The New York Yankees had a plaque in Monument Park thanking Paul O'Neil for his contributions to the team.
He is the 23rd player or manager in the Yankees' history to have his number retired.
The ceremony wasn't the same as others because he isn't vaccination against COVID-19 and the Yankees entered Sunday with 14 losses in their past 18 games. There were noticeable boos for Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman during the ceremony.
It was the first New York jersey retirement ceremony in a year and a half.
He thanked the fans a lot during his speech. He said that the Yankee fans had practiced and it sounded great.
George Steinbrenner nicknamed him "The Warrior" because he was a four-time World Series champion as a Yankees player. Fans remember the teams that won. We won a lot of things.
O'Neill hit.303 with 185 homers for the Yankees. He was an All-Star four times and won the American League batting title in 1994.
He wore the number for his entire big league career.
"This is the biggest dream that I've ever had in my life, and that's why I'm celebrating this day, because that's why I'm celebrating this day, because that's why I'm celebrating this day, because that's why I
Gene Monahan was the former trainer for the Yankees.
He stood next to his wife and family to unveil his retired number. He was brought onto the field in a golf cart as highlights played on the videoboard, including his final home game in Game 5 of the 2001 World Series and his run to end Game 5 of the 1996 World Series.
There were brief video messages from Joe Torre, David Cone and Don Mattingly, along with a message from Roberto Clemente Jr., the Hall of Fame's son.
"Obviously, Paul is a central figure in one of the many great times in Yankee baseball and dynasties, and it's fun to know Paul as a friendly, even silly guy that sometimes is a contrast with who he was," said the manager.
A plaque of Steinbrenner's jersey, a custom wine bottle, and a water cooler were some of the gifts given to O'Neill.
Unvaccinated personnel are not allowed to talk to any players in the New York's current roster because of their vaccine status, so the signed, framed jersey was the closest thing O'Neill had to interact with the current roster.
The YES Network has broadcasted games from O'Neil's home in Ohio since the 2020 season. In an interview with NJ Advance Media, O'Neill said he wouldn't discuss his vaccine status.
After the 2001 World Series, the only New York player to wear No. 21 was LaTroy Hawkins, a relief pitcher.
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