How are sports numbers on jerseys assigned?

By Jason Bolton July 14, 2023 14:00

Photo by Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Sports jerseys, with their distinctive numbers on the back, are an essential part of any team's identity. These numbers are more than just a way to identify players on the field or court; they also carry a rich history of their own. Across various sports, different rules determine how these numbers are assigned, and they have evolved over the years.

The practice of numbering jerseys began in the early 20th century. In 1916, the Cleveland Club became the first American sports team to number their players' jerseys, which was recommended by Sporting Life magazine. However, the idea was not immediately embraced by other sports teams. Baseball team owners were reluctant to follow, and it was not until 1929 that the practice became commonplace. The St. Louis Cardinals briefly introduced numbered jerseys in 1923, but it negatively impacted players' performance, and the team went back to uniform jerseys. The New York Yankees are credited as the first Major League Baseball team to permanently adopt numbered jerseys, but it was the Cleveland Indians who first played in numbered jerseys that were then adopted permanently.

Today, numbering is an essential part of any sports team's identity, and assignments take into account various factors for identification purposes. In football, for example, players' numbers are assigned based on their position. Certain positions are allowed to be within certain number ranges. For example, quarterbacks, kickers, and punters are required to wear numbers 1-19, while linebackers must wear numbers 40-59 or 90-99. Offensive and defensive linemen can wear numbers 50-79, and running backs and defensive backs can wear numbers 20-49.

In basketball, players have traditionally worn numbers between 0 and 5. However, the NBA has allowed players to wear any number between 00 and 99 since 1970. This has led to some players wearing unusual numbers, such as Shaquille O'Neal's 32 and Michael Jordan's 45.

In soccer, numbers were initially given out by position. The goalkeeper wore number 1, the right fullback number 2, and so on. However, this practice has largely fallen by the wayside, and players are now assigned numbers based on personal preference or seniority. The most famous example of a player choosing his own number is the Brazilian soccer star Pele, who wore the number 10 jersey throughout his career.

Retiring jerseys is a common practice in high school sports and serves multiple purposes. It is a way of preserving the legacy of exceptional athletes for future generations to appreciate and admire. Retiring jerseys also inspires future athletes to strive for greatness and sets a high standard for them to aspire to. The criteria for retiring jerseys vary, with some schools focusing on on-field success and others considering overall contributions to the team and community. While there may be challenges and controversies associated with retiring jerseys, it remains a way of honoring exceptional athletes and motivating future generations. Examples of retired jerseys include Eric Legrand's No. 52 at Rutgers University, recognizing his strength in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the way sports numbers on jerseys are assigned has evolved over the years and varies from sport to sport. While some leagues have strict rules about number assignments based on position, others allow players to choose their own numbers. Retiring jerseys is a way of honoring exceptional athletes and inspiring future generations to strive for greatness. Overall, the numbers on sports jerseys are more than just a way to identify players; they are an essential part of a team's identity and history.