The Detroit Tigers got a break they didn’t want. Curtis Granderson will start this MLB season on the disabled list. The Tigers had to place the center fielder on the 15 day DL after he suffered a broken finger on his right hand. It’s not going to be easy to replace Curtis. Detroit couldn’t ask for a Grand-er son! I know, I know, I couldn’t resist! But seriously, numbers say it all. 30-20-20-20 to be exact.

Last season, the Detroit ladies’ favorite center fielder finished with 38 doubles, 23 triples, 23 home runs and 26 stolen bases. Granderson is only the second player in major league history to finish with 30 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. The first player to finish a season in such a grand style was the Cubs outfielder Frank Schulte. Now cubbie fans, don’t fret if you don’t recognize the name—Frank played his historic season 96 years ago.

You know, back in those days, people expected a lot from the Chicago Cubs. (Perhaps mainly due to the fact they didn’t have a hex from a goat lingering over their clubhouse.) Frank “Wildfire” Schulte had 30 doubles, 21 triples, 21 homers and 23 stolen bases during the 1911 season.

Pretty impressive numbers, right? You know, ballplayers always say they never pay attention to numbers. Well, I did some digging and proved many wrong…numbers really mean a lot to these players, especially when it came to pick the number they would sport on the back of their jerseys.

Tony Larussa #10: chose to wear jersey #10 when he joined the Cardinals in 1996 in the hopes of bringing the Cardinals their 10th Title. (Which he did in 2006.) I guess Joe Girardi hopes that logic will rub off on him. Girardi has selected the #27 jersey because he hopes to bring the Yankees their 27th championship title.

Many times players choose to honor those that came before them:

Justin Verlander #35: Growing up, Verlander liked the way #35 Frank Thomas hit.

David Wright #5: Wears #5 in honor of George Brett and Brooks Robinson.

Jorge Posada #21: Wears #21 to honor his hero Roberto Clemente.

Ozzie Guillen #13: Honors his fellow Venezuelan Dave Concepcion by wearing his #13.

Alex Rodriguez #13: He wears 13 because it has 3 in it. (Which is A-rod’s favorite number.) Rodriguez sported the #13 when playing quarterback, the same number as Dan Marino.

Justin Morneau #33: Being the Canadian that he is, Morneau grew up idolizing “Saint Patrick” the great net-minder Patrick Roy.

But sometimes a certain number may not be available, so that is when players can showcase their creativity.

Jason Giambi #25: Giambi wears 25 because 2 + 5 = 7 and that is his way of paying tribute to Mickey Mantle.

John Buck #14: Growing up, John wore 11 and his little brother wore 44. After his brother passed away, Buck put them together and came up with 14 and has worn it ever since.

Jimmy Rollins chose his #11 because he though it would help him...look taller. Yes, the Phillies shortstop believes the long vertical numerals add some length to his 5’8” frame.

See? Numbers can mean a lot to teams and players! Sometimes you just have to look past a number’s face value. They can add up to so much more!
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