New York Yankees retire Bernie Williams's No. 51
The New York Yankees retired former centerfielder Bernie Williams's No. 51 on Sunday before their game against the Texas Rangers.
Williams was also honored with a plaque in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees are wearing patches honoring him on Sunday. He formally retired last month despite not playing in a game since 2006.
New York announced in February that it would retire the numbers of Williams, pitcher Andy Pettitte and catcher Jorge Posada during the 2015 season. Pettitte and Posada's ceremonies will be in August.
Williams won four World Series titles during his 16-year career in New York. He was a five-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove award winner.
• CORCORAN: Why Bernie deserves to have his number retired
Several of Williams's former teammates and coaches, including Mariano Rivera, Tino Martinez, Joe Torre, Paul O'Neill and David Cone, joined him on the field for the ceremony. Derek Jeter was also in attendance, making his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since his retirement.
The outfielder accumulated a .297 career average with 2,336 hits, 287 home runs and 1,257 RBIs. The Yankees signed Williams as an amateur free agent in 1985 and he made his MLB debut in 1991.
- Molly Geary
