Is It Only a Number?

Since the White Sox are in town, I remembered something I heard a few weeks ago. It was about Omar Vizquel who was signed to be a utility infielder with the Chicago White Sox. When he joined the team he was looking to wear the number 13, which he has worn his entire career. However that number is worn by Ozzie Guillen, the manager. Both men have been wearing that number in tribute to fellow Venezuelan Dave Concepcion, a great defensive shortstop for the Big Red Machine back in the 70's. Guillen made it very clear he wasn't giving up his number to Vizquel so he requested number 11 next.

Unfortunately that is the retired number of White Sox HOF shortstop Luis Aparacio, who's number was retired 26 years ago in the year he was inducted into the HOF. Aparacio, a gold glover, was one of the best shortstops ever and his number 11 is one of only 7 White Sox numbers that have been retired.

According to the article, Vizquel to Wear Aparacio's No. 11 on MLB.com, Vizquel requested permission from the White Sox and Aparacio to use the number. As Vizquel recounted:

"I was sitting around with some of his friends, and I was talking about how I wanted to honor Luis in some way," Vizquel said. "I wondered if No. 11 would be available.

"We thought about it. On one of those days hanging out, I had the courage to ask him to let me wear the number."

Aparicio thought about it for a while, and with a little smile, said Vizquel's idea was a great one.

"If there is one player who I would like to see wear my uniform number with the White Sox, it is Omar Vizquel," said Aparicio in a statement. "I have known Omar for a long time. Along with being an outstanding player, he is a good and decent man."

"It will be nice to have No. 11 come out again on the field," said Vizquel, recounting Aparicio's words to him.

So Vizquel is wearing the unretired number 11 this year.

Are you kidding me? I get the whole honoring the Venezuelan baseball player thing. But still, how do you un-retire a number? Really? Vizquel has had a good, long career, but he is a borderline HOFer at best. When a number is retired doesn't that mean it's never to be worn again?

Can you imagine the Yankees giving Tex the number 23? We all know how badly Wells wanted Babe's number or Giambi wanted Mantle's. If that were to happen, what would be next? Putting the names on the back of the pinstripes?

I can guarantee you without a doubt this would never be given a split second of consideration by the Yankees. They are all about legacy and tradition. The championships and pinstripe jerseys. This is what distinguishes this team from the rest. They're the class of the major leagues. If you are a Yankee fan wearing a Yankee jersey with a number 7 or 4 or 3 or any retired number on the back, no one will doubt who's number it is.