Mariano Rivera?

Question

I just realized that Mariano Rivera wore Jackie Robinson's number. I think that he should have to change it regardless of when they retired his number...because if Rivera gets into the Hall of Fame, he's going to be listed with Jackie Robinson's number. Do you think he should be able to keep it or should he have to change it?

Answer 1

Absolutely but no one should have to tell him to do it. He should have some respect for the game and do it himself.

Answer 2

He was "grandfathered" into the number because at the time it was retired by all teams, he was wearing the number in 1997. Mo Vaughn was allowed to wear the number for the Mets and Red Sox because he was wearing it at the time of the Commisioner's edict. I don't like Rivera, but he has done that number proud. I think baseball will reinstate it in the near future in order to allow certain players to honor Robinson- i.e. Griffey, Ryan Howard, C C Sabathia.

Answer 3

If only one player was allowed into the Hall of Fame with a particular number, there would only be 99 players in the Hall of Fame.

Mariano should not have to change his number.

Answer 4

He should be allowed to keep wearing it. I don't think having another 42 in the HOF is a bad thing (and he will be in the HOF someday). I am not certain, but their could be other 42's already in the HOF before Jackie so it really shouldn't matter.

Answer 5

I don't think he should be able to keep it, but not for your reason. My reason is that he is not good at all this year, and does not deserve to wear the number. Why, just last night, in the 8th inning, he gave up FIVE RUNS, letting Boston win the game! Last year, he could pitch a 1-2-3 inning, with no problems. But this year, he's a total mess!
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07: The number 42 is retired on ALL teams, not just the Yankees.