NFL
By: Billy Lewis
Paul O’Neill patrolled right field in the Bronx for nine seasons (1993-2001) and fittingly 21 years later will have his number 21 retired by the New York Yankees on August 21, 2022. Though O’Neill retired after the 2001 World Series, he has still remained popular with Yankee fans as one of the color analysts on the YES Network.
8.21.22
Paul O’Neill’s No. 21 enters Monument Park. pic.twitter.com/6ewcbEDPKj
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 22, 2022
O’Neill will become the seventh member (and sixth player) of the Yankees’ late 90’s dynasty to have his number retired joining: Derek Jeter, Joe Torre, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Bernie Williams.
O’Neill was traded from his hometown Cincinnati Reds to the New York Yankees following the 1992 season in exchange for Roberto Kelly. He had a solid first season in the Bronx but truly broke out in 1994. He won the American League batting title hitting .359 and made his second career All-Star team.
Paul O’Neill Yankee Legacy
He continued to be a key piece for the Yankees playoff teams, including helping them make the playoffs in 1995. On the field, he was a fierce competitor and wasn’t afraid to take out his frustrations on nearby water coolers. This passion evolved into George Steinbrenner nicknaming him “The Warrior.” The fire could be seen with his game-saving catch in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series.
During his nine seasons in the Bronx O’Neill was a fan favorite and with the possibility of retirement looming, Yankee fans showed The Warrior just how much he was loved during Game 5 of the 2001 World Series. Down 2-0 in the top of the ninth, the fans started a “Paul O’Neill” chant that would go on for the duration of the inning. O’Neill responded by tipping his cap as he got to the dugout.
Though O’Neill’s 21 has not been officially retired, until this upcoming season, it has basically been out of jersey number circulation. After his retirement in 2001, 21 was not worn until LaTroy Hawkins wore it for a couple of games in 2008. While wearing 21 Hawkins was greeted with boos as well as impromptu Paul O’Neill chants. Hawkins shortly switched to 22 and 21 hasn’t been on a pinstriped jersey since.
August 21st will not be the first time the Yankees will honor Paul O’Neill. He was originally celebrated in August of 2014 with a plaque in Monument Park. Despite not getting his number retired then, it felt as though 21 was unofficially retired. Seven years later, 21 will become officially retired for the Yankees organization.
O’Neill’s 21 will be the 23rd number retired by the Yankees. The Warrior was a pillar for the Yankees dynasty, typically batting third and helping to lead them to four World Series Championships and five World Series appearances in six seasons. During his Yankee career, O’Neill had the four World Series rings, four All-Star appearances, and the batting title. Some may say the Yankees retire too many numbers, but we may never see a dynasty like those 1996-2001 teams again and for The Warrior, it’s a well-deserved jersey retirement.
