Uniforms and Numbers

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Posted By: Ken McMillan

Hello to all,

A quick post about uniforms and numbers. I understand that the reason numbers were originally placed on uniforms was to identify players from a distance and usually corresonded to the players position in the batting order. My question is when did teams start using numbers on uniforms for their players? Ideas and facts?

Ken

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Posted By: Andrew Parks

From what I know, the Yankees were the first team to do so regularly which is why Ruth was 3 and Gehrig was 4. That's where they hit in the order.

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Posted By: Ken McMillan

That would be part of the original murderers row from what you are saying. Would the first year be 1927?

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Posted By: Andrew Parks

Possibly 1927 - I'm sure someone else would know.

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Posted By: Steve Dawson

According to this website, the Yankees were the first team to use uniform numbers on a permanent basis, starting the practice in 1929.

http://www.yankeenumbers.com/playerslist.asp?cmd=reset



Steve

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Posted By: MVSNYC

for whatever it's worth, lou gehrig's # 4 was the first to ever be retired...

...and jackie robinson's # 42 is the only number to be retired by ALL major league teams, across the board.

[Archive]

Posted By: howard

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/dressed_to_the_nines/numbers.htm

Howard

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Posted By: Ken McMillan

Howard,
That was a really cool article. Thanks for the imput.

Ken

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Posted By: barrysloate

When #42 was permanently retired in 1997, players using that number at the time were allowed to keep it until they finished their career. I believe Mariano Rivera still wears #42, and may be the last player to have it in baseball history.

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Posted By: MVSNYC

i think "Big Mo" Vaughn wore #42 past 1997