Number Assignments
The original baseball numbers were based on the lineup. The starting players would be numbered 1-8, based on their spot in the order. The backup catcher would be number 9, and the pitchers would wear 10-14 (but not 13, as that is superstitious). Notable examples of this system are teammates Babe Ruth (he was number 3 and batted third for the Yankees) and Lou Gehrig (number 4, batted fourth).
Today teams do not assign numbers based on that system; personal preference combined with retired numbers has made it impossible. However, a few trends do present themselves quite clearly: Infielders, especially shortstops and second basemen, tend to be the players who would wear single digit numbers.
- Low numbers are usually only worn by position players.
- Pitchers usually wear high numbers (30+). Numbers in the 10s and 20s are usually only worn by a pitcher who is established as successful at the major league level. Almost no pitchers wear single digit numbers (with the current exceptions of the Toronto Blue Jays' Kyle Drabek and the Colorado Rockies' Adam Ottavino).
- The number 44 has been worn by many "power hitters" since Hank Aaron's career as home run king (Aaron was number 44).
- Players in spring training who are rookies or have a small chance of making the team are given very high numbers (60+). It is generally thought that the higher the number, the less chance of making the team.
- In Nippon Professional Baseball, the Japanese big leagues, the number 18 is often reserved for the ace pitcher. Upon arriving in the MLB, Japanese "import" pitchers have sought the number again (notably Hiroki Kuroda and Daisuke Matsuzaka).
Read more about this topic: Uniform Number (Major League Baseball)
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