How many numbers are retired in the MLB?
The Major League Baseball (MLB) has a rich history of retired numbers, which serve as a testament to the great players who have graced the diamond over the years. Retired numbers are a symbol of the respect and admiration fans have for these legendary players, and they are displayed prominently in ballparks across the league. But just how many numbers have been retired in the MLB?
As of now, the MLB has retired a total of 116 numbers across all teams. This includes both individual player numbers and team-specific numbers. The process of retiring a number is a significant honor, and it is typically done to recognize a player’s exceptional career and their impact on the game.
The first number to be retired in the MLB was 30 by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956, honoring the legendary Jackie Robinson. Since then, the number has been retired by all teams in the league, making it a symbol of unity and respect for Robinson’s groundbreaking role in breaking the color barrier. Other notable numbers include 42, retired by all teams in 1997 to honor Robinson, and 3, retired by the Yankees in 1999 to honor the late Yankee legend, Babe Ruth.
Retired Numbers by Individual Players
The majority of retired numbers in the MLB belong to individual players. Some of the most iconic numbers include:
– 42: Honoring Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in the MLB, and a symbol of his groundbreaking role in breaking the color barrier.
– 3: Retired by the Yankees in 1999 to honor Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, who is often regarded as the greatest player of all time.
– 16: Retired by the Cubs in 2003 to honor Ernie Banks, the Hall of Famer known as “Mr. Cub.”
– 27: Retired by the Phillies in 1993 to honor Hall of Famer Roy Halladay, who won two Cy Young Awards during his career.
Retired Numbers by Teams
In addition to individual player numbers, some teams have also retired numbers that are associated with the team itself. For example:
– 6: Retired by the Red Sox in 2004 to honor Pedro Martinez, who won the Cy Young Award in 1999 and 2004.
– 33: Retired by the Orioles in 2018 to honor Cal Ripken Jr., the Iron Man of baseball, who played in 2,632 consecutive games.
– 10: Retired by the Mariners in 2019 to honor Edgar Martinez, the all-time leader inOPS+ and a Hall of Famer.
Conclusion
The number of retired numbers in the MLB is a testament to the rich history and the countless great players who have graced the diamond. With 116 numbers retired across all teams, fans can look up to the retired numbers and remember the legends who have left an indelible mark on the game. As the MLB continues to evolve, the list of retired numbers is sure to grow, honoring the future greats who will etch their names into baseball history.
