Yankees retire Bernie Williams' No. 51
No. 51 was forever immortalized Sunday as the Yankees crowd roared for Bernie Williams one last time.
Prior to the game against the Texas Rangers, the club retired Williams' number, cementing him as one of the greatest players to ever don pinstripes.
"Thank you for letting me be a Yankee for life and keeping me here," Williams said to a standing ovation.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Over the course of 16 seasons, Williams was synonymous to championships, Gold Gloves and All-Star awards. But the one thing he most identified with was being a Yankee.
Although he's generally left out of the "Core Four," comprised of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte, the group was dubbed the "Fab 5" on Sunday.
"This is unbelievable," Williams said. "Never in my wildest dreams would have I ever thought that a skinny little 17-year-old kid from Puerto Rico could be here this day in this celebration. I am overwhelmed."
After a large ceremony, Williams personally unveiled the new No. 51 sign in Monument Park, the 18th number retired in the Yankees' storied history.