In a move that has added both depth and a touch of nostalgia to the New York Yankees, the team acquired former National League MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday evening. The trade didn’t just bolster the Yankees’ roster — it cemented a rare father-son legacy in the storied franchise’s history.
By putting on the iconic pinstripes, Cody Bellinger becomes part of just the fourth father-son duo to play for the Yankees, following in the footsteps of his father, Clay Bellinger, who was a key contributor during the franchise’s late 1990s and early 2000s dynasties.
Clay Bellinger played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001, a period that saw the team clinch two World Series titles, including the memorable 2000 championship against the Mets in the Subway Series. Although Clay was primarily a utility player, his impact went beyond his modest stats (.194 batting average, 12 home runs, 35 RBIs over 343 plate appearances).
One of his defining moments came in Game 2 of the 2000 World Series when he made a crucial ninth-inning catch at the wall on a deep fly ball by Mets first baseman Todd Zeile. That game-saving play helped the Yankees secure a critical win and eventually their 26th World Series championship.
Other three in Yankees’ father-son club
The Bellingers join an elite club of Yankees father-son pairs whose careers crossed paths with the Bronx Bombers:
Yogi Berra (1946–63), Dale Berra (1985-86)
AP
Yogi Berra, one of baseball’s most iconic figures, played 18 seasons with the Yankees, capturing 10 World Series titles and earning 15 All-Star nods. He was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
His son Dale Berra followed in his father’s footsteps, playing for the Yankees from 1985 to 1986. During Dale’s first season, Yogi managed the team, making their shared tenure a particularly unique chapter in the team history.
Ron Davis (1978–81), Ike Davis (2016)
David Zalubowski/AP
Ron Davis pitched for the Yankees from 1978 to 1981, earning an All-Star selection in his final season with the team. He set a franchise record by striking out eight consecutive batters in a game against the Angels on May 4, 1981.
His son, Ike Davis, had a brief stint with the Yankees in 2016, playing just eight games after signing a major league contract that June. While his time in the Bronx was short-lived, it still placed him in the exclusive Yankees father-son club.
Mark Leiter (1990), Mark Leiter Jr. (2024 onward)
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Mark Leiter made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 1990, pitching in eight games and recording a 6.84 ERA over 26 1/3 innings. His tenure with the team was brief but memorable.
His son, Mark Leiter Jr., joined the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline after being dealt with by the Cubs. He pitched 21 2/3 innings for New York, posting a 4.98 ERA with 33 strikeouts. He also played a critical role in the playoffs, recording a stellar 1.69 ERA in 5 1/3 postseason innings.
Cody Bellinger’s Yankees challenge
Clay’s son Cody steps into the same spotlight but with bigger expectations. A two-time All-Star and former MVP, Cody hit .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs during the 2024 season. The 29-year-old brings a potent left-handed bat and Gold Glove-caliber defense to a Yankees team eyeing another postseason run.
Cody, who has two years remaining on his current contract, expressed enthusiasm about joining the franchise that played such a pivotal role in his father’s career. “It’s an incredible honor to wear the same uniform my dad did and be part of this team’s tradition. I’m ready to contribute and make my own mark,” he said in a statement.
With Cody Bellinger now suiting up for the Yankees, the legacy of father-son duos in pinstripes continues. For the Bellingers, the opportunity represents both family tradition and a new chapter in baseball history. As Cody aims to create his own memorable moments in Yankee Stadium, fans will be watching closely — hoping for another generation of October magic.
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