The Most Retired MLB Numbers
What MLB numbers are retired the most? Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have a long-standing tradition of retiring numbers to honor past players and coaches. Retired numbers are a way of saying thank you to those who have made a lasting impact on the franchise. So, which numbers are retired most often by MLB teams?
The Most Retired Numbers
There are several numbers that have been retired by multiple teams, but the most retired numbers are 42, 16, and 5. Jackie Robinson’s number 42 has been retired by every MLB team in honor of his courage and determination to break the color barrier in baseball. Lou Gehrig’s number 4 has also been widely retired, and is an enduring symbol of courage and strength. Other popular numbers that have been retired multiple times include Ted Williams’ number 9, Stan Musial’s number 6, and Yogi Berra’s number 8.
The New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have retired the most numbers of any MLB team, with a total of 20. These include numbers 1, 3-7, 8-10, 15, 16, 20, 23, 32, 37, 42, 44, 49, 51-53, and 62. Many of these numbers are associated with legendary Yankees players such as Babe Ruth (3), Lou Gehrig (4), Joe DiMaggio (5), Mickey Mantle (7), Yogi Berra (8), Whitey Ford (16), and Reggie Jackson (44).
The Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have retired the second most numbers of any MLB team, with a total of 14. These include numbers 1, 4, 19, 20, 24, 32, 39, 42, 53, 54, 55, 63, and 92. Many of these numbers are associated with legendary Dodgers players such as Duke Snider (4), Sandy Koufax (32), Don Drysdale (53), and Jackie Robinson (42).
The Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have retired the third most numbers of any MLB team, with a total of 13. These include numbers 1, 4, 6, 9, 14, 15, 16, 23, 26, 27, 45, 47, and 54. Many of these numbers are associated with legendary Red Sox players such as Ted Williams (9), Carl Yastrzemski (8), and Jim Rice (14).
The Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have retired the fourth most numbers of any MLB team, with a total of 12. These include numbers 1, 10, 14, 23, 26, 31, 32, 42, 53, 56, 66, and 71. Many of these numbers are associated with legendary Cubs players such as Ernie Banks (14), Ron Santo (10), and Billy Williams (26).
The St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have retired the fifth most numbers of any MLB team, with a total of 11. These include numbers 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 24, 42, 45, 50, and 85. Many of these numbers are associated with legendary Cardinals players such as Stan Musial (6), Bob Gibson (45), and Lou Brock (20).
Other Retired Numbers
Other MLB teams have retired several numbers as well. The San Francisco Giants have retired 10 numbers, including Willie Mays’ 24 and Juan Marichal’s 27. The Atlanta Braves have retired 6 numbers, including Hank Aaron’s 44 and Chipper Jones’ 10. The Toronto Blue Jays have retired 5 numbers, including Roberto Alomar’s 12 and Joe Carter’s 29. The Baltimore Orioles have retired 5 numbers, including Cal Ripken Jr.’s 8 and Brooks Robinson’s 5. The Seattle Mariners have retired 4 numbers, including Ken Griffey Jr.’s 24 and Edgar Martinez’s 11.
The Lasting Legacy of Retired Numbers
Retired numbers are a way of honoring baseball’s greatest players and coaches, and keeping their legacy alive. For example, when the New York Yankees retired Yogi Berra’s number 8, it was a way of saying thank you to all that he had done for the franchise. By retiring the numbers of legendary players, MLB teams are ensuring that their legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
The Debate Over Retiring Numbers
There is some debate over whether or not to retire numbers in MLB. Some argue that retiring numbers should be reserved for only the greatest players, while others argue that any player who makes a lasting impact on a team should be honored. It’s up to each team to decide which players and coaches will have their numbers retired, and which will not.
Retired Numbers and the Hall of Fame
Retired numbers are often associated with the Baseball Hall of Fame. Many Hall of Fame inductees have had their numbers retired by their former teams, including Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial. Retired numbers are a way of honoring the greatest players in the game, and ensuring that their legacy will live on.
Conclusion
What MLB numbers are retired most often? Jackie Robinson’s number 42 has been retired by every MLB team, and is the most retired number in MLB. Lou Gehrig’s number 4, Ted Williams’ number 9, and Stan Musial’s number 6 are also widely retired. The New York Yankees have retired the most numbers, with a total of 20. Other teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals have also retired multiple numbers. Retiring numbers is a way of honoring the greatest players and coaches in the game, and ensuring their legacy will live on.