January 22 in Yankees History: The New York Yankees announce they will put numbers on the backs of their uniforms (1929)

On January 22 1929 — The New York Yankees announce they will put numbers on the backs of their uniforms, becoming the first baseball team to start continuous use of the numbers. The first numbers are based on positions in the batting order; thus, Babe Ruth will wear number 3 and Lou Gehrig number 4.

More Yankees history & fan-cave gifts →

Source: Historical record

Back to blog