Hump Day History



 On this day in 1929, the Cleveland Indians became the first team to play with numbers on the back of their jerseys.  This, of course, would help scorekeepers, broadcasters, and fans identify players on the field.

The Yankees were supposed to debut the same day, but their opener was rained out.  Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig wore 3 and 4 respectively, their position in the batting order.

But #42 may be the most famous - yesterday was Jackie Robinson Day and every MLB player wore the number.  It is the only fully retired number in the game.

It wasn't until 1960 that names were first put on the back, and it was the Chicago White Sox who debuted.  Today, the Yankees are the only team who do not include names.

The longest name in MLB history?


Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Reds.


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