The Most Popular Jersey Number in Baseball, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the jersey number you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 12, 2024 07:15
In the world of baseball, every player jersey carries a number that becomes synonymous with the legends who wear them. Fans often idolize these numbers, associating them with memorable games and iconic plays. This affinity makes certain jersey numbers more beloved and sought after, influencing everything from merchandise sales to fan rituals.
By participating in the ranking of the most adored jersey numbers, fans contribute to a dynamic celebration of baseball's rich history and its heroes. Your votes help highlight which numbers resonate the most with the community, offering a fun glimpse into the collective heart of baseball enthusiasts. This interactive process not only keeps the spirit of the game alive but also connects fans from all over in shared admiration and loyalty.
What Is the Most Popular Jersey Number in Baseball?
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164votes
Number 42
Major League Baseball (MLB)This is the retired number of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Every year on April 15th, all players wear number 42 in honor of Robinson.Number 42 is a significant jersey number in baseball. It holds great historical significance as it represents an iconic player and important social change within the sport.- Player: Jackie Robinson
- Retired On: April 15, 1997
- Reason for Retiring: In honor of Jackie Robinson's impact on baseball and his role in breaking the color barrier.
- Importance: Symbolizes equality, diversity, and the fight against racial discrimination in sports.
- Universal Retirement: All Major League Baseball teams retired the number 42 from active use.
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228votesThis number was worn by baseball greats such as Willie Mays, Rickey Henderson, and Ken Griffey Jr.The Number 24 is a widely recognized jersey number in baseball and has been worn by numerous iconic players throughout history. It symbolizes excellence, power, and skill on the field.
- Famous Players: Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Rickey Henderson, Miguel Cabrera, Manny Ramirez, Tony Perez, Barry Bonds, Eddie Murray, Miguel Tejada, Ricky Nolasco
- Hall of Famers: Willie Mays, Rickey Henderson, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Eddie Murray
- World Series Championships: Combined total of World Series championships won by players wearing Number 24: 16
- Home Run Titles: Combined total of home run titles won by players wearing Number 24: 12
- Stolen Bases: Combined total of stolen bases by players wearing Number 24: 4,263
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325votes
Slomox · Public domainThis number was famously worn by Babe Ruth and is now worn by current New York Yankees player, Aaron Judge.The number 3 is a highly emotive and significant digit in many cultures and contexts. It holds a mystical quality and is often associated with various symbolic meanings such as completion, divine representation, harmony, balance, creativity, and spiritual awakening.- Symbolic Meanings: Completion, divine representation, harmony, balance, creativity, and spiritual awakening
- Religious Significance: Trinity in Christianity; Three Jewels of Buddhism; Triple Goddess in Paganism
- Mathematical Properties: A prime number; The second odd prime number; The first odd prime number to follow a pair of twin primes
- Folklore and Superstitions: The three wishes in fairy tales; The superstition of bad luck occurring in threes
- Cultural References: Three primary colors in traditional color theory; Three-act structure in storytelling
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416votesThis number was worn by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and is now worn by current Los Angeles Angels player, Shohei Ohtani.Number 34 is a popular jersey number in baseball that has been worn by numerous talented players throughout the history of the sport. It holds a special significance and has become iconic in the baseball community.
- Famous Players: Some of the famous players to wear Number 34 include Nolan Ryan, David Ortiz, Bryce Harper, Fernando Valenzuela, Kirby Puckett, and Roy Halladay.
- Pitcher Dominance: Number 34 is often associated with dominant pitchers who have achieved great success in their careers.
- Hall of Fame Inductions: Several Number 34 wearers have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, including Nolan Ryan and Kirby Puckett.
- Retired Jerseys: Some teams have retired the Number 34 jersey to honor specific players who wore it for their organization.
- Memorial Tributes: In many instances, players have worn Number 34 as a tribute to fallen teammates or respected figures in the baseball world.
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526votes
Radek Linner · CC BY-SA 3.0This number was worn by Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente and is now worn by current Milwaukee Brewers player, Christian Yelich.Number 21 is a widely recognized jersey number in baseball. It holds great significance in the sport and has been donned by several esteemed players throughout history.- Players associated with number 21: A few notable players who have worn number 21 include Roberto Clemente, Roger Clemens, Warren Spahn, Sammy Sosa, and Paul O'Neill.
- Roberto Clemente: Considered one of the greatest outfielders, Clemente wore number 21 throughout his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously.
- Roger Clemens: A dominant pitcher, Clemens achieved numerous accolades while wearing number 21. He won seven Cy Young Awards and two World Series titles during his career.
- Warren Spahn: Spahn, a Hall of Fame left-handed pitcher, spent most of his career with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, donning number 21. He was a 17-time All-Star and won the Cy Young Award.
- Sammy Sosa: Known for his home run prowess, Sosa wore number 21 primarily with the Chicago Cubs. He had several remarkable seasons and competed in multiple All-Star Games.
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612votes
Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0This number is often considered unlucky, but has been worn by many successful players such as Alex Rodriguez and Omar Vizquel.The Number 13 is considered to be one of the most emotive and widely recognized numbers in various cultures around the world. It holds significance in both positive and negative contexts, often associated with luck, superstition, and mystery.- Numerical Value: 13
- Symbolism: Luck, superstition, mystery
- Triskaidekaphobia: Fear or avoidance of the number 13
- Positive Associations: Lucky 13, finding 13 as a fortunate number in various traditions
- Negative Associations: Unlucky 13, being skipped in some numbering systems (e.g., skipping the 13th floor in buildings)
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714votesThis number was famously worn by Hall of Famer George Brett and is now worn by current Chicago Cubs player, Albert Almora Jr.The number 5 jersey is one of the most iconic and revered jersey numbers in the history of baseball. It has been worn by many legendary players, representing excellence and talent on the field.
- 1: Hank Greenberg, a first baseman and outfielder, popularized the number 5 in the 1930s and 1940s.
- 2: Joe DiMaggio, a Yankees outfielder and one of the greatest players of all time, wore the number 5 throughout his career.
- 3: George Brett, a Hall of Fame third baseman for the Kansas City Royals, also made the number 5 famous.
- 4: The number 5 represents versatility, as it has been worn by players in multiple positions.
- 5: It symbolizes power and a strong offensive presence as many players who wore number 5 were renowned for their hitting abilities.
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88votes
Dewclouds · CC BY-SA 4.0This number was famously worn by Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle and is now worn by current Boston Red Sox player, Christian Arroyo.Number 7 is considered to be one of the most emotive numbers, often associated with mystery, spirituality, and intellect. It is believed to possess a mystical quality and a deep inner wisdom.- Lucky number: In many cultures, 7 is considered a lucky number and is believed to bring good fortune.
- Religious significance: Number 7 holds great significance in various religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It represents completion, perfection, and is associated with divine attributes.
- Symbol of balance: The number 7 is often seen as a symbol of balance and harmony, as it is the sum of 3 (representing the divine) and 4 (representing the Earth).
- Representation in nature: The number 7 can be found in various natural phenomena, such as the seven colors of the rainbow, the seven continents, and the seven musical notes.
- Chakra system: In the chakra system, 7 represents the crown chakra, which is associated with higher consciousness and spiritual connection.
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98votes
Blleininger · Public domainThis number was famously worn by Hall of Famer Ted Williams and is now worn by current Houston Astros player, Carlos Correa.The 'Number 9' is a symbolically powerful and emotive number that holds various meanings across different cultures and belief systems. It is often associated with spirituality, enlightenment, and transformation.- Representations: In numerology, the 'Number 9' is considered a mystical number and is often represented as a single digit by summing up all the digits of a multi-digit number.
- Spiritual symbolism: In many spiritual traditions, the 'Number 9' is associated with inner wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and the completion of a cycle.
- Universal love: It is also linked to the concept of universal love and compassion, as it represents the highest form of love and selflessness.
- Altruism: People associated with the 'Number 9' are often believed to possess a strong sense of humanitarianism, empathy, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
- Leadership: The 'Number 9' is often associated with natural leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others.
Number 9 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular hockey jersey number
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102votesThis number was famously worn by Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and is now worn by current New York Yankees player, DJ LeMahieu.The "Number 2" jersey is a popular jersey number in baseball, commonly worn by the shortstop position. It represents the player's role as a defensive anchor, responsible for fielding ground balls, making quick throws, and turning double plays.
- Position: Shortstop
- Importance: High, as the shortstop is a key player in the infield
- Historical significance: Traditionally worn by talented shortstops like Derek Jeter
- Defensive responsibilities: Fielding ground balls, making accurate throws, turning double plays
- Offensive contributions: Varies depending on the player
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Ranking factors for popular jersey number
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Player PopularityThe popularity of the player wearing the number plays a significant role in the popularity of the jersey number. Star players or fan favorites with significant achievements are more likely to have their jersey numbers more popular among fans.
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Team SuccessThe success of the team and how often the team is in the spotlight can impact the popularity of a jersey number. Fans are more likely to wear the jersey numbers of players on successful teams.
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Historical SignificanceSome jersey numbers have historical significance or are associated with legends of the sport. These numbers may hold a special place in the hearts of fans and be more popular as a result.
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League-wide RetirementsIn some cases, a specific number may be retired league-wide in honor of a legendary player who wore that number. This can also contribute to a number's popularity.
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MarketabilityThe marketability and overall design of the jersey can also contribute to a number's popularity. Unique and visually appealing numbers may have a better chance of being well-liked among fans.
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Recent Performance and AchievementsThe popularity of a jersey number can be influenced by how well the players wearing the number perform on the field. Numbers worn by players with outstanding recent performances or notable achievements are more likely to gain popularity among fans.
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AvailabilityThe availability of jerseys featuring specific numbers also plays a role in determining their popularity. If a particular number is difficult to find or not readily available on the market, it may deter fans from purchasing a jersey with that number.
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Regional PreferencesSome regions may have preferences for specific numbers due to local tradition or other factors. For instance, if a number were associated with a beloved local player from the past, fans in that area might be more inclined to wear that number.
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Personal connectionFans may choose a specific number based on a personal connection or significance. This could include birth dates, anniversaries, or other meaningful numbers to the fan.
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Cultural FactorsSome numbers are more popular in certain cultural contexts, reflecting cultural superstitions, beliefs or traditions about certain numbers. This can also play a role in the popularity of a specific jersey number.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular jersey number in baseball. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or number is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3419 views
- 175 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each number once every 24 hours. The rank of each number is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular jersey number in baseball
Baseball is a sport that has a rich history and a culture that is deeply rooted in traditions. One of the most iconic traditions in baseball is the jersey number worn by players. From Babe Ruth's number 3 to Derek Jeter's number 2, these numbers have become synonymous with the legends of the game. But which jersey number is the most popular among baseball players? This question has been the subject of much debate among fans and experts alike. To find out, we turned to the polls and rankings hosted on StrawPoll, where thousands of fans have cast their votes on this topic. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just a casual observer, this article will provide you with an informative look at the most popular jersey numbers in baseball.
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