Sports History

Baseball jerseys hold a curious power. They're not just fabric, but identifiers, threads woven into the tapestry of the game's history. Number 12, a seemingly ordinary number, has graced the backs of some extraordinary players. This series delves into the careers of these legends, a diverse group united by their talent and the shared legacy of number 12.

We'll explore the exploits of offensive juggernauts who launched towering home runs, defensive wizards who controlled the game from behind the plate, and even the occasional pitching ace who defied expectations. But statistics and accolades are just the beginning. We'll peel back the layers, revealing the personalities that brought these jerseys to life. We'll delve into their clutch moments, the signature plays that etched their names in memory, and the unique stories that shaped their journeys.

From the early days of the game, when number 12 might have belonged to a forgotten outfielder, to the modern era, where it adorns the backs of some of the most recognizable stars, this series will span generations. Prepare to be surprised by the unexpected names you encounter, as well as reacquainted with the established heroes.

So, whether you're a baseball aficionado or simply curious about the game's rich history, join us as we celebrate the unique fraternity of players who wore number 12.

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Joe Morgan Bio on SABR. Born September 19, 1943, in Bonham, Texas, was Baseball Hall of Fame Second Baseman, Joe Morgan. Morgan also played a little bit of Left Fielder, Third Baseman, and Center Field wearing the number 8 on the Cincinnati Reds (1972-79), Houston Astros (1980), San Francisco Giants (1981-82), Philadelphia Phillies (1983), and Oakland Athletics (1984) for 13 seasons as he batted 0.271 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.427, with 268 career Home Runs, and 5 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. Morgan is one of the top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 12. He is also top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 10.

Roberto Alomar's name is synonymous with defensive brilliance, timely hitting, and a controversial career. This Puerto Rican powerhouse spent 17 seasons dazzling crowds with his acrobatic plays at second base, earning him the title of "Mr. Double Play" and 10 Gold Glove Awards – the most for any second baseman in history.

His journey began with the San Diego Padres, but he truly shone with the Toronto Blue Jays. From 1991 to 1995, Alomar helped lead the team to back-to-back World Series championships, dazzling fans with his clutch hitting (.313 postseason average) and acrobatic defense. He formed a legendary double-play combination with Omar Vizquel, their synchronicity a joy to watch.

Individual accolades: 12 All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger Awards, and an American League Championship Series MVP award. Beyond statistics, Alomar was a leader, captivating audiences with his passion and energy.

However, his brilliance was marred by controversy. A 1996 incident led to his suspension, casting a shadow over his achievements. He bounced back with solid seasons with the Cleveland Indians and New York Mets, but the controversy lingered.

Despite the complexities, Alomar's impact on the game is undeniable. He revolutionized how second base was played, inspiring a generation of defenders with grace and agility. His clutch hitting and leadership helped teams reach the pinnacle of success.

In 2011, baseball finally recognized his on-field contributions, inducting him into the Hall of Fame.

Photograph by Jon Gudorf.

Waite Hoyt, nicknamed "Schoolboy," was a right-handed pitcher who carved out a long and successful Major League Baseball (MLB) career from 1918 to 1938. Though he played for seven teams throughout his career, his most impactful years were with the New York Yankees in the roaring 20s.

Hoyt arrived in New York in 1921 and quickly became a vital part of the Yankees' pitching rotation. He was a dominant force, helping the team win six pennants and three World Series titles during his eight-year tenure. Notably, he was the ace of the legendary 1927 Yankees, widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in baseball history.

Hoyt was a consistent winner over his eight seasons with the Yankees, averaging 18 victories and over 250 innings pitched per year. After a particularly impressive season in 1928, he even received MVP votes.

While his peak years were with the Yankees, Hoyt continued to pitch effectively for several other teams after 1930. Though he never quite recaptured his dominance, he finished his career with a strong record of 237 wins and 182 losses, along with a solid 3.59 earned run average.

Hoyt's contributions were recognized in 1969 when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He is remembered as one of the best pitchers of his era and a key figure in the New York Yankees' dynasty of the 1920s.

Born September 9, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, Waite Hoyt. This legend was a World Series Champion in 1923, 27, 28, and the American League wins leader 1927 on the staff of the New York Yankees.

Hoyt left the Yankees after the 1930 season, and played for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Pittsburgh Pirates before retiring in 1938.

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Wade Boggs wasn't your typical baseball hero. He wasn't known for thunderous home runs or blazing fastballs. Instead, Boggs carved out a unique legacy as a master of consistency, a relentless hitting machine who dominated the American League for nearly two decades.

Boggs began his career with the Boston Red Sox in 1982, quickly establishing himself as a batting prodigy. He possessed a smooth, compact swing that could spray line drives to all fields. His approach at the plate was meticulous, a calculated blend of patience and power. Boggs walked nearly as much as he struck out, a rarity in today's game.

But Boggs wasn't just about statistics. He possessed an unparalleled work ethic, famously known for his dedication to a high-protein, low-carb diet. His legendary pregame chicken-frying ritual became a source of amusement and a symbol of his unwavering routine. This dedication translated to remarkable durability. Boggs played in a staggering 1,238 consecutive games, a seemingly untouchable record that solidified his reputation as an iron man.

Beyond his physical prowess, Boggs was a cerebral player. He studied pitchers meticulously, exploiting their weaknesses with a keen baseball mind. He mastered the art of hitting for average, leading the American League in batting titles a record five times.

Born June 15, 1958, in Omaha, Nebraska, was baseball Hall of Fame Third Baseman Wade Boggs. Boggs played 18 season of MLB ball mainly with the Boston Red Sox but also had stints on the New York Yankees (93, 94, 95, 96, 97) Tampa Bay Devil Rays (98, 99) as he batted 0.328 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.443, with 118 career Home Runs, and 2 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. He is one o the top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 26. He is also one o the top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 12

Jose Mendez, nicknamed "El Diamante Negro" – the Black Diamond – wasn't just a talented pitcher; he was a symbol of defiance and resilience in the face of baseball's racial barriers. Born in Cuba in 1919, his journey to the professional leagues was paved with discrimination, yet his brilliance on the field refused to be dimmed.

His early years saw him dominate Cuban baseball, his dazzling fastball and pinpoint control leaving batters bewildered. Scouts flocked to the island, mesmerized by his talent. But America's segregated leagues remained closed to players of color. Disheartened but not defeated, Mendez turned his sights on Mexico, joining the Veracruz Azules in 1940.

His dominance continued north of the border. He terrorized hitters across the Mexican League, winning multiple pitching titles and establishing himself as a true star. The whispers of his talent began to reach the ears of major league officials, chipping away at the walls of segregation.

In 1946, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, shattering the doors of opportunity for countless black players. The following year, Mendez signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Cuban-born player in the major leagues. However, despite his unquestionable talent, he faced skepticism and prejudice.

His initial stint with the Dodgers was limited, mostly relegated to barnstorming tours. The sting of discrimination was evident, but Mendez persevered. In 1948, he finally earned a regular role, electrifying crowds with his signature sidearm delivery and blazing fastball.

He wasn't just a pitching sensation; he was a symbol of hope. Fans of all races cheered his accomplishments, his success paving the way for future generations of Latino players. Although his major league career lasted only four seasons due to injuries, his impact transcended statistics.

Mendez retired in 1952, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer and a symbol of perseverance. He paved the path for Cuban greats like Minnie Minoso and Tany Perez, proving that talent and determination could overcome even the most entrenched injustices.

A biographical sketch of a great player. Born November 27, 1971, in Manatí, Puerto Rico, was Ivan Rodriguez, the Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, most famously of the Texas Rangers (1991-02 and 2009), Florida Marlins (2003), Detroit Tigers (2004-08), and the Washington Nationals (2010-11) for 21 seasons.

Rodríguez is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in MLB history. He played for the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.

The 2003 World Series with the Florida Marlins and played in the 2006 World Series with the Tigers. 2009 he set an MLB record by catching his 2,227th game, passing Carlton Fisk. He had the best career caught-stealing percentage of any major league catcher, at 45.68%.

Rodriguez is one of the top MLB players to have worn the Number 7 Jersey.

Herb Pennock, nicknamed "The Squire" for his gentlemanly demeanor, wasn't your typical fire-balling pitcher. Standing at a slender 6 feet, he relied on guile, pinpoint control, and a diverse arsenal to carve out a Hall of Fame career. Pennock's journey, spanning over two decades, is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the game.

Debuting for the Philadelphia Phillies at the tender age of 18 in 1912, Pennock's early years were marked by inconsistency. Yet, his raw talent was undeniable. He showcased a deceptive fastball, a sharp curveball, and a masterful changeup, keeping hitters off balance. By 1914, he had established himself as a reliable starter, and in 1915, he led the National League with 27 wins, a feat he would repeat two years later.

He spent his prime years with the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox, consistently putting up impressive numbers. He led the league in ERA twice and won over 20 games in three seasons, showcasing his mastery over his new pitching style. His calm demeanor under pressure made him a go-to starter in crucial games, earning him the nickname "The Nerves of Steel."

Pennock's career wasn't without its challenges. He was traded multiple times, facing new teams and environments, but his adaptability and dedication to his craft remained constant. In 1931, at the age of 34, he defied expectations by leading the New York Yankees to a World Series victory, cementing his legacy as a big-game pitcher.

Harmon Killebrew, nicknamed "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon," was a feared slugger who spent most of his 22-year career with the Minnesota Twins. Drafted by the Washington Senators at 17, his power hitting eventually made him the American League's all-time home run leader for right-handed batters by the time he retired in 1975.

Killebrew was known for his towering home runs and amassed an impressive resume:

573 career home runs (12th all-time at retirement)
8 seasons with 40 or more home runs (second only to Babe Ruth in the AL)
6-time American League home run leader
3-time American League RBI leader
1969 American League Most Valuable Player Award
Though a quiet man off the field, Killebrew's bat spoke volumes. He helped lead the Twins to the postseason three times and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Born June 29, 1936, in Payette, Idaho, was Baseball Hall of Fame First base and Utility man Harmon Killebrew. Harmon was a thirteen-time MLB All-Star; AL MVP 1969; and a six-time AL Home Run leader during his illustrious career in baseball. He played on the rosters of the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins. The man could make the ball find the back of the fence, Killebrew had the fifth-most home runs in major league history at the time of his retirement. He was second only to Babe Ruth in American League (AL) home runs, and was the AL career leader in home runs by a right-handed batter. Harmon was known for both the frequency and distance of his homers. He hit the longest home runs ever recorded at Minnesota's Metropolitan Stadium [520 ft (160 m)], and Baltimore's Memorial Stadium [471 ft (144 m)], and was the first of four players to hit a ball over the left field roof at Detroit's Tiger Stadium.

Alfonso Ramón López, better known as Al Lopez, wasn't the flashiest player or the most outspoken manager. Yet, his impact on baseball stretches across decades, leaving an undeniable mark on the game as both a catcher and a leader.

Lopez's playing career spanned 19 seasons, from 1928 to 1947. He donned the catching mitt for four teams – the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers, Boston Bees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians. While his offensive statistics weren't eye-popping, he was a defensive stalwart. He holds the major league record (since broken) for most games caught (1,918) and was known for his calmness behind the plate, expertly handling a variety of pitching styles. Nicknamed "El Señor" for his gentlemanly demeanor and Spanish heritage, Lopez earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

However, Lopez's true legacy lies in his managerial career. After a brief stint in the minor leagues, he took the helm of the Cleveland Indians in 1951. What followed was a remarkable stretch of success. In 15 full seasons as manager, Lopez's teams never finished lower than second place and never had a losing record. This consistency was unheard of at the time, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills.

His crowning achievement came in 1959 with the Chicago White Sox. Despite a lack of power hitters, Lopez instilled a "Go-Go" style of play with an emphasis on speed and base stealing. This unconventional approach, coupled with strong pitching, led the White Sox to their first American League pennant in 40 years. Though they fell short in the World Series, Lopez's feat cemented his reputation as a tactical innovator.

Beyond wins and losses, Lopez fostered a positive environment for his players. He was known for his loyalty and dedication to his teams, creating a sense of camaraderie that fueled their success. He also played a pivotal role in the integration of baseball, managing future Hall of Famers like Minnie Minoso and Luis Aparicio.

Legendary Baseball Hall of Fame player and manager Al Lopez. Born August 20, 1908, in Tampa, Florida, was Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Al Lopez.

He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Brooklyn Robins / Dodgers, Boston Bees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians between 1928 and 1947, and was the manager for the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox from 1951 to 1965 and during portions of the 1968 and 1969 seasons.

Lopez is one of the top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 12.