3

From BR Bullpen

3 is perhaps the most important number in baseball numerology. It is the number of outs in a half inning and the number of strikes require to record a strikeout. There are three numbered bases. Many other important numbers are powers of three (3²=9 innings per game and players on a side, 3³=27 outs per game, 3⁴=81 home games per season, etc.).

3 was Babe Ruth's number with the New York Yankees, refering to his place in the lineup. As such, a much coveted number for players of other organizations. David Wells wore it in his stint in Boston, as did Alex Rodriguez with the Texas Rangers.

[edit] Notable players who wore this number

• Harold Baines, retired by the Chicago White Sox
• Earl Averill, retired by the Cleveland Indians
• Harmon Killebrew, retired by the Minnesota Twins
• Babe Ruth, retired by the New York Yankees
• Dale Murphy, retired by the Atlanta Braves
• Bill Terry, retired by the San Francisco Giants
• Brent Abernathy
• Rick Adams
• Chris Aguila
• Shigeo Nagashima, retired by the Yomiuri Giants

The Yanks' #3 was also worn in the first month of the 1948 season by the immortal Cliff Mapes, who himself allegedly (according to The Sporting News) hit a 500+ ft. home run while playing for the AAA Kansas City Blues. Mapes had the further distinction of being the last player before Mickey Mantle to wear #7, which was first worn by the Mick when he was recalled from the Blues shortly after the All-Star break in 1951.