Why do some major leauge baseball teams like the yankees not have their names on their uniforms?

Answer 1

For the Yankees, this dates back to the 1920's when they put the starting lineup's numbers on the back of their uniforms. (That's why Babe Ruth is #3 and Lou Gehrig #4 -- Ruth batted third and Gehrig cleanup.)

At that point, I'd imagine that a "business decision" said if you put numbers and not names, people will have to buy a scorecard to find out who's who.

After that, it became tradition for many teams including the tradition-bound Yankees. (For example, their spring training uniforms don't feature the familiar pinstripes, because only true Yankees get to wear them -- that is, guys that make the big-league team, not spring training wannabees.)

So the short answer is tradition, and the slightly longer answer is because it's good business.

Answer 2

In the beggining of the game they have only numbers, not names; teams like Red Sox, Yankees or Giants follow this tradition, just that

Answer 3

Tradition.

Answer 4

Because when you change players you don't have to change uniforms. Or maybe it's because they want to emphasize team over individuals. Or maybe it's because they think the real fans will know the number of each player.

Answer 5

To emphasize team concept

Answer 6

It's a good way to sell programs at the game. So, you get soaked for five bucks!! Do you think they care even for one minute??

Chow!!

Answer 7

It is the coaches option. I think it is to control egos in a high media market like the big apple.

Answer 8

I don't know, but I wish they would, especially when they buy/trade for new guys, or bring up little-known rookies from the minors

Answer 9

i believe its not the name on the back of the jersey that matters but the name on the front.

Answer 10

Tradition - kind of like why the Browns have no logo on their helmets.