Who wore number 5 in MLB

In many sports, the starters wore the consecutive numbers. Baseball was no exception, and in the early games, number 5 was a part of this starting range. However, as time passed, the epoch changed, and this number, once exclusive to starters, became accessible to all, depending on whether your team still keeps it in the circuit. The significance of number 5 in MLB history cannot be overstated, as it has left an indelible mark on the league’s history.

Retired numbers 5 in MLB

The group of teams retired number 5 to honour the famous players from their rosters. This list includes the famous Joe DiMagio. The Giants retired this number in 1952. Jeff Badwell from the Astros is the most recent addition.

The first player who wore number 5 in MLB

Jim Bottomley received number 5 1923 for the entire season. He changed it to number 4 next season after his teammate Hornsby. That season didn’t impact him, so we wouldn’t mention it.

Top 9 Players Who Wore Number 5 the Longest in MLB History

Albert Pujols – 22 yrs

One of the most recent retirements, Albert Pujols, debuted in 2001 and concluded his career in 2022. Pujols, who changed three positions and two franchises throughout his career, was a regular starter with a high batting average. He collected an impressive 11 All-Star titles and appeared in first place in ranking total bases occupied by OBP and other categories. This baseman and fielder won 6 Silver Sluggers and 2 Gold Gloves, confirming his exceptional talent. His Rookie of the Year titles and 3 MVP further solidify his place in baseball history.

Brooks Robinson – 21 yrs

If your last name is Robinson, you must change the game. Our team concluded in such a way after we noticed the Brooks Robinson‘s achievements. 16 Golden Gloves!!! 18 All-Stars!!! Nothing to say more except he wore number 5 in the Orioles between 1957 and 1977. Baltimore Orioles retired his number in 1977. The league added him to the Hall of Fame in 1983.

George Brett – 19 yrs

The player competed in the Kansas City Royals from 1975 till 1993. He won 3 batting titles, thanking regular BA at the level .300 and more. Brett won the 1980 MVP title despite previous failures. He streaked all his 13 All-Stars. The league honored him in the Hall of Fame in 1999.

John Bench – 17 yrs

He’s Another Hall of Famer in our review. He competed in 14 All-Stars. The catcher and baseman John Bench wore number 5 in the Cincinnati Bengals during 17 seasons from 1967 to 1983. Interestingly, he was eligible to win the Rookie title in 1968 after his debut in the previous season. The league honored him in the Hall of Fame in 1989. Induction into the Hall of Fame is a significant recognition of a player’s contribution to the sport, and Bench’s induction in 1989 is a testament to his skill and impact on the game.

Jeff Bagwell – 15 yrs

The first baseman Jeff Bagwell was a star of the Houston Astros in the 1990s and the first half of the 2000s. He started with the best rookie title in 1991, and the nominations continued almost yearly. Jeff competed for MVP every year, with pauses in 1991, 1998, 2002 and the last two seasons. The ballot in 1994 ended with the MVP title. Bagwell also played all 162 games four times (1992, 1996-1997, and 1999). He rose first in different categories, including some slash-line appearances. Bagwell also won the Golden Glove in 1994. His final recognition was in 2017 when he joined the Hall of Fame.

Freddie Freeman – 14 yrs

This player is still active, but he has a unique peculiarity. Freddie Freeman is one of the rare performers who wears number 05 in the Dodgers. The player debuted in the 2010 MLB season as a member of the Braves. He played there till 2021. His Atlanta tenure was the World Series, where the Braves became champions. Freeman also has 8 AS appearances, 3 Silver Sluggers and a Golden Glove in the personal record.

Brian Downing – 14 yrs

If we used sorting by the All-star presence or specific parameter, Brian Downing could miss it. The left fielder and designated NL hitter wore number 5 in the MLB for 14 seasons, 13 of which were in the California Angels. He didn’t reach the fantastic results. The player was the reserve catcher of the American League team in the 1979 All-Star game. Another achievement was the best based on ball leadership in 1987. He retired in 1992 after the season in the Texas Rangers.

Ray Durham – 14 yrs

The second baseman Ray Durham wore number 5 in his entire career. He travelled a lot: Chicago, San Francisco, Milwaukee. From 1995 to 2008, he competed twice as a reserve player in the All-Star game.

Ron Gant – 14 yrs

The player wore number 5 on most teams he played for. He competed for the MVP title several times despite having yet to lead the league in at least one discipline. Gant failed in the 1988 rookie competition. Gant participated in two All-Stars, qualifying for the start in 1995. That season was a comeback after the injury. Thus, he retired without prizes in 2008.