Numbers - Back To The Future

Max Power · 06-08-2002, 12:12 AM

There once was a time when players did not wear numbers on their uniform.

Think we'll ever go back to that?

Really, if the uniform jersey had the players name on the back, do we really still need numbers?

If you need it for scoring or something like that - perhaps it's time to velcro the uniform backs and let the player where the position number that they are playing that day - for example, if Pedro is pitching today, slap the velcro # 1 on his back and the next day, Lowe gets to wear #1 when he pitches - - - or, as a pitcher comes out of the game, the MGR peels the number 1 off the back of the player and slaps it on the back of the incoming RP.

I just thought of this tonight - - when the numbers 1st started, it was to represent where you batted in the line-up. Then, it evolved to where it is today.

Going back to no permanent numbers would sure eliminate the problems of players wanting numbers that are retired, etc.

Thoughts?

Skip · 06-08-2002, 12:20 AM

Personally I think this is a non-issue. Everyone is used to players and player numbers and there is no reason to expect or want a change. What's the point? I like the way players and teams have to deal with retired numbers - i.e. what Giambi did for a number and why once he got to the NYY.

Rajah · 06-08-2002, 12:20 AM

I don't see them going away, every sport uses them.
I like them anyway.

06-08-2002, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Max Power

Really, if the uniform jersey had the players name on the back

Not in da Bronx, baby...not in da Bronx

Max Power · 06-08-2002, 12:30 AM

Don't get me wrong - I like 'em too. Just not sure what purpose they serve in baseball. In football, your number ties to your position and the refs work off the numbers.

Now, with the fact that names can be on jerseys, not sure what purpose the numbers serve in baseball - - expect for fans at the park sitting far away. And, again, the velcro thing solves that.

And, while I do like them, I won't like it when the lowest number on the team is 52 and the highest is 103. Which, is the way some teams, like the Yankees, are headed.

Skip · 06-08-2002, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Max Power
And, while I do like them, I won't like it when the lowest number on the team is 52 and the highest is 103. Which, is the way some teams, like the Yankees, are headed.

Well ... if that's the biggest problem the Yanks have then I sure feel bad too ...

We should all have such problems.

pwdennis · 06-08-2002, 12:43 AM

When you are in the nosebleed seats in some stadiums you can read the numbers although you may not be able to read the names on the uniforms

06-08-2002, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Max Power

And, while I do like them, I won't like it when the lowest number on the team is 52 and the highest is 103. Which, is the way some teams, like the Yankees, are headed.

That's a very good point.

This may sound weak, but I think numbers are important to fans remembering players of the past, or ones they loved.

I can see or hear Mattingly's name over and over, but when I see old footage of his uniform and see that 23, or see a 23 on pinstripes, it is a very special feeling...one that is more powerful than just a name. Maybe that is just me and I am waxing too much poetic

Regardless, you have brought up an interesting point.

Rajah · 06-08-2002, 01:19 AM

I really don't like the Black pinstriped uniform the Bulls wear...oh you mean some other 23.

You know, the Bears have the most uniform numbers retired in the NFL at 13 (last I counted). Looks to me like the Yankees retire too many numbers.

06-08-2002, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rajah
Looks to me like the Yankees retire too many numbers.

That's a BP fastball, but I'm gonna watch it go by

cubfan33 · 06-08-2002, 12:01 PM

I'm surprised the Fox broadcasts dont have little arrows pointing to people like on their NASCAR races. Now THAT would be cool.

SmedIndy · 06-08-2002, 12:37 PM

I'm spoiled. When I see numbers with no names, I get lost.

Max Power · 06-08-2002, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cubfan33
I'm surprised the Fox broadcasts dont have little arrows pointing to people like on their NASCAR races. Now THAT would be cool.

It's probably on its way.............

Skip · 06-08-2002, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SmedIndy
I'm spoiled. When I see numbers with no names, I get lost.

Smed, it's easy. 3 = Ruth, 4 = Gehrig, 5 = Bench ... 714 = Friday, ... 1040 = Trouble, ... 10^100 = Googol, ...

SmedIndy · 06-08-2002, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skip
Smed, it's easy. 3 = Ruth, 4 = Gehrig, 5 = Bench ... 714 = Friday, ... 1040 = Trouble, ... 10^100 = Googol, ...

Oh, har de har har....

What I mean is, well, you know what I mean. I don't really know the numbers that well, so when the Giants or Yankees are playing it takes me a big to figure out who is who.

06-08-2002, 12:20 AM	#3
Rajah NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,177	I don't see them going away, every sport uses them. I like them anyway. __________________ Why does Aubrey Huff looked so mad in his picture? Oh wait...

06-08-2002, 12:30 AM	#5
Max Power NetShrine Creator & Curator Join Date: May 2002 Location: NetShrine WHQ Posts: 5,548	Don't get me wrong - I like 'em too. Just not sure what purpose they serve in baseball. In football, your number ties to your position and the refs work off the numbers. Now, with the fact that names can be on jerseys, not sure what purpose the numbers serve in baseball - - expect for fans at the park sitting far away. And, again, the velcro thing solves that. And, while I do like them, I won't like it when the lowest number on the team is 52 and the highest is 103. Which, is the way some teams, like the Yankees, are headed. __________________ Steve, Forum Administrator "They come and they go, Hobbs. They come and they go." That's why there's NetShrine.com

06-08-2002, 01:19 AM	#9
Rajah NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,177	I really don't like the Black pinstriped uniform the Bulls wear...oh you mean some other 23. You know, the Bears have the most uniform numbers retired in the NFL at 13 (last I counted). Looks to me like the Yankees retire too many numbers. __________________ Why does Aubrey Huff looked so mad in his picture? Oh wait...

06-08-2002, 12:01 PM	#11
cubfan33 NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,359	Fox I'm surprised the Fox broadcasts dont have little arrows pointing to people like on their NASCAR races. Now THAT would be cool. __________________ UTK available only at www.baseballprospectus.com "I was pulling for Pete and agreeing with (commissioner) Bud Selig that Pete should be eligible for the Hall of Fame," said Giles, now chairman of the Phillies. "Bud was close to making him eligible right after his meeting with Pete (November 2002). Right after that, Pete got into tax trouble (in California), and that delayed the process." - Phillies Chairman Bill Giles in the Dayton Daily News, January 25th, 2004.

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06-08-2002, 12:12 AM	#1
Max Power NetShrine Creator & Curator Join Date: May 2002 Location: NetShrine WHQ Posts: 5,548	Numbers - Back To The Future There once was a time when players did not wear numbers on their uniform. Think we'll ever go back to that? Really, if the uniform jersey had the players name on the back, do we really still need numbers? If you need it for scoring or something like that - perhaps it's time to velcro the uniform backs and let the player where the position number that they are playing that day - for example, if Pedro is pitching today, slap the velcro # 1 on his back and the next day, Lowe gets to wear #1 when he pitches - - - or, as a pitcher comes out of the game, the MGR peels the number 1 off the back of the player and slaps it on the back of the incoming RP. I just thought of this tonight - - when the numbers 1st started, it was to represent where you batted in the line-up. Then, it evolved to where it is today. Going back to no permanent numbers would sure eliminate the problems of players wanting numbers that are retired, etc. Thoughts? __________________ Steve, Forum Administrator "They come and they go, Hobbs. They come and they go." That's why there's NetShrine.com

06-08-2002, 12:20 AM	#2
Skip NetShrine Vagabond Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Louisville Posts: 7,866	Personally I think this is a non-issue. Everyone is used to players and player numbers and there is no reason to expect or want a change. What's the point? I like the way players and teams have to deal with retired numbers - i.e. what Giambi did for a number and why once he got to the NYY.

06-08-2002, 12:43 AM	#7
pwdennis NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Winter Springs, FL Posts: 2,503	When you are in the nosebleed seats in some stadiums you can read the numbers although you may not be able to read the names on the uniforms

06-08-2002, 12:37 PM	#12
SmedIndy NetShrine's Historian Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Zionsville, IN Posts: 10,569	I'm spoiled. When I see numbers with no names, I get lost.

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