13

Number 13 has traditionally been shunned by players because of long-standing superstitious beliefs associated with the number in western culture, known as "triskaidekaphobia". The fact that Ralph Branca wore it when he gave up the Shot Heard 'Round the World also contributed to its unpopularity within baseball circles. However, it is popular in Venezuela, which explains why Dave Concepcion, Omar Vizquel and Edgardo Alfonzo have all worn it. Since the 1970s, the number has been worn much more frequently.

While Roberto Clemente is iconically associated with the number 21, 13 was the first number he wore as a major leaguer, in 1955. He switched to number 21 in May of that year, after Earl Smith, who wore the number before him, was sent down to the minors.

13 is also the most teams for which someone has played in the majors: Octavio Dotel and Edwin Jackson have both pitched for 13 different teams, while Matt Stairs has played for that many (although those include both the Montréal Expos and Washington Nationals, who are part of the same franchise).

Players who wore this number

• Edgardo Alfonzo
• Alex Avila
• Ralph Branca
• Asdrubal Cabrera
• Ernie Camacho
• Matt Carpenter
• Starlin Castro
• Roberto Clemente
• Dave Concepcion, retired by the Cincinnati Reds
• Carl Crawford
• Chris Denorfia
• Turk Farrell
• Jeff Fassero
• Joey Gallo
• Lourdes Gurriel
• Kirby Higbe
• Orlando Hudson
• Clint Hurdle
• Jason Kubel
• Manny Machado
• Buck Martinez
• Nate McLouth
• Max Muncy
• Blue Moon Odom
• Marcell Ozuna
• Mike Pagliarulo
• Lance Parrish
• Claude Passeau
• Salvador Perez
• Hanley Ramirez
• Alex Rodriguez
• Jim Rooker
• Jerry Royster
• Brendan Ryan
• Omar Vizquel
• Billy Wagner

Related Sites

• Article from mlb.com