Do players get to choose their own numbers? or not?

Answer 1

Typically they can. The only times they can not is if a player on the team already has that number or if that particular number is retired with that team. Each team has different numbers retired in honor of former team members. The only exception is the number 42 which has been retired with all MLB teams in honor of Jackie Robinson.

Answer 2

Officially, I believe numbers are assigned - however no MLB coach or manager is going to mess with the head of his rather talented lineup by making a player use a number he hates.
Players have been known to give up numbers for one another. Some are truly attached to a number and others really do not care.
When you take out the numbers each team has retired, the players are allowed to choose (Are assigned) based on seniority, both within the league and with that team. There have been very few incidents where this has been a problem, but there have been a few.

Answer 3

Most of the time they are able to choose their own number. The veterans get to choose their number while the rookies are given any number the team wants to give them.

Answer 4

There really was no set period. Most teams assigned players their numbers and it gradually faded out as time went. Players also were very superstitious in those days and kept their minor league number when the came up to the bigs.

Answer 5

Sort of - veteran players will generally get their pick, as long as somebody else isn't using that number. Rookies - especially those called up mid-season - will get a number assigned to them.

Answer 6

sometimes
or they're given the number their team assigned them

Answer 7

they can always ask for a number, but they don't always get the one that they want.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

yep