Who wore number 25 in MLB

Sure thing! Let’s dive into the history of baseball jersey number 25 and see what it has become. The number 25 holds a special place in the history of Major League Baseball, often associated with some of the game’s most iconic players. Barry Bonds, whose record-breaking home runs and incredible power forever changed the game, is one of many outstanding players who have worn this number. Rickey Henderson, often known as the “Man of Steal,” captivated audiences with lightning speed and ushered in a new era of base stealing. Then there’s George Brett, the famed clutch hitter and fierce competitor who will go down in baseball history. Each of these athletes exemplifies the character of baseball’s 25th player in his special way.

Retired numbers 25 in MLB

Most players in this list are non-Famers. Only Jim Thome from the Guardians received such honour as a personal plaque. The Astros opened the tradition of retirement in this category when they honored Jose Cruz. Andruw Jones from Braves preserves it since 2023, a testament to the enduring legacy of these players and their significant contributions to the game.

The first player with the number 25 in MLB

The outfielder Ben Paschal had a very unstable career. He played a single season in 1915, returned to baseball in 1920, disappeared till 1924 and then played regularly. He joined the Yankees and wore number 25 there in 1929.

Top 9 Players Who Wore Number 25 the Longest in MLB History

Tommy John – 24 ye

Tommy John, an accomplished pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1989, is renowned for his exceptional tenacity and groundbreaking surgical procedures named after him. Donning jersey number 25 from 1965 to 1988, John amassed 288 career victories and was honoured with the prestigious All-Star award thrice. He demonstrated his enduring presence and exceptional abilities through his tenure with many clubs, such as the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. In addition to his efforts on the mound, he emerged as an emblem of healing and perseverance, exerting a substantial impact on sports medicine and the comprehension of elbow injuries in baseball.

Jim Thome – 21 yrs

Jim Thome, a huge name in baseball, wore number 25 from 1991 to 2012, making a lasting mark on the game. He hit so hard that he was named an All-Star five times and won two Silver Sluggers. He hit 612 home runs, which ranks fifth all-time, and drove in 1,699 runs, which ranks eighth all-time in Major League Baseball. Thome’s impact extended beyond his impressive statistics; he was a respected leader who helped younger players learn how to play well and created a winning culture. He made significant contributions to the Cleveland Indians, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago White Sox, and the Minnesota Twins, helping all of them make it to the playoffs. Fans liked Thome because, even though he was intimidating at-bat, he was humble and approachable. His consistent, long-lasting, and classy professional baseball career solidified his place as one of the game’s greats.

Rafael Palmeiro – 20 yrs

From 1986 through 2005, Rafael Palmeiro was a mainstay in the Major League Baseball lineup, generating plenty of offence. He wore jersey number 25 throughout his career, except for a short stint in 1989 when he wore number 3. He had 3,020 hits, 569 home runs, and over 1,800 RBIs. He joined only five other players in achieving the feat of 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, a testament to his exceptional hitting ability. Although his suspension for steroid usage in 2005 casts a shadow over Palmeiro’s career, his influence on the game is undeniable. He was a four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, further solidifying his place in baseball history.

Buddy Bell – 17 years

Buddy Bell‘s 17-year MLB career (1972–1989) was highlighted by solid defence and hitting. For the Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, and others, Bell hit 279 and 201 home runs at third base. His fielding talents earned him six Gold Glove Awards. Bell was a 1984 Silver Slugger and five-time All-Star. Critics and fans recognised his steady performance and core playing style. Bell was reliable and essential to his teams, even if he wasn’t overpowering.

Don Baylor – 16 yrs

Don Baylor played 19 seasons in MLB from 1970 to 1987. He wore jersey number 25 for most of his career, except for brief periods in 1976 and 1977. Baylor played multiple positions, including first baseman, left fielder, and designated hitter. He won the AL Most Valuable Player Award in 1979, earned three Silver Slugger Awards, and was part of the 1987 World Series champion Minnesota Twins. He managed the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs.

Mark McGwire – 16 yrs

Throughout his 16-year career, power-hitting first baseman Mark McGwire made a lasting impression on baseball. McGwire’s greatest accomplishment, despite his incredible home run ability, was his 1998 home run race with Sammy Sosa, which captured the attention of fans all around the globe. With 70 home runs in 1998, he also established a record for the most in a season. Despite claims of drug usage clouding his career, McGwire made valuable contributions to the sport. His ability to hit home runs and endearing demeanour contributed to baseball’s resurgence in the late 1990s.

Norm Cash – 15 yrs

Norm Cash, who wore the number 25 jersey from 1960 to 1974, had a big impact throughout his 14-year baseball career. His most famous season was 1961 when he won the batting championship with an impressive .361 average, and 1965, when he hit a career-high 41 home runs. Cash was chosen an All-Star five times and received the Gold Glove Award in 1961. Throughout his career, his powerful hitting and strong defensive abilities made him an invaluable addition to the Detroit Tigers, establishing a long legacy in baseball.

Jose Cruz – 15 yrs

Wearing jersey number 25 from 1975 to 1987, José Cruz enjoyed the best of his career with the Houston Astros. Over 13 years, he was a two-time All-Star (1980, 1985), earned two Silver Slugger Awards (1983, 1984), and lead the National League in hits in 1983. Six times with the Astros, Cruz averaged over 300; in 1983, he had a career-high. 319. Three times, he was in the top 10 NL MVP voting; he also earned a record four Astros team MVP accolades. Cruz guided the Astros onto their first-ever playoff slot in 1980. Still the Astros’ all-time leader in triples with 80, he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2019.

Barry Bonds – 15 yrs

Barry Bonds, who wore jersey number 25, revolutionised Major League Baseball from 1993 to 2007. In 2001, Bonds, a seven-time MVP, shattered the single-season home run record with 73 and the all-time career home run record with 762. He accumulated an astonishing 2,935 career walks and a career batting average of.298. Nevertheless, his legacy was frequently tarnished by steroid allegations and controversies that obscured his dominance. Nevertheless, Bonds’ extraordinary performance during this period left an indelible impression on the game, transforming him into one of the most controversial figures in baseball history.