On April 15, 1997, commissioner Bud Selig announces that Major League Baseball will retire uniform #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. The decision comes on the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Players who are currently wearing the number are allowed to continue to do so until they retire.
After a mild heart attack last month, Tommy Lasorda, 68-year-old Dodger manager of twenty years, announces his retirement due to his health. Bill Russell is named as his replacement.
August 14, 1995 The Minnesota Twins retired Kent Hrbek’s number 14. He grew up less than a mile from Met Stadium and won 2 World Series titles with the twins.
Peter O’Malley donates the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 1955 World Championship banner to the borough in which it was won, saying, “The flag belongs in Brooklyn.”
On June 13 1994, During a pregame ceremony at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the Braves retire Dale Murphy jersey #3. The two-time National League MVP (1982-83) played 15 seasons with the team, batting .268 and driving in 1,143 runs while playing on teams mostly with losing records.
On July 29, 1989, On Steve Carlton Night at Veterans Stadium, the Phillies retire Lefty‘s uniform #32 during a pregame ceremony. Among the gifts he receives from the Phils are a gold watch, a ring with the number 32 in diamonds, and a trip around the world for his family. In 15 years with the Phillies (1972-1986), Carlton…
The Yankees retire the uniform numbers of Roger Maris (# 9) and Elston Howard (# 32). The team also erects plaques in their honor to pay tribute to their achievements as Bronx Bombers.
On a televised episode of ABC’s Sports Beat, Howard Cosell informs interviewee Roger Maris of the Yankees’ plan to retire the slugger’s number 9 at the Old Timers’ Game ceremonies in July. The former Bronx Bombers’ reaction is at first is disbelief, followed by a genuine pleasure for being recognized for his achievements during his seven years with the team.
On June 12 1983, Charlie Gehringer and Hank Greenberg, recently-elected Hall of Famers, have their uniform numbers retired by the Tigers in a pregame ceremony. The digits #2 and #5, respectively, will join Al Kaline’s #6 (1980) as the only numbers retired in franchise history. Charlie Gehringer and Hank Greenberg, were both recently-elected Hall of…
The Cubs pay tribute to Ernie Banks when the team retires the outfielder’s uniform number (14) that he wore for 19 seasons. The Hall of Famer, who retired in 1971, is the first player in the 106-year history of the franchise to be honored in this manner.
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