MLB Number 44s

The journey to find the most substantial Major League Baseball players that wore the number 44 on their uniforms starts by looking at who the Baseball Hall of Fame has in their hallowed halls. Enshrined number ones of professional baseball are:

• Early Wynn
• Henry Aaron
• Willie McCovey
• Reggie Jackson

Another telling clue to find the best is to see who has the MLB number 44 retired by their respective teams. This list of retired number 35s includes:

• Hank Aaron    Braves    April 15, 1977
• Hank Aaron    Brewers    October 3, 1976
• Reggie Jackson    Yankees    August 14, 1993
• Willie McCovey    Giants    September 21, 1980

Willie McCovey West Coast MLB Legend

Willie McCovey wasn't just a slugger; he was a San Francisco icon, a home run king, and a symbol of baseball's golden age. His story is one of crushing homers, legendary moments, and a legacy that continues to inspire.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, McCovey's power was evident from a young age. He joined the San Francisco Giants in 1959 and instantly captivated fans with his prodigious swings and towering blasts. Nicknamed "Stretch" for his slight frame, he became a legend in Candlestick Park, launching mammoth homers into the bay and beyond.

His career stats speak for themselves:

-521 home runs.

-A National League record 18 grand slams.

-A slugging percentage that sent shivers down opposing pitchers' spines.

McCovey wasn't just about raw power; he had a sweet swing and an uncanny ability to read pitches, making him a feared hitter throughout his career.

But McCovey's impact goes beyond numbers. He was a three-time National League MVP, an All-Star six times, and a key player on the Giants' 1962 World Series championship team. His iconic moments – like his near-series-winning hit in 1962 or his mammoth 465-foot home run in 1969 – are etched in San Francisco baseball lore.

McCovey wasn't just a slugger; he was a gentleman and a teammate revered by fans and players alike. His quiet dignity and infectious smile endeared him to generations of baseball lovers.

After retiring in 1980, McCovey remained a Giants ambassador, mentoring young players and sharing his love for the game. He sadly passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on as a giant of San Francisco baseball, forever remembered for his booming homers and unwavering heart.

In short, Willie McCovey was more than just a baseball player; he was a San Francisco icon, a home run king, and a beloved figure whose legacy continues to inspire generations of fans and players alike.

More Information

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Okay, now it is time to put our knowledge to work and pick the greatest players that wore number 44 in MLB history based on performance stats. We do not have all of the players from some of the Negro Leagues in place yet but when we do we will certainly update the list so please excuse us on this. The criteria is simple we pulled stats from Baseball-Reference and Stat-Head on some important numbers. Is the player in the Hall of Fame? What were the Wins After Replacement or the team victories gained or lost after they entered the lineup versus the player they replaced? Where do they rank in the following categories in history: Home Runs, Runs Produced, Strike Outs, ERA. We mash this information up and see how many of the criteria rankings they have and then multiply that number (0-6) times the number of years they wore the particular uniform number we are discussing and then add it to bonus points if in the Hall of Fame and for earning any Gold Glove Awards and/or Cy Young Awards. We call that calculated number our Ranked Formula and use it as a basis of Comparison to give you the Top Fifteen at the uniform number. 

1. Henry Aaron
2. Paul Goldschmidt
3. Anthony Rizzo
4. Willie McCovey
5. Mike Cameron
6. Eric Davis
7. Mike Matheny
8. Reggie Jackson
9. Early Wynn
10. Orlando Cabrera
11. David Cone
12. Jake Peavy
13. Frank Viola
14. Jay Bell
15. Rick Sutcliffe

The stats may not be placing this group in order of importance but what it does do is identify the top 25

Here are our stats and findings:

The picture in the banner above is from the Wikipedia Commons photo collection of the Public Domain of a cropped installment of Professional baseball player Willie McCovey 1961.

Special thanks to Baseball-Reference.com, Stathead.com and the most wonderful book by Larry Lester and Wayne Stivers, The Negro Leagues Book, Volume 2.