Top Five MLB Jersey Numbers

When a Major League Baseball player chooses his jersey number, it is likely because the number has a special meaning. But have you ever wondered which numbers are deemed to be more successful?

Here are the top five jersey numbers that have found success in the Major Leagues:

Number 5: While Joe DiMaggio wore number nine for the first half of his rookie season, the New York Yankees’ Hall of Famer became the first player to truly make the number successful, hitting over 340 homeruns with the number five written across his back. Other players that have found success with the number include George Brett, Albert Pujols, Jeff Bagwell, Nomar Garciaparra, Carlos Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and David Wright.

Number 10: Andre Dawson’s number 10 was retired by the Expos after he set team franchise records for career games, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in and steals. Other notable players include: Chipper Jones, Rusty Staub, Adam Jones, Miguel Tejada, Michael Young, Adam Jones and Justin Upton.

Number 21: While Roberto Clemente chose the number 21 because it pertained to the number of letters in his full name (Roberto Clemente Walker), the right fielder found tremendous success, maintaining a .317 batting average over 18 years while sporting that number. While it has since been retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates, it has also been worn by Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens and Nick Markakis.

Number 24: It’s hard to pick a player who has worn the number 24 the best as Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Ricky Henderson, Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera have all sported this number. With thousands of home runs hit between these six players, it’s been wondered if the number 24 gives players extra power.

Number 42: Due to Jackie Robinson, the number 42 has become synonymous with baseball greatness. It is the only number that has been retired by every MLB team. While all players sport this number on April 15th, Mariano Rivera is the last remaining player to wear this number.

Do you think a number should be added to this list? Which number would you wear when you receive your Big League call-up? Comment in the section bellow.