The Greatest New York Yankees Players of All Time

Facts verified June 2026.

Who is the greatest New York Yankees player of all time?

By the measure of championships, individual honors, and lasting impact, Babe Ruth tops most all-time New York Yankees rankings. The full top 5 follows.

1. Babe Ruth RF \u00b7 1920–1934

   The most transformative player in baseball history. Won four World Series in pinstripes and rewrote the record book; his arrival turned the Yankees into a dynasty.

2. Lou Gehrig 1B \u00b7 1923–1939

   "The Iron Horse" — a six-time champion and the first player in MLB history to have his number retired (No. 4). One of the greatest first basemen ever.

3. Mickey Mantle CF \u00b7 1951–1968

   A switch-hitting force, three-time MVP, and seven-time World Series champion who defined the Yankees of the 1950s and '60s.

4. Joe DiMaggio CF \u00b7 1936–1951

   "The Yankee Clipper" — nine-time champion and owner of the 56-game hitting streak, one of the most unbreakable records in sports.

5. Derek Jeter SS \u00b7 1995–2014

   "The Captain" — five-time champion, franchise hits leader, and the face of the late-'90s dynasty. A first-ballot Hall of Famer.

More New York Yankees: Greatest Players · Schedule · Latest News