The Cincinnati Reds have officially retired 10 numbers for their legendary players and personnel. These are numbers permanently removed from circulation by the team to honor significant figures in their history.
In addition to these 10 team-specific retired numbers, Jackie Robinson's number 42 is universally retired across all Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, including the Reds. This means that while the Reds have retired 10 numbers specifically for their own franchise figures, a total of 11 numbers are effectively unavailable for any current or future Reds player to wear.
Understanding Reds Retired Numbers
The decision to retire a number is a significant honor in baseball, signifying a player's or manager's profound impact on the team. While the benchmark for number retirement is often induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, there is no strict rule governing this, as acknowledged by Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame.Key aspects of the Reds' retired numbers include:
- Count: There are 10 numbers retired by the Cincinnati Reds for their own players and personnel.
- Hall of Fame Status: Of these 10 numbers, four belong to individuals who are not enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, demonstrating that criteria extend beyond just Hall of Fame induction.
- Universal Retirement: Number 42, worn by Jackie Robinson, is universally retired across MLB to honor his groundbreaking role in integrating the sport. No player on any team, including the Reds, can wear this number.
Summary of Retired Numbers
The table below summarizes the types of numbers that are retired and unavailable for Cincinnati Reds players:
| Type of Retired Number | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retired by the Reds | 10 | Numbers dedicated to Reds legends; four of these honorees are not Hall of Famers. |
| Universally Retired (MLB) | 1 | Jackie Robinson's #42, retired across all MLB teams. |
| Total Unavailable Numbers | 11 | The total count of numbers no longer in use by the Cincinnati Reds. |
This practice ensures that the legacies of these iconic figures are permanently etched into the fabric of the Cincinnati Reds franchise.
