The History of Number 3 in Baseball
Baseball has been a beloved American pastime for generations, and with it comes the tradition of jersey numbers. From Babe Ruth to Jackie Robinson, number 3 has become a symbol of greatness in baseball. In this article, we’ll explore who wore number 3 in baseball and the history behind it.
Who Wore Number 3 in Baseball?
Number 3 has been worn by some of the greatest players in baseball history, including:
- Babe Ruth: One of the most legendary players in baseball history, Babe Ruth wore number 3 during his entire MLB career with the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. He was known for his power-hitting and home run records.
- Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson is remembered as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. He wore number 3 during his entire career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Harmon Killebrew: Killebrew was a power hitter who wore number 3 for the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins. He was an all-star in the MLB and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
- Mike Schmidt: Schmidt was a third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, who wore number 3 throughout his entire career. He was an all-star and won three MVP awards.
- Alex Rodriguez: Rodriguez, also known as “A-Rod,” was a shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. He wore number 3 for both teams and was an all-star and MVP.
The Significance of Number 3
Number 3 has become a symbol of greatness in baseball due to the legacy of the players who have worn it. The number is seen as a tribute to the players who made the game what it is today.
Babe Ruth is credited with revolutionizing the game of baseball and his no. 3 jersey is still one of the most iconic in all of sports. Jackie Robinson is remembered for his bravery in breaking the color barrier, and his no. 3 jersey has become a symbol of social justice.
Harmon Killebrew and Mike Schmidt are two power hitters who are remembered for their tremendous performances and home run records. Alex Rodriguez was an all-star and MVP, and his no. 3 jersey is a reminder of his greatness.
Number 3 in Pop Culture
Number 3 has become a popular number in pop culture due to its significance in baseball. The number has been featured in movies, TV shows, and other various forms of media.
For example, “The Sandlot” is a classic movie about a group of kids playing baseball in the 1950s. The main character, Scotty Smalls, wears number 3 on his jersey.
The TV show “Saved by the Bell” features the character A.C. Slater, who wears number 3 on his Bayside High basketball jersey.
In baseball video games, Babe Ruth’s no. 3 jersey is featured on the cover of “MLB The Show 21.” It is a popular choice among many players as they create their own character.
Number 3 in Other Sports
Number 3 has been worn by athletes in other sports as well. Football players such as Joe Montana and Barry Sanders have worn the number during their careers. Basketball players like Allen Iverson and Pau Gasol have also worn number 3.
In hockey, the number 3 has been worn by players such as Bobby Orr and Mario Lemieux. It is also a popular number in soccer, as players such as Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane have worn it.
Retired Numbers in Baseball
Many teams in Major League Baseball have retired the number 3 in honor of their former players. The Boston Red Sox retired the number in honor of Babe Ruth, and the Brooklyn Dodgers retired the number in honor of Jackie Robinson.
The Minnesota Twins have retired the number 3 in honor of Harmon Killebrew, and the Philadelphia Phillies have retired the number in honor of Mike Schmidt. The New York Yankees did not retire the number in honor of Alex Rodriguez, but it is no longer used by the team.
Number 3 in the Minor Leagues
While some Major League teams have retired the number 3, it is still worn by players in the minor leagues. Players such as Mike Trout and Kris Bryant have worn the number during their careers in the minor leagues.
Many teams in the minor leagues also have their own players who wear the number 3. Some of these players have gone on to have successful careers in the majors, such as outfielder George Springer.
Number 3 in High School and Little League
Number 3 is also a popular number in high school and little league baseball. It is often chosen by players who aspire to be like the greats who have worn it before them.
Many high school and little league teams have their own players who wear number 3. These players will often look up to the greats who have come before them and strive to be like them.
Conclusion
Number 3 has been worn by some of the greatest players in baseball history, including Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Harmon Killebrew, Mike Schmidt, and Alex Rodriguez. The number has become a symbol of greatness and is honored by teams in Major League Baseball and the minor leagues. It is also a popular number in high school and little league baseball, as players strive to be like the greats who have worn it before them.
References
- baseball-reference.com/players/r/ruthba01.shtml
- baseball-reference.com/players/r/robijo02.shtml
- baseball-reference.com/players/k/killeha01.shtml
- baseball-reference.com/players/s/schmimi01.shtml
- baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodrila02.shtml
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandlot
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saved_by_the_Bell
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLB_The_Show_21
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Springer_(baseball)