You probably have a favorite number if you are a sports fan or a former athlete. Your favorite number was likely chosen for numerous reasons whether it be superstition, family legacy, or because it's your lucky number. Numbers on jerseys are a favorite piece of sports memorabilia, but not many people understand the rhyme or reason behind the numbering system.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about the history of numbered jerseys, and the numbering system several leagues use. Keep reading if you want to learn why players wear numbers on jerseys.

What Is the History of Numbered Jerseys?

Many people don't know this, but professional athletes didn't always have numbered jerseys. Numbered jerseys didn't become popular until the early 20th century. Teams began introducing numbered jerseys in sports after years of advocacy from fans. Numbered jerseys improved team identification, which was incredibly important for sports broadcasting on the radio.

Before the use of numbered jerseys, it was hard for sports fans to follow sports broadcasts and many announcers emphasized the team rather than individuals. As a result, teams were better known than individual players.

In American football, numbered jerseys became popular in the early 1920s. It's believed that the first team to use numbers on their jerseys was the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. Numbered jerseys quickly spread throughout other sports, including baseball, basketball, and soccer. Since then, several leagues have adopted specific numbering systems.

Numbered jerseys in professional sports provide a way to distinguish players on the field while providing a unique identity for each player. Numbered jerseys in sports help fans, referees, and commentators easily identify players and their positions on the field.

What Are Retired Jersey Numbers?

Retired jersey numbers are a great way to honor an athlete's legacy. A retired jersey number is a permanent tribute to the player or coach who wore it during their time with the team.

Retired jersey numbers are often reserved for legendary players or those who have significantly impacted their teams. Another player on the team will never wear numbered jerseys that have been retired.

Retired jersey numbers are a great way to honor an athlete's legacy and keep their memory alive. Numbered jerseys in sports also serve as a reminder of the impact they had on their team and the sport.

Numbering System for Popular Sports

In different sports, jersey numbers mean other things. Here's a breakdown of how numbered jerseys in sports are used.

What Is the Numbering System for the National Basketball Association?

NBA jerseys range in number from 1-99. Players can choose any number they like as long as it is not already taken. Most players have their personal preferences when it comes to numbers. Basketball jersey number meaning is important to many different players.

Players were not allowed to wear the number "0" or "00" for long. This rule changed in the early 21st century, and several famous players have worn the number "0," including Gilbert Arenas and Damian Lillard.

The digits 0-5 are far more common than 6-9 because many professional players keep the number they wore in college, and college does not allow players to wear the numbers 6-9.

What Is the Numbering System for the National Football League?

In the National Football League (NFL), NFL jerseys range from 1-99. The number you wear corresponds to the position you play. For example, quarterbacks usually wear 1-19, wide receivers wear 10-19 and 80-89, offensive linemen wear 50-79, defensive backs wear 20-49, linebackers wear 50-89, and defensive linemen wear 60-79 and 90-99. The football jersey numbers have a lot of relevance to specific players at different positions.

Players can choose any number they like as long as it is available. Numbered jerseys in the NFL are typically chosen based on personal preference, but some teams have specific numbers associated with more than one player.

The numbering system in the NFL is more important than in other leagues because of the rules for different positions. Based on the position you play, different rules apply to you, so the numbering system helps the referees enforce the laws.

What Is the Numbering System for Major League Baseball?

In Major League Baseball (MLB), MLB jerseys range from 1-99. Players usually choose a number they prefer, but most teams have specific numbers associated with particular players. For example, baseball jersey number meaning is incredibly important and most teams have a player who wears the number 42 to honor Jackie Robinson.

Despite the lack of rules regarding baseball numbers, there is a tradition surrounding the numbers that players select. For example, pitchers choose single-digit numbers, and players of any position rarely select numbers above 60.

What Is the Numbering System for Major League Soccer?

In Major League Soccer (MLS), jersey numbers range from 1-99. The number you wear corresponds to the position you play. For example, goalkeepers usually wear 1-12, defenders wear 13-17 and 20-25, midfielders wear 18-19 and 26-59, and forwards wear 7-11 and 60-99. Unlike other sports, soccer jersey numbers are not as connected with specific players.

The numbers help the referees ensure that players are in their correct position on the field, making it easier for spectators to identify players.

What Is the Number System for the National Hockey League?

In the National Hockey League (NHL), NHL jerseys range from 1-98. Players usually choose a number they prefer, but some teams have specific numbers associated with particular players. For example, some teams have a player who wears the number 99 in honor of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

Unlike soccer and the NFL, there are no rules dictating which numbers certain positions should wear. Numbered jerseys in the NHL are typically chosen based on personal preference. The one exception is the goalie. The starting goalie for any team most often wears the number one. This tradition is because the goalie is the first player on the ice.

The Importance of Numbered Jerseys

Numbered jerseys in sports have been around for decades, but not many people understand the rhyme or reason behind the numbering system. Numbered jerseys provide a way to distinguish players on the field while providing a unique identity for each player. They can help fans, referees, and commentators easily identify players and their positions on the field.

Now that you know why players wear numbered jerseys, you can impress all of your friends the next time you watch a game. Contact Locker Room Direct today to shop our team-issued collegiate and professional sports gear.