The long-time center fielder for the Yankees and one of the most feared hitters during the team's late '90s heyday, Williams was kicked him to the curb as he approached his 40th birthday.

Signed to the Yankees at the tender age of seventeen, Williams became a regular starter in the 1993 season but gained major recognition starting with the 1995 by leading the team in runs, hits, and stolen bases. A major postseason threat, he was a key component in the 1996, ‘98, ‘99, and ‘00 World Series, and in 1998, he became the first player to win a batting title (with a .339 batting average), a Gold Glove award, and a World Series ring in the same year. A five-time All-Star, in 2005, though, he struggled most notably in the field and was demoted to designated hitter, and although he had a brief comeback in the 2006 due to some injuries that allowed him some playing time, he left Yanks at the end of the season. Now a figure at Old Timers Day, Williams has time for his other great passion: music. A classically trained guitar player, he's skills are legit; he signed on Paul McCartney's record label and was even nominated for a Latin Grammy award. However, to most New Yorkers he'll always be "51." [Image via Getty]