Baseball is a sport that values tradition and history. From iconic stadiums to legendary players, baseball fans cherish the game’s past as much as its present. One of the ways baseball pays homage to its history is through the use of jersey numbers.
A player’s number can hold special significance, whether it’s a personal preference or a tribute to a baseball great. Robinson Cano, a star second baseman in Major League Baseball, wears the number 24 on his jersey.
But why did he choose this number? As it turns out, Cano’s jersey number is a nod to one of the most influential players in baseball history: Jackie Robinson.
We’ll explore why Robinson Cano wears the number 24, the significance of Jackie Robinson’s number 42, and the importance of honoring baseball’s past.
Who is Jackie Robinson?
Biography and Impact on Baseball
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Born in 1919 in Cairo, Georgia, Robinson grew up in a time of racial segregation and discrimination.
Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Robinson excelled in athletics and attended UCLA on an athletic scholarship. He played multiple sports, including football, basketball, track, and baseball, where he was scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He faced hostility and racism from fans, opposing players, and even some of his own teammates.
Despite the adversity, Robinson persevered and became one of the game’s most talented and successful players. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 and was named the NL Most Valuable Player in 1949.
Robinson’s impact on baseball extended beyond the field, as he became an important civil rights activist and a symbol of progress and equality.
Robinson’s Jersey Number and Its Significance
Throughout his career, Jackie Robinson wore the number 42 on his jersey. The number was not significant to Robinson personally; rather, it was assigned to him by the Dodgers.
However, the number would go on to hold immense significance for Robinson and for baseball as a whole.
Robinson’s success and impact on the game helped to break down racial barriers in sports and society. The number 42 became a symbol of Robinson’s achievements and the progress he helped to create.
Retiring the Number 42
In 1997, Major League Baseball retired the number 42 league-wide to honor Jackie Robinson’s contributions to the game. No player can wear the number 42 in regular season games, except for on April 15th, which is Jackie Robinson Day.
On this day, all players, coaches, and umpires wear the number 42 to honor Robinson’s legacy. The retirement of the number 42 is a testament to Robinson’s importance to the game of baseball and to his impact on society.
Why Did Robinson Cano Choose to Wear the Number 24?
Cano’s Childhood and Love for Baseball
Robinson Cano was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and grew up in a family of baseball players. His father, Jose Cano, played in the Houston Astros organization, and his cousin, Jose Bautista, played in the major leagues.
As a child, Cano was surrounded by baseball and fell in love with the sport. He started playing at a young age and dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player.
Tribute to Jackie Robinson
Robinson Cano chose to wear the number 24 as a tribute to his childhood baseball hero, Jackie Robinson. Cano has cited Robinson as an inspiration for his own career, and he wanted to honor Robinson’s legacy by wearing a number that was connected to Robinson’s number 42.
Since the number 42 was retired by Major League Baseball, Cano chose to wear the number 24, which is a reversal of 42. This allowed Cano to pay tribute to Robinson while also respecting the league’s decision to retire the number 42.
Respect for the Retired Number 42
Robinson Cano has spoken about his respect for the retired number 42 and the significance of Jackie Robinson’s contributions to the game.
Cano has said that he understands the importance of honoring Robinson’s legacy and that he feels privileged to be able to pay tribute to him through his jersey number.
Cano has also participated in Jackie Robinson Day events and has spoken about the impact that Robinson has had on his own life and career.
Cano’s Personal Connection to the Number 24
In addition to its connection to Jackie Robinson’s number, Robinson Cano has a personal connection to the number 24. When Cano was a young player, he wore the number 22 in honor of his father, who wore the number 44 during his playing days.
When Cano reached the major leagues, the number 22 was already taken, so he chose the number 24 instead. Cano has said that the number 24 has since become his own personal number, and he feels a sense of pride and ownership in wearing it on his jersey.
Overall, Robinson Cano’s decision to wear the number 24 is a combination of his love for baseball, his respect for Jackie Robinson and his contributions to the game, and his personal connection to the number.
By wearing the number 24, Cano is able to pay tribute to his heroes and honor the history of the game while also creating his own legacy on the field.
Cano’s Baseball Career With the Number 24
Early Years in the Minor Leagues
Robinson Cano began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues, where he played for several years before being called up to the major leagues by the New York Yankees.
In the minor leagues, Cano wore a variety of different jersey numbers, including numbers 4, 6, and 22. It wasn’t until he reached the majors that he began wearing the number 24.
Breakout Season With the New York Yankees
Robinson Cano had his breakout season with the New York Yankees in 2006. That year, he batted .342 with 15 home runs, 78 RBIs, and 41 doubles.
He was named to the American League All-Star team and won his first Silver Slugger Award. Cano continued to be a standout player for the Yankees over the next several years, earning four more Silver Slugger Awards and helping the team win the World Series in 2009.
Consistent Performance With the Seattle Mariners
After spending nine seasons with the New York Yankees, Robinson Cano signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2014. He continued to wear the number 24 with his new team and put up solid numbers in his first few seasons with the Mariners.
In 2016, Cano batted .298 with 39 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 33 doubles. He was named to his eighth All-Star team that year and won his fifth Silver Slugger Award.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Robinson Cano has been recognized for his exceptional performance on the field. In addition to his Silver Slugger Awards, he has won two Gold Glove Awards for his defensive play at second base.
Cano has also been named to the All-Star team ten times and has received MVP votes in multiple seasons. As of the end of the 2021 season, Cano has a career batting average of .303, with 334 home runs, 1,302 RBIs, and 2,624 hits.
Although he has faced some setbacks in recent years, including a suspension for violating MLB’s drug policy, Cano’s career with the number 24 has been marked by consistent excellence and a deep respect for the game of baseball.
Mariano Rivera and the Number 42
Rivera’s Connection to Jackie Robinson
Mariano Rivera, like many other baseball players, was inspired by Jackie Robinson’s legacy and the impact he had on the game of baseball.
Rivera often cited Robinson as one of his heroes and acknowledged the significance of Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball.
Rivera also had a personal connection to Robinson, as he wore the number 42 throughout his career in tribute to Robinson.
Retiring the Number 42 League-wide
In 1997, Major League Baseball officially retired the number 42 across all teams in honor of Jackie Robinson.
This decision was made to recognize Robinson’s contribution to the game of baseball and to ensure that his legacy would be remembered and celebrated by future generations of players and fans.
Rivera is the Only Player Currently Allowed to Wear the Number 42
Despite the league-wide retirement of the number 42, Mariano Rivera was allowed to continue wearing the number throughout his career.
This exception was made due to Rivera’s deep connection to Robinson and his own impact on the game of baseball.
Rivera is widely regarded as one of the greatest relief pitchers in the history of the sport, and his use of the number 42 served as a reminder of Robinson’s legacy and the ongoing fight for equality in baseball and beyond.
Cano’s Decision to Wear the Number 24 Instead
When Robinson Cano joined the New York Yankees, he was faced with the decision of what jersey number to wear. He ultimately chose the number 24, which he explained was a tribute to his father, who had also worn the number 24 during his own baseball career.
Cano also acknowledged the significance of Jackie Robinson’s number 42 and the fact that it had been retired league-wide.
Instead of trying to wear the number, Cano chose to honor Robinson in his own way while also paying tribute to his family’s history in the sport.
Jackie Robinson, Robinson Cano, and the Number 42
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Jackie Robinson | – First African American player in Major League Baseball |
| – Broke the color barrier in 1947 | |
| – Played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-1956 | |
| Robinson’s Jersey Number | – Wore the number 42 throughout his career with the Dodgers |
| – Number 42 was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997 | |
| Robinson Cano | – Dominican-American second baseman |
| – Made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 2005 | |
| – Chose to wear the number 24 instead of the retired number 42 | |
| Cano’s Connection to 24 | – Family members wore the number 24 in baseball |
| – Cano’s birthday is October 22, or “10-24” backward | |
| Mariano Rivera | – Former relief pitcher for the New York Yankees |
| – Was granted permission to continue wearing the number 42 throughout his career | |
| Retirement of the Number 42 | – Retired by Major League Baseball in 1997, league-wide |
| – All players wear the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day (April 15th) |
This table provides a quick reference guide to some of the key facts and connections between Jackie Robinson, Robinson Cano, Mariano Rivera, and the number 42 in baseball.
FAQs
What other baseball players have worn the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson?
In addition to Mariano Rivera, several other baseball players have been granted permission to wear the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day each year. This includes players like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Clayton Kershaw, among others.
Has Robinson Cano ever discussed his decision to wear the number 24 in more detail?
Yes, Cano has discussed his decision to wear the number 24 in several interviews. He has cited his father’s history in baseball and his own personal connection to the number as reasons for his choice. Additionally, Cano expressed his admiration for Jackie Robinson and acknowledged the significance of his impact on the game.
How has the retirement of the number 42 impacted the way that baseball honors Jackie Robinson?
The retirement of the number 42 has become a significant part of how baseball honors Jackie Robinson’s legacy. Every year on April 15th (Jackie Robinson Day), all players across the league wear the number 42 as a tribute to Robinson and his impact on the game. Additionally, many teams have established scholarships or other initiatives in Robinson’s name to further honor his legacy.
What impact has Jackie Robinson had beyond baseball?
Jackie Robinson’s impact extends far beyond the world of baseball. As the first African American player in the major leagues, Robinson broke down racial barriers and paved the way for other athletes and individuals of color. His bravery and perseverance inspired many people in the civil rights movement and beyond, and he remains a symbol of hope and progress to this day.
Conclusion
Robinson Cano’s decision to wear the number 24 instead of the retired number 42 was a personal tribute to both his family’s history in baseball and the legacy of Jackie Robinson.
While Rivera was allowed to continue wearing the number 42 throughout his career as a tribute to Robinson’s impact on the game, Cano chose to honor Robinson and his own family’s history in his own unique way.
Cano’s career with the number 24 has been marked by consistent excellence and recognition for his exceptional performance on the field.
Overall, both Cano and Rivera’s connections to Jackie Robinson and his number serve as a reminder of the ongoing impact that Robinson had on baseball and the fight for equality both on and off the field.
