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Dennis Semrau

wissports.net





What is your favorite number?

 

For anyone who has ever donned a jersey or a uniform in any sport, the number on the back often has some significance.

 

For example, I chose No. 13 not only because it was the date of my birthday, Sept. 13, but also because 13 is viewed as an unlucky number by many people so I figured I wouldn t have to fight over it when it came time for equipment to be issued.

 

Growing up in Milwaukee and following the Braves, Henry Aaron s 44 was often the number of choice for my generation.

 

And how many fans in the state wore Robin Yount s No. 19 and Paul Molitor s No. 4 with pride when they played?

 

In youth sports where single digits and numbers in the teens or 20s are often only issued, who doesn t want to be No. 1?

 

Or if you are a Brewers fan, how can you not pick Ryan Braun s No. 8, J.J. Hardy s No. 7 or Prince Fielder s No. 28?

 

Well, No. 42 is taking center stage on Wednesday when the entire Milwaukee Brewers team of players and coaches will honor Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson by wearing Robinson s number 42 when the Brewers host the Cincinnati Reds on Jackie Robinson Day.

 

On Wednesday, Major League Baseball will celebrate the 62^nd anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Robinson s first game in the Major Leagues came on April 15, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers when they played against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.

 

Major League Baseball has asked players and coaches on all teams to wear number 42 for this year s Anniversary.

 

On April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball, Commissioner Selig announced that Robinson's number 42 would be retired throughout Major League Baseball and never again issued to on-field personnel for regular use.

 

Are there any high schools in the state that issue a No. 42 for anyone on their baseball team? Let me know who you are and we ll compile a list in honor of Robinson.

 

Why we re on the subject, what is the most popular number worn today by Wisconsin prep baseball players? Is it one worn by a Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox player, since those teams have fans bases in Wisconsin?

 

Or is it someone like St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and New York Mets third baseman David Wright, who both wear No. 5?

 

Whatever your number is, though, wear it loud and wear it proud.