Baseball greats - uniform numbers Quiz

Answer: Tom Seaver

"Terrific" Tom wore #41 with a long Hall of Fame career pitching for the Mets (1967-1977, 1983), Reds (1977-1982), White Sox (1984-1986), Red Sox (1986)
Jackie Robinson, baseballs first African American spent his time with the Dodgers & his #42 is now retired throughout the MLB, so no one will wear that number ever again.
Mariano Rivera was the last to wear #42 in the Major Leagues and is bound to be a Hall of Famer as he Is one of the greatest closers ever.
Bruce Sutter was a Hall of Fame relief pitcher inducted in 2006 known for his split-finger fastball. He pitched for: Cubs (1976-1980), Cardinals (1981-1984), and Braves (1985-1988)

Answer: Frank Thomas

White Sox slugger Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas wore #35 en route to Cooperstown (inducted in 2014). A great first baseman and hitter (.301 career average, 521 HR's & over 1,700 RBI's). Played for: White Sox (1990-2005), A's (2006 & 2008), Blue Jays (2007 & 2008). He was a 5 time All Star and 2 time MVP (1993 & 1994).
Jim Palmer wore #22 en route to his Hall of Fame career pitching for the Orioles from 1965-1984. He is the best pitcher in Baltimore Orioles history winning 3 Cy Young awards. Had a career record of 268-152 with a 2.86 ERA, 8 years with 20+ wins and never gave up a grand slam.
Barry Larkin wore #11 for the Reds from 1986-2004, playing shortstop en route to being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
Eddie Murray wore #33 throughout his Hall of Fame career (inducted in 2003). Played for: Orioles (1977-1988, 1996), Dodgers (1989-1991, 1997), Yankees (1992 & 1993), Indians (1994-1996), Angels (1997). One of the greatest switch hitters ever and was only the 3rd person ever with over 500 HR's & 3,000 hits. He was an 8 time All Star, Rookie of the year, & 3 time Gold Glove winner

Answer: Lou Gehrig

Hall of Famer and baseball great, Lou Gehrig, had his #4 retired by the Yankees when he retired due to having Arterial Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the disease that now bears his name. Making him the first person to have their number retired.
Jackie Robinson's #42 is retired throughout the MLB. No one will ever wear that number again in honor of baseball's first African American.
Roberto Clemente wore #21 through his Hall of Fame career with the Pirates. A well known humanitarian as well, he died in a plane crash after getting his 3,000th hit. Many people want #21 retired throughout the MLB like they did with Jackie Robinson and his #42.
Red Sox great Ted Williams has his #9 retired in Boston and was the basis for the number & character Robert Redford played, Roy Hobbs, in the great baseball movie "The Natural".

Answer: Ted Williams

Ted Williams wore #9 playing for the Red Sox from 1939-1960 (missing 3 full years while serving in WW2, and almost 2 full other seasons serving in the Korean War). He had a career average of .344, hit 521 HR's, and had 1,839 RBI's. Inducted into the Hall in 1966.
Cal Ripken Jr. is probably best known for starting in & playing 2,632 consecutive games, earing him the nickname Iron Man. He played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1981-2001. Inducted in Hall of Fame in 2007. Had career stats of 3,184 hits & 431 HR's. Made 19 consecutive All Star games, 2 time MVP, 2 Gold gloves, and won Rookie of the Year.
Yogi Berra served as Yankees catcher from 1946-1963. Inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1972. Had 358 career Homers and a .285 average. Known for his off the wall sayings as well as his outstanding play. Made All Star team every year from '48-'62, was a 3 time MVP and won a MLB record 10 World Series.
Willie "Pops" Stargell was a huge part of the Pirates from 1962-1982. Slugging 475 career HR's with a .282 average. Inducted to Cooperstown in 1988. One time MVP and won 2 World Series.

Answer: George Brett

George Brett played 20 Intense seasons in Kansas City Royal blue (1973-1993) wearing #5 on his way to the Hall of Fame (inducted 1999). The third baseman is the only player with over 3,000 hits, 300 HR's, 600 doubles, 100 triples, 1,500 RBI's, 200 steals, and batting over .300 (career .305 batter and once hit .390). Won the MVP, a gold glove, 13 time All Star, 3 time batting champ.
Paul Molitor was inducted in Hall of Fame in 2004. Played for: Brewers (1978-1992), Blue Jays (1993-195), Twins (1996-1998). Good third baseman & DH. Had 3,319 hits, over 500 steals and was a 7 time All Star.
Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse, was a key Yankee player from 1923-1939. Played 2,130 consecutive games. Lifetime .340 hitter and 493 HR's, 1,990 RBI's. Career cut short by the disease that now bears his name.
Ernie Lombardi, the Schnozz, found his way to Cooperstown in 1986. Played for: Dodgers (1931), Reds (1932-1941), Red Sox (1942), Giants (1943-1947). Notoriously slow and playing catcher he still had career avg. of .306. MVP winner once, 2 time batting champ.

Answer: Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson donned #24 over his 25 year career from 1979-2003, that put him on 10 teams & into Cooperstown in 2009. Mostly known as an A or Yankee he has many records for a leadoff hitter, & many consider him the best leadoff hitter ever. Career leader in a few categories: 1,406 steals, 2,295 runs, & 81 HR's to leadoff a game.
Frank Robinson was first player to win MVP in both leagues. Played 21 years: Reds (1956-1965), Orioles (1966-1971), Dodgers (1972), Angels (1973 & 1974), Indians (1974-1976). Won Rookie of the year, 2 time MVP, Triple Crown winner in '66. First black head coach ever. Career stats of: 586 HR's, 1,812 RBI's, .294 average, 2,943 hits.
Lou Brock played 19 years holding down left field for: Cubs (1961-1964), Cardinals (1964-1979). Career numbers of 3,023 hits, .293 average, 118 steals in a season which was a record at the time as well as his 938 career steals. Inducted into the Hall in 1985.
Mike Schmidt played third from 1972-1989 with the Phillies, winning 10 gold gloves,, getting into the Hall in 1995. He was a 3 time MVP & a World Series MVP, won 3 straight HR titles in mid-70's and 8 total. 12 time All Star. 548 career HR's & just shy of 1,600 RBI's.

Answer: Rollie Fingers

Rollie sported #34 (& the greatest moustache in MLB history) on his way to the Hall, getting inducted in 1992. Played for: A's (1968-1976), Padres (1977-1980), and Brewers (1981-1985). One of the games best Firemen in his time period, routinely pitching 3 innings to earn a save, which he had a then record of 341 of them, leading the league twice & winning a Cy Young award. As well as having a career with 114 wins & a 2.90 ERA.
Hank Aaronplayed for Braves 1954-1974 & his last 2 yrs. in Milwaukee. Broke Babe Ruths HR record hitting 755 of them, including 20 straight years with 20 or more dingers. Also at retirement he held records for: games (3,298), at bats (12,364), total bases (6,856), RBI's (2,297). Leading league in HR & RBI 4 times each, batting twice. Had lifetime avg. of .305 & had 3,771 hits.
Reggie Jackson, Mr. October made it to Cooperstown in 1993. Played for: A's (1967-1975, 1987), Baltimore (1976), Yankees (1977-1981), Angels (1982-1986). Sixth all time in HR's when he retired with 563. Won MVP in '73 & played on 11 division winning teams.
Willie McCovey, aka Stretch, played for: Giants (1959-1973, 1977-1980), Padres (1974-1976, and a couple weeks with the A's in '76 as well. Tied with Ted Williams on all time HR list, with 521 of them, as well as 1,555 RBI's. Was a 4 time HR champ and 3 time RBI champ. Big time pull hitter & one of first batters to have a shift enabled against them to try & get him out.

Answer: Ralph Kiner

Ralph Kiner's short H.O.F. (inducted in 1975) career lasted just 10 years while wearing #9. Missed his first 3 years cause of WW2. Played with Pirates (1946-1953), Cubs (1953 & 54), Indians (1955). Led league in HR's his first 7 years in the Majors. Average year was 37 HR & 102 RBI. First NL player with two 50+ HR seasons. Second highest HR per AB ratio ever.
Brooks played for Orioles from 1955-1977, getting into the Hall in '83. MVP in 1964 & runner up in '66 to his teammate Frank Robinson. Decent hitter with 268 career HR & 2,848 hits, he may be the best fielding third sacker ever setting numerous records and making 18 straight All Star games.
Johnny Bench caught for the Reds from 1967-1983, getting inducted to the Hall in '89. Won Rookie of the year, 2 MVP's, 10 Gold Gloves. One of best hitting catchers ever, had 389 HR's & 1,376 RBI's.
The Yankee Clipper, Joltin Joe played in NY pinstripes from 1936-1951, missing 3 full seasons ('43 - '45) due to World War 2. Career .325 avg. 361 HR's & 1,537 RBI's (averaging 118 per season). 3 time MVP & made All Star team every year he player. Holds record with 56 game hitting streak, a record that still stands 75 years later. Many consider him best all around OF ever.

Answer: Wade Boggs

Wade Boggs played for 18 years wearing #12; Red Sox (1982-92); Yankees (1993-97); Tampa (Devil) Rays (1998 & 99). Inducted into Hall in 2005. Career avg. of .328 with 3,010 hits including a then record 7 straight years with over 200 hits (1983-1989). Batting champ 5 times, 2 gold gloves & 12 consecutive yrs. as an All Star (1985-1996).
Ernie Banks, aka Mr. Cub, played Shortstop and 1st base for the Cubs from 1953-1971. Won MVP in 1958 & 59. From 1955-60 led league in games played and averaged 41 HR's a year. Career 512 HR's; 1,636 RBI's, 2,583 hits & a .274 avg. Named to All Star team 14 times.
Jim Rice played his whole career with Red Sox (1974-1989), mostly in LF, making it to Cooperstown finally in 2009. Career numbers of: 382 HR; 1,451 RBI; .298 avg. Only player with 3 straight seasons of 35 HR, 100 RBI, 200 hits. MVP in 1978 (led league in: HR, RBI, hits, total bases). Made All star team 8 times.
Pete Rose played 24 seasons: Reds (1963-1978, 1984-1986), Phillies (1979-1983), Expos (1984). Not in Hall of Fame due to gambling but is all time MLB leader in: hits (4,256); games (3,562); At bats (14,053); plate appearances & singles. Career .303 average, 17 time All Star (at 5 diff. positions), MVP in 1973, Rookie of the year in 1963, 3 time batting champ & World Series winner, 2 time gold glove winner.

Answer: Whitey Ford

Whitey Ford pitched wearing #16 for the Yankees his whole career: 1950, 1953-1967 (did not play in '51 & '52, due to Korean War). Inducted Into Hall In 1974, had a career record of 236-106 (giving him the highest win pct. of any pitcher at 69%), with a 2.74 ERA. Led league in wins 3 times & ERA twice. Played in World Series 11 diff. yrs.
Bob Feller pitched for Cleveland from 1936-56 (missing 3 yrs. cause of World War 2 from 1942-44 & only was back for 9 games in 1945). Cooperstown made him a member in 1962. Career record of 266-162 with a 3.25 ERA. Led league in wins 6 times. Known for his blazing fastball he was a great strikeout pitcher.
Robin Yount played his whole career with Brewers (1974-1993) mostly in CF or SS, making the Hall in 1999. One of 3 players to win MVP at 2 diff. positions. Career 3,142 hits; .285 average, 251 HR, & a 3 time All Star. Was a regular starter since age 18 & has record of most games played before age 20. Had most hits of any player in the 1980's. Gold glove winner at shortstop.
Tony Gwynn played his career in San Diego (1982-2001), making the Hall in 2007. Tremendous hitter with many records. 19 straight seasons batting over .300 (including hitting .394 in 1994). Career avg. of .338 with 3,141 hits, 135 HR, 1,138 RBI, 318 steals. All Star 15 times, 5 gold gloves In RF, 8 time batting champ, 7 time league leader in hits.