1
All-Star selections	8
World Series titles	6

7. Derek Jeter – The Captain's Clutch Gene and Flip Play (HOF)

It is hard to describe the impact of Derek Jeter's career because there are so many different ways to go with it. The counting stats are there with his astounding 3,465 career hits. The accolades are there with his 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, Rookie of the Year, and World Series MVP.

The wins are there as he led the Yankees to five World Series championships. Finally, the community impact is there with his Roberto Clemente Award. The Captain was everything and more for baseball.

Derek Jeter — Career	Total
G	2747
AB	11195
H	3465
HR	260
RBI	1311
SB	358
AVG	.310
OBP	.377
SLG	.440
OPS	.817
All-Star selections	14
Gold Gloves	5
Silver Sluggers	5
World Series titles	5
Rookie of the Year	1

6. Yogi Berra – It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over Wisdom (HOF)

Saying that someone is a "national treasure" can be a little overused these days, but that phrase can certainly be used for Yogi Berra. The Yogisms are plentiful, and I don't have to go through them all with you (or else it'd feel like deja vu all over again).

But the way he'd call a game from behind the plate actually doesn't get talked about enough. Through all those fun sayings, Berra was actually a genius, and it came through in his play as a legendary catcher.

Yogi Berra — Career	Total
G	2120
AB	7555
H	2150
HR	358
RBI	1430
SB	30
AVG	.285
OBP	.348
SLG	.482
OPS	.830
MVP	3
All-Star selections	15
World Series titles	10

5. Mariano Rivera – Enter Sandman's Unhittable Cutter (HOF)

The first unanimous Hall of Famer certainly earned that recognition as the unquestionable greatest closer of all time. Rivera may hold an unbeatable record with his 652 career saves. The way relievers are utilized today, there may not be a closer who will be able to touch it.

The 13-time All-Star won a World Series MVP, which really proves how valuable a closer can be on the biggest stage.

Mariano Rivera — Career	Total
W	82
L	60
ERA	2.21
G	1115
IP	1283.2
SO	1173
WHIP	1.00
SV	652
All-Star selections	13
World Series titles	5

4. Lou Gehrig – The Iron Horse's 2,130 Consecutive Games (HOF)

There is no measuring the impact Lou Gehrig has had not just on baseball, but on the world. The Iron Horse inspired millions with his ability to do his job at a Hall of Fame level every single day and then battle ALS for the rest of his life.

His legacy still lives on today as ALS awareness is widespread throughout the sport, and people affected have been uplifted and supported by those in the baseball community.

Lou Gehrig — Career	Total
G	2164
AB	8001
H	2721
HR	493
RBI	1995
SB	102
AVG	.340
OBP	.447
SLG	.632
OPS	1.079

3. Joe DiMaggio – Joltin' Joe's 56-Game Streak and Marilyn (HOF)

Joe DiMaggio only played in the MLB for 13 years, thanks to World War II occurring right in the middle of it. Somehow, he was still able to accumulate 2,214 hits, 361 home runs, 1,390 runs, and 1,537 RBI in his career. That's thanks to his .325 career batting average with a whopping 155 OPS+.

He was selected to the All-Star team every single year of his career and voted the MVP an impressive three times.

Joe DiMaggio — Career	Total
G	1736
AB	6821
H	2214
HR	361
RBI	1537
SB	30
AVG	.325
OBP	.398
SLG	.579
OPS	.977
MVP	3
All-Star selections	13
World Series titles	9

2. Mickey Mantle – The Switch-Hitting God with Wounded Knees (HOF)

A 130 OPS+ is a mark of a great hitter. Mickey Mantle was below that in the 96 games he played at 19 years old. He never had a single season where he finished with an OPS+ below 130 for the rest of his amazing 18-year career. He was greatness personified as the true mark of a five-tool player in center field.

My favorite fact is that he was so good, he was selected to the All-Star Game 20 times in just 18 years. Yeah, I know there was that short span of two All-Star Games per year in the MLB, but it's still cool to say that about Mickey Mantle nonetheless.

Mickey Mantle — Career	Total
G	2401
AB	8102
H	2415
HR	536
RBI	1509
SB	153
AVG	.298
OBP	.421
SLG	.557
OPS	.978
MVP	3
All-Star selections	16
Gold Gloves	1
World Series titles	7

1. Babe Ruth – The Sultan of Swat Who Built the House (HOF)

There are legends of the Yankees, there are legends of baseball, and then there are legends of sports. The Great Bambino fits all three easily. We don't even have to talk about the numbers. Babe Ruth transformed the way we look at sports in America. Heck, he may have had the same effect on the entire world.

His legacy is as big as it gets, and we will be talking about him until the end of time. There is no doubt about that. I know it's no surprise who we ended this list with, but I hope you enjoyed this one and check out the rest of the historic baseball lists we have to offer.

Babe Ruth — Career	Total
G	2504
AB	8399
H	2873
HR	714
RBI	2213
SB	123
AVG	.342
OBP	.474
SLG	.690
OPS	1.164
All-Star selections	2
World Series titles	7

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