Who wore number 46 in MLB

Welcome, baseball aficionados, to a voyage through the diamond-studded annals of Major League Baseball, where numbers aren’t simply digits on a uniform but emblems of heritage, tenacity, and brilliance. Today, we’re highlighting a number that has been owned, not only worn: the legendary Number 46.

Picture the scene: a player wearing the number 46 takes the plate amidst the crowd’s thunderous roar and the bat’s crack. The sweat, talent, and unwavering resolve of individuals who have donned this ordinary number have transformed it into something remarkable. World Series triumphs, no-hitters, and record-breaking events have all occurred on that number, leaving fans breathless and opponents in amazement.

The number 46 tells the narrative of underdogs and superstars, moments cherished by fans forever, victories, and sorrows. A silent witness to some of baseball’s most spectacular exploits, this number has been sewn into the very fabric of the game’s history. From the underdog stories of players who wore this number to the record-breaking events it oversaw, the number 46 has a rich and significant history in Major League Baseball.

Get ready for an exciting journey through time because we’re about to embark on it. We’ll examine 46’s history, the ways it changed the game, and the iconic events it oversaw. Anyone, from lifelong baseball fans to those just tuning in for the first time, is sure to be enchanted by the majesty of Number 46. It’s time to appreciate the significant contributions of these players!

Retired number 46 in MLB

Only one player is outside the Hall of Fame. The performer Andy Pettitte was a member of the Yankees from 2007 to 2013, with a pause in 2011. His significant impact on the game led the Yankees to remove number 46 from the circuit, a rare honor reserved for players who have made an indelible mark on the team and the sport.

The first number 46 in MLB

The pitcher Jim Moore received number 46 in 1933. His team, the Chicago White Sox, renumbered him from number 23. However, he played only a single game before retirement. Despite his short tenure, Moore’s brief appearance in number 46 is a part of the number’s rich history, showcasing the diversity of experiences associated with this number in baseball.

Top 6 Players Who Wore Number 46 the Longest in MLB History

Mike Flanagan – 18 yrs

Mike Flanagan, a distinguished left-handed pitcher, had a remarkable influence in Major League Baseball throughout his career from 1973 to 1992. Flanagan is well-regarded for his remarkable control and durability, having excelled with the Baltimore Orioles. He won the Cy Young Award in 1979, achieving a 23-9 record with a 3.08 ERA. He achieved 1,491 strikeouts throughout his career and contributed significantly to the Orioles’ triumph in the 1983 World Series. Flanagan’s leadership and sportsmanship made a lasting impression on the teams he played for, reinforcing his legacy in the sport.

Andy Pettitte – 15 yrs

Veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte played in Major League Baseball for eighteen seasons (1995–2013), mostly with the New York Yankees. With 2,448 strikeouts in 256 games, he ranks 46th all-time in wins. As a pillar of the Yankees’ dynasty, Pettitte contributed to their five World Series victories (1996, 1998–2000, 2009). He set an MLB record with 25 postseason victories. He retired in 2013 after a career characterized by reliability and dependability. The Yankees retired his number 46 in 2015 to recognize his contributions and longevity. Pettitte’s position in baseball history is determined by his reputation as a dependable, clutch pitcher.

Ryan Dempster – 14 yrs

Ryan Dempster, wearing jersey number 46 from 1999 to 2013 and temporarily number 34 (2002-2003), had a remarkable MLB career as a solid left-handed pitcher. Dempster was a key player for teams such as the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, amassing over 130 victories and three All-Star appearances. He was known for his steady 4.35 ERA and received the Roberto Clemente Award for community service. His leadership and longevity on the pitch propelled teams to postseason victory and solidified his reputation as a respected and powerful figure in baseball.

Gary Lavelle – 13 yrs

Gary Lavelle had an amazing career. He won 80 games and struck out 769 batters, making him one of the all-time greats. His .510 winning percentage is the best of any qualifying starter in history. Lavelle won five ERA titles because he could get batters to hit the ball on the ground and take control of late-game situations.

He was known for always staying calm and shutting down opponents when it mattered most. Two All-Star teams chose him because of his performance. Lavelle’s effect went beyond numbers; he was a real leader on the mound and a renowned teacher for younger pitchers.

Bob Stanley – 13 yrs

Bob Stanley, a pitcher who was a pillar of the Boston Red Sox from 1977 to 1989, was renowned for his durability and critical performances. Stanley achieved a 3.64 ERA, 115 victories, and 132 saves during his tenure and was a two-time All-Star (1979, 1983). His resilience was demonstrated by his pivotal role in the 1986 World Series despite the infamous errant pitch. Stanley’s capacity to transition from starter to reliever made him indispensable during a period of changing bullpen strategies, solidifying his place in Red Sox history.

Kevin Gross – 13 yrs

Kevin Gross went down in baseball lore for 14 years as a reliable and steady reliever. From 1983 to 1996, when he briefly switched to number 45 in 1995, Gross racked up remarkable numbers while wearing number 46. He was a long-lived and efficient pitcher, finishing with 474 games thrown, 142 victories, and 1,727 strikeouts.

Gross’s career as a pitcher was marked by his capacity to adapt and perform under intense scrutiny. He was an integral part of the Phillies and Cardinals organizations for a long period. During Gross’s playing career, which spanned the ’80s and ’90s, baseball positions became more specialized. Being a reliable late-inning reliever was his strong suit, and he became an asset to many teams.