The Yankees love to flaunt their history. This is understandable, considering all those championships, and it is also smart business. When they do it outside the public view, though, it takes on a different meaning, connecting generations of the privileged few who have worn pinstripes.
This season the Yankees have affixed all of their retired numbers above the lockers in the home clubhouse. They honor nearly two dozen players or managers this way, so the numbers ring the room. Giancarlo Stanton dressed for his first Yankees home game on Tuesday under No. 10 — for Phil Rizzuto.
For historical resonance, 3 would have been better, for Babe Ruth, the original Bronx slugger.