Who wore number 41 in MLB

Major League Baseball has a rich history around the number 41, worn by great players who have fundamentally changed the game. From Hall of Famers to fan favourites, the players who have worn this number have moulded the league’s heritage and still inspire the next generations.

Retired numbers 41 in MLB

Only two teams have ever retired the number 41 in MLB history. The Braves bestowed this honor upon the legendary Eddie Matthews in 1969, and 19 years later, the New York Mets paid tribute to their star player, Tom Seaver. Both of these exceptional performers are enshrined in the Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring impact on the game.

The first number 41 in MLB

Our journey into the history of number 41 begins with the pioneering Johnny Stuart, the first player to don this number in 1924, following a year of wearing number 19. Stuart’s debut with number 41 marked the beginning of a new era in Major League Baseball. He achieved his best result that season, with 54 strikeouts and 12 home runs, setting a high standard for future players.

Top 9 Players Who Wore Number 41 the Longest in MLB History

Tom Seaver – 20 yrs

Tom Seaver, the renowned right-handed pitcher, left an indelible mark on MLB during his exceptional career from 1967 to 1986. His intense competitiveness and outstanding abilities earned him three Cy Young Awards and 12 All-Star nominations. Seaver’s substantial influence on the game was permanently recognized when the New York Mets retired his uniform number 41 in 1988. His enduring reputation as one of baseball’s all-time greats continues to inspire future generations, a testament to his lasting legacy.

Jerry Reuss – 16 yrs

Jerry Reuss was a cunning left-hander with an impressive 22-year Major League Baseball career, mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. From 1974 to 1989, he wore the number 41. In 1979, he wore the number 25, and in 1987 and 1988, he wore the number 44. With 1,907 strikeouts and a 3.64 ERA during his career, Reuss was an expert pitcher. Beyond his statistics, Reuss had an influence as a clubhouse favorite and a role model for younger players. Among his most remarkable achievements was his emotional recovery from a severe leg injury in 1987, demonstrating his strength of character and commitment to the sport. Reuss’s endurance, steadiness, and the lasting impression he had on his colleagues and teams are what really define his legacy.

Eddie Mathews – 15 yrs

Eddie Mathews was a great third baseman who wore number 41. He played from 1952 to 1966 and retired in 1968. He hit 512 home runs throughout his career and was an All-Star 12 times and a World Series winner twice. He was an important part of the Braves teams in Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta and the only player to play for them in all three places. The game will never forget how good he was at defense and how he led the team. Mathews should have been admitted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.

Jim Slaton – 15 yrs

Jim Slaton‘s baseball career is a testament to his versatility and persistence. He started his career in 1971 wearing the jersey number 41, which became linked with his early triumphs. He maintained momentum when he moved to number 21 in 1978 and 47 in 1984. His career inspires prospective athletes by showing the value of flexibility and tenacity.

Pat Hentgen – 14 yrs

Pat Hentgen, an awesome pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, had a pretty cool MLB career from 1991 to 2004. He made it to the All-Star game three times (1993, 1994, 1997) and snagged the AL Cy Young Award in 1996, being the first Blue Jay to pull that off. Hentgen’s got some solid career stats with a 131-112 win-loss record, 1,290 strikeouts, and a 4.32 ERA. He was key in the Blue Jays’ 1993 World Series win. Hentgen put in the work and showed some serious talent, which got him into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

John Lackey – 14 yrs

A solid right-hander, John Lackey carved his name into baseball history with his steady performances and durable innings. Known for his sinker-heavy approach, Lackey’s ability to produce poor contact and minimize walks made him a consistent starter. From 2002 until 2017, he worn the number 41, temporarily moving to 42 in 2010 owing to a team-wide renumbering. Lackey’s services were important throughout his career in propelling his teams to playoff success, including a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. His endurance and dependability reinforced his position as a respected veteran in the game.

Victor Martinez – 14 yrs

Victor Martinez, a legendary switch-hitter, made an unforgettable impression on Major League Baseball from 2002 to 2018. Martinez, who wore number 41 in the later half of his career, shown unprecedented talents as a catcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. His impressive.295 batting average, 246 home runs, and 1,178 RBIs demonstrate his exceptional offensive abilities. Martinez, a five-time All-Star, had an influence that went beyond numbers, providing leadership and stability to the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers. His relentless devotion and superb hitting ability cemented his position in baseball history.

Carlos Santana – 14 yrs

Since his 2010 Cleveland Indian debut, Dominican-American baseball star Carlos Santana has enjoyed a noteworthy career. Renowned for his strength and plate discipline, Santana has regularly hit at least 18 home runs every season since 2011, resulting in an All-Star nomination in 2019. Having played for the Phillies and Royals, among other clubs, he has made major contributions as a first baseman and catcher. Wearing number 41 in honor of Victor Martinez, Santana’s legacy consists of a 2013 World Baseball Classic gold medal with the Dominican Republic.

Chris Short – 13 yrs

From 1961 to 1972, Chris Short, a formidable baseball pitcher, wore jersey number 41. Short played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Pilots, and Milwaukee Brewers, where he was recognized for his sharp-breaking curveball and blistering velocity. He was selected to two All-Star teams and accumulated 135 victories, 1,629 strikeouts, and a 3.43 ERA. Leaving an enduring legacy for future generations of pitchers to revere and emulate, Short’s impact on the game was profound.