Paul O'Neill contributed to four World Series champions, made four All-Star Games and won a batting title in New York. (AP)
Leading up to Christmas, we're counting down each day with the best players to wear numbers 1-25 for the Yankees. The list includes Hall of Famers, recent stars, title-winning managers and fan favorites that have donned pinstripes over the last 115 years.
Let's continue with No. 21, The Warrior, Paul O'Neill.
If there was ever a player with the attitude and swagger to win over Yankee fans after coming from another organization, it was Paul O'Neill. No, water coolers weren't safe near "The Warrior," but neither were pitches from opposing pitchers as O'Neill served as the right fielder during the 1990s Yankees dynasty.
Before the 1993 season, O'Neill came to the Bronx in a trade from his hometown Reds in exchange for Roberto Kelly. O'Neill's veteran presence helped accelerate the Yankees' rebuild and almost immediately boosted them towards contender status with him in the middle of the order.
Over nine seasons with the Bombers, O'Neill eclipsed 100 RBI four times, made four All-Star teams, won a batting title (1994) and batted .300 or better each year from 1993-1998. He also hit between 18 and 24 home runs in all nine seasons. He contributed to both David Cone's perfect game in 1998 with a sliding grab and David Wells' perfecto in 1999 with the final out.
O'Neill's success stretched into October as a decorated postseason veteran. In his playoff career with the Yankees, he posted 10 home runs, 34 RBI and a .281/.355/.459 batting line while contributing to five AL pennants and four World Series.
His home run in the first inning of 1998 ALCS Game 4 helped turn around the series. The Warrior also started the game-tying rallies in the 9th inning of 2000 World Series Game 1 and 2001 Game 4, as well as the go-ahead hit in the eighth inning of 1999 Game 1.
However, O'Neill's signature postseason moment came with his glove, catching the final out of the pivotal 1-0 Game 5 in the 1996 World Series.
O'Neill's passion for the game came through often and created a strong rapport with Yankee fans that continues to this day. The fans made it clear as day when they chanted his name during his final home game.
The No. 21 has been worn only once since his retirement and has been out of commission for a decade.
Other notable Yankees to wear No. 21
Spud Chandler - A pitcher for the Yankees from 1937-1947, Chandler won three World Series rings. His 1943 MVP season was one of the best in baseball history as he went 20-4 with a 1.64 ERA and five shutouts before going 2-0 in the Fall Classic.
Deion Sanders - Though far more successful in football and with the Braves, Sanders began his career with the Yankees and wore No. 21 in 1990.
Ken Phelps - The Yankees got two years of Ken Phelps and all it cost was ... slugger Jay Buhner. All the baseball people were saying Ken Phelps, Ken Phelps!
