Every one in a while I run across one of those “on this date in history” items that involves the Yankees. As I traipsed around the internet today, I ran across a pretty significant one. On January 21, 1920, the Yankees announced that their players would wear uniform numbers. No other team in baseball did this at the time. Instead of letting players pick, they had numbers assigned based on batting order position. Hence, Babe Ruth got 3, and Lou Gehrig eventually got 4.
While the format for handing out numbers changed — players choose now — I’m glad nothing else did. It’s kind of neat that the Yankees don’t have their names on the backs of their jerseys. It’s also good for fans, who can buy one overpriced authentic jersey and wear it through multiple players. It worked out real well for those who bought Jason Giambi jerseys. Not so much, though, for people like my buddy Jon who bought a Sheffield jersey.
Oh, and just because we haven’t yet mentioned it, the Pirates DFA’d former Yankee Anthony Claggett to make room for former Yankee Octavio Dotel. Claggett is the second former Yankee the Pirates have DFA’d this week. Steven Jackson is the other. They released Eric Hacker in November, and he has since signed a minor league deal with the Giants.
In local sports, the Rangers visit Philly and the Panthers face the Islanders. No local basketball, though NBA fans will probably want to watch the Lakers at Caveliers at 8 on TNT. Big East basketball fans can catch Seton Hall at Louisville on ESPN or ESPN2.
And now, your open thread.
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