User:GhostRiver/yanks

The New York Yankees, a professional baseball franchise in Major League Baseball, have given the title of captain to 16 players since the team's inaugural season as a member of the American League in 1903. For various seasons throughout the team's history, the position has been vacant, although players may have assumed unofficial leadership roles in the absence of a formal captain. While captains in early baseball were responsible for many of the functions now served by managers and coaches, the title has become purely honorary in modern professional baseball. The 16th and current captain of the Yankees is Aaron Judge, who took on the role prior to the 2023 season.

History
Following Gehrig's 1941 death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Yankees manager Joe McCarthy declared that there would be no future team captains. While players like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle took on unofficial leadership roles during their careers, the captain position remained vacant until 1976, when Thurman Munson received the title.

Captains
As of December 21, 2022, the Yankees recognize 16 official captains in team history.