Why is Mariano Rivera allowed to wear 42?
As a tribute to Jackie Robinson, all Major League Baseball personnel—including players, coaches, managers, and umpires will be donning the number 42 today. Mariano Rivera of the Yankees is the only player in Major League Baseball who actually wears the number 42 on his regular uniform. Why is Mariano Rivera allowed to wear 42? 1997…
As a tribute to Jackie Robinson, all Major League Baseball personnel—including players, coaches, managers, and umpires will be donning the number 42 today. Mariano Rivera of the Yankees is the only player in Major League Baseball who actually wears the number 42 on his regular uniform.
Why is Mariano Rivera allowed to wear 42?
1997 was the year when all clubs retired the number, however, players who wore it at the time were permitted to keep it until they retired from baseball altogether. Rivera is the only active player in baseball who is still sporting the number, and it seems unlikely that any other player will ever do so again.
Beginning with baseball’s unilateral retirement of No. 42 in April 1997, Rivera learned and understood its importance. Rivera became close to Robinson’s family due to his tenure and the New York team.
I wanted to make Jackie Robinson proud of his legacy. I was glad for the legacy he left for us to carry on and pass on to the next generation as the final No. 42 in New York.
