Back in August, I kicked off a series here at Pinstripe Alley where we formed All-Star Yankees teams comprised of players born in specific months. Since then, our team has been sharing daily posts leading up to 2026 that highlight Yankees from history who celebrated their birthdays on those days. Instead of wrapping up each month’s birthday posts abruptly, I thought it would be great to use the full month’s lineup as a way to revisit all the players we’ve covered. It also gave me a chance to reflect on some players who share birthdays with others we might not have featured.
With that, here are my picks for the Yankees’ January birthday team.
Pitcher: David Cone (featured January 2nd)
There was really only one clear choice for the pitching spot in January. Cone helped the Yankees win four World Series titles, threw memorable perfect games, and continues to be a voice for the team as a member of the YES Network broadcast crew. Cone’s legacy is undeniable!
Catcher: Nunamakers (featured January 25th)
There wasn’t an obvious better option to be Cone’s battery mate, so I went with Nunamakers, who we showcased on January 25th.
First baseman: Jason Giambi (featured January 8th)
Signing Giambi was one of the moves that truly gave the Yankees an “Evil Empire” vibe in the 2000s. He became a consistently strong part of the Bronx lineup throughout his time with the team.
Second baseman: Alfonso Soriano (featured January 7th)
Although Soriano spent most of his Yankees career playing outfield, he primarily played second base during his time in New York. That’s where he belongs in this lineup.
Shortstop: Luis Sojo (featured January 3rd)
Sojo was a valuable utility infielder for the Yankees’ championship teams in the ’90s and early 2000s. While not a star hitter, he contributed key moments like his clutch hit in Game 5 of the 2000 World Series that helped sustain the dynasty.
Third baseman: Brian Doyle (featured January 26th)
Though better players have surely worn the third base glove, Doyle deserves inclusion for his heroics in the 1978 World Series. His regular-season OPS was just .392, but he hit .938 during the pivotal six-game winning streak against the .
Left fielder: Stan Javier
This might be the team’s weakest spot. Javier had a solid 17-year major league career, but only appeared in seven games for the Yankees. He was overshadowed by other stars like 1962 World Series MVP Ralph Terry (featured January 9th), and played just briefly for New York in 1984 before being traded as part of the Rickey Henderson deal.
Center fielder: Tim Hendricks
Hendricks, who played for the Yankees from 1915 to 1917, wasn’t part of our birthday series but is included here. He shined in his final game with the team before being traded that offseason. Interestingly, Hendricks shares a birthday—January 31—with pitcher Duke Mars.
Right fielder: George Selkirk (featured January 4th)
Selkirk was the man tasked with replacing Babe Ruth in the Yankees lineup after Ruth’s departure in 1935. While he can’t be compared to the Babe, Selkirk had an impressive nine-year career with New York and did a commendable job filling big shoes.
Designated Hitter: Chili Davis (featured January 17th)
While Hall of Famer Johnny Mize could be a good choice here—he ended his career as a Yankee pinch hitter—there was no designated hitter during his playing days. If you look up “designated hitter” today, you might just find Chili Davis.
Fan Take:
This lineup highlights the rich history and depth of Yankees talent born in January, reminding baseball fans of the diverse and impactful players who helped shape the franchise. Celebrating these players’ birthdays not only honors their legacies but also enriches our appreciation for the game’s evolving story through the years.
