Sports History

Number 14. Often overshadowed by its more celebrated neighbors, 13 and 15, it might not be the first number that springs to mind when you think of baseball royalty. But beneath this seemingly ordinary number lies a rich tapestry of legendary careers.

This series delves into the stories of the men who wore number 14 and transformed it into a symbol of excellence. From sluggers who redefined power hitting to defensive wizards who patrolled the outfield with unmatched grace, we'll explore the legacies of these remarkable athletes.

Prepare to be surprised by under-the-radar gems who defied expectations and iconic veterans whose names are forever etched in baseball history. We'll uncover clutch performances, record-breaking seasons, and the unique personalities that made these players stand out.

So, buckle up and join us as we peel back the layers of baseball history and celebrate the incredible athletes who wore number 14. Get ready to discover that sometimes, the "other" number can be just as legendary.

Ernie Banks wasn't just a baseball player; he was an icon, a symbol of grace and power, and the embodiment of Chicago Cubs baseball for over a decade. His career, spanning 19 seasons, is a treasure trove of milestones, each etching his name deeper into the hearts of fans and the annals of baseball history.

Powerhouse at the Plate: Banks was a slugger, plain and simple. He cracked 512 home runs, ranking 23rd all-time and leading the National League twice. His signature "Let's Play Two!" roar after day games fueled both his own determination and the cheers of thousands. He drove in over 1,630 runs and collected over 2,500 hits, solidifying his offensive prowess.

Beyond the Numbers: But Banks was more than just numbers. He won two National League MVP awards, showcasing his all-around excellence. He also garnered 14 All-Star selections, a testament to his consistent brilliance. His fielding prowess earned him a Gold Glove Award at shortstop in 1960, showcasing his versatility.

Breaking Barriers: In an era of racial segregation, Banks defied odds. He became the first black player for the Cubs and paved the way for future generations. His quiet dignity and on-field excellence earned him respect and admiration, breaking down barriers one swing at a time.

Beyond the Field: Banks' love for the game and his positive attitude transcended the diamond. He became known as "Mr. Cub," a title reflecting his loyalty and leadership. His infectious smile and unwavering optimism earned him respect and adoration from fans across the league.

Born April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was MLB legend Pete Rose. He was often called by his nickname, "Charlie Hustle", and was not only a former player but a manager as well. Rose played in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1986, most well-known as a member of the Cincinnati Reds but also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Montreal Expos. Rose played the positions of , First Baseman, Left Fielder, Third Baseman, Second Baseman, Right Field, and Center Field wearing the number 14 on the Cincinnati Reds (1963-78, 1984-86), Philadelphia Phillies (1979-83), and the Montreal Expos (1984) for 24 seasons as he batted 0.303 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.409, with 160 career Home Runs, and 2 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons.

Jim Rice, nicknamed "Jim Ed" or "The Jimalaya," carved his name in baseball history as a dominant slugger for the Boston Red Sox from 1974 to 1989. His career was a testament to raw power, exceptional hitting, and a fierce competitive spirit.

Early Years and Rising Star (1974-1978):

-Drafted by the Red Sox in 1971, Rice debuted in 1974, showcasing his potential from the start.

-He possessed a smooth swing, exceptional bat speed, and the ability to launch long home runs.
By 1975, Rice established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He finished second in the

-American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting despite missing the World Series due to injury.

-1977 marked a breakout year for Rice. He led the league in home runs (39) and slugging percentage (.593), establishing himself as one of baseball's most feared hitters.

Peak Years and MVP Recognition (1978-1983):

-1978 was a defining year for Rice. He achieved the prestigious "Triple Crown" by leading the AL in home runs (46), runs batted in (RBI) (139), and batting average (.322). He also won the AL MVP award, solidifying his place among the game's elite.

-Rice continued his dominance throughout the early 1980s. He consistently hit over .300 with impressive power numbers, leading the league in home runs three times (1977, 1978, 1983) and RBI twice (1978, 1983).

-Despite his individual brilliance, the Red Sox struggled to achieve consistent team success during this period.
Later Career and Legacy (1984-1989):

-Injuries and declining offensive production marked Rice's later career. However, he remained a respected figure in the game.

-He finished his career in 1989 with impressive statistics – a .298 batting average, 382 home runs, and 1,451 RBIs.

In 2009, Rice received recognition for his impactful career by being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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.

Born September 10, 1895, in San Francisco, California, was Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman George 'High Pockets' Kelly. This legend was a World Series Champions in 1921, 22, and the National League Home Run leader in 1921 with the NY Giants (1915–1917, 1919–1926), but also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1917), Cincinnati Reds (1927–1930), Chicago Cubs (1930), and Brooklyn Dodgers (1932). Kelly was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.

Lawrence Eugene Doby, "Larry" to the world, etched his name in baseball history as both a fearless trailblazer and a talented slugger. Born in 1923, Doby first starred in the Negro Leagues, leading the Newark Eagles to a championship in 1946. In 1947, he became the second African-American player in the Major Leagues, following Jackie Robinson, when he debuted for the Cleveland Indians.

He faced the brunt of racism and hostility, but Doby persevered, batting .270 with 14 home runs in his rookie season. The next year, he hit a team-high 27 home runs and helped the Indians capture the American League pennant. Doby went on to play 13 seasons in the Majors, primarily with Cleveland, showcasing his power with 253 career home runs and finishing with a solid .283 batting average.

Beyond his statistics, Doby's legacy resonates because of his courage and leadership. He paved the way for future generations of Black players, earning induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. After his playing days, Doby served as a scout and executive, further contributing to the game he loved. Larry Doby, the quiet giant, forever stands tall as a symbol of resilience and progress in baseball history.

Gil Hodges, "The Kid" to teammates and fans, stood tall not just in stature but also in his impact on baseball. From 1947 to 1963, he anchored the first base position for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming a cornerstone of their championship teams and earning a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Rising Star in Brooklyn: Starting as a catcher, Hodges transitioned to first base, showcasing his power and agility. He earned eight All-Star selections, led the league in RBIs three times, and clubbed 370 home runs, ranking third among right-handed hitters only behind Jimmie Foxx and Willie Mays at the time of his retirement. His signature moment came in 1950 when he became the fourth player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game.

Championship Pedigree: Hodges was synonymous with winning. He played a crucial role in six National League pennants with the Dodgers and two World Series titles, in 1955 and 1959. His defensive prowess, earning three Gold Glove awards, and powerful bat were vital components of the team's success.

Born April 4, 1924, in Princeton, Indiana, was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman Gil Hodges. Hodges played the positions of First Base, Catcher, Left Field, Third Base, Right Field, Center Field, and Second Base wearing the number 14 on the Brooklyn Dodgers (1947-57), Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-61), and the New York Mets (1962-63) for 18 seasons as he batted 0.273 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.487, with 370 career Home Runs, and 3 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons.