Yankees become first team to have numbers on back

On April 16, 1929, the New York Yankees become the first team to permanently feature numbers on the backs of their uniforms. The numbers correspond to each player’s position in the batting order. The numbers also allow fans and broadcasters to more easily identify the players. Future Hall of Famers Earle Combs, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig wear #1, #3 and #4, respectively.