New York Yankees: The 10 biggest mistakes the Yankees ever made
By Ryan Morik
6. Giving LaTroy Hawkins No. 21
As previously mentioned, Paul O’Neill was a huge fan favorite. In the ninth inning of his final home game in the Bronx, the crowd chanted his name, even though they were three defensive outs away from being down 3-2 in the World Series. They wound up winning that game, but instead of panicking, the fans were focused on The Warrior.
In 2008, the Yankees signed LaTroy Hawkins, who had never worn the number 21 in his career. In his defense, his previous numbers – 32 and 23 – are retired by the Yankees for Elston Howard and Don Mattingly, respectively.
So he took the non-retired No. 21, marking the first time it was worn in pinstripes since O’Neill.
And the crowd let him know it was a huge mistake. He was booed and jeered, and fans chanted O’Neill’s name. On April 16, 2002, Hawkins changed his number to 22.
To make matters worse, he was horrible as a Yankee, going 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA in 33 appearances, and he was designated for assignment that July.
More recently, Todd Frazier knew knot to wear his preferred No. 21 when he was traded to the Yankees. He wore it before with Cincinnati, after with the Mets, and is wearing it with the Rangers.
O’Neill has a plaque in Monument Park, but the number is still not officially retired.
But if it ever is, it’s a shame that he will not have been the last Yankee to wear it.