Bernie Williams’ Number 51 Retired by New York Yankees Today

One of the most admired athletes in the history of baseball is enjoying one of the greatest honors that can be earned by any player.

Number 51, the badge worn by New York Yankees' Bernie Williams, is being retired by the organization today.  The day is also "Bernie Williams Day," as fans mark his contributions to the team during his professional career - all sixteen years with the Yankees.  Discovered by the team when he was sixteen, Williams officially signed with the Yanks on his seventeenth birthday.

Born Bernabé Williams Figueroa, Jr., the five all-time Major League baseball All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, is also a jazz guitarist who was nominated for a Latin Grammy award in 2009.