New York Yankees Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

Why do the Yankees wear pinstripes?

The Yankees adopted pinstripes permanently in 1915, and the look became iconic over the following decades.

A popular myth claims they were added to make Babe Ruth look slimmer, but the stripes predate Ruth's 1920 arrival in New York — the team simply made them a permanent part of the home uniform. The Yankees also famously do not put player names on the backs of their jerseys, emphasizing team over individual.

Which team has won the most World Series?

The New York Yankees, with 27 World Series championships — more than any other franchise in North American professional sports.

The St. Louis Cardinals are a distant second in MLB with 11. The Yankees have also appeared in the World Series 40+ times, another record.

What is Monument Park at Yankee Stadium?

Monument Park is an open-air museum beyond the center-field fence at Yankee Stadium, displaying monuments and plaques honoring the franchise's greatest players and managers, along with the retired numbers.

It began with a monument to manager Miller Huggins in 1932 and was originally in the field of play at the old stadium.

New York Yankees Records, Titles & Milestones

How many World Series titles have the New York Yankees won?

The New York Yankees have won 8 World Series titles (2009, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1978, 1977, 1962).

Do the New York Yankees retire jersey numbers?

The Yankees have retired 22 numbers honoring 23 individuals — the most in Major League Baseball. Numbers 8 and 42 were each retired for two people (Berra/Dickey; Rivera, plus MLB's league-wide retirement of 42 for Jackie Robinson).

Ring of Honor (22 members)

The Greatest New York Yankees Players of All Time

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.