Who Was 42 In Baseball?

Who Was 42 In Baseball? is a blog dedicated to uncovering the stories of the men who wore the number 42 in Major League Baseball. We believe that every player has a story worth telling, and we strive to bring those stories to life for our readers.

42 was Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. He was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919. Robinson is most known for his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was signed by the Dodgers in 1947 and played with them until his retirement in 1957.

He was the first black player in MLB

Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919. After a successful athletic career at UCLA, Robinson was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He made his Major League debut in 1947 as well, becoming the first black player in MLB history. As a Dodger, he won rookie of the year and helped the team win the National League pennant in 1955. He retired from baseball in 1957 and became active in business and civil rights advocacy. He passed away in 1972.

He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers

Jackie Robinson is best known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier by becoming the first black player to play in the major leagues. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-1956. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.

42 was also Mariano Rivera

42 was the number of Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in Major League Baseball. The number was retired throughout the league in 1997. But 42 was also the number of Mariano Rivera, the legendary Yankees closer who was the last player to wear it when he retired in 2013.

He was a relief pitcher for the New York Yankees

42 was also Jackie Robinson’s number, and Mariano Rivera was the last MLB player to wear it before it was retired league-wide in 1997. Rivera, who played his entire 19-year career with the New York Yankees, is widely considered to be the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history. He was a 13-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, and he holds the major league records for most career saves (652) and most games finished (952).

He was nicknamed “Mo”

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969), nicknamed “Mo”, is a Panamanian former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he is MLB’s career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952). His suburban New York home was recently named after him: Mo’s Place.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019

Mariano Rivera (born November 29, 1969) is a Panamanian former professional baseball pitcher who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013. A thirteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he is MLB’s career leader in saves (652) and games finished (952). Rivera spent most of his career as a relief pitcher and served as the Yankees’ closer for 17 seasons.

After struggling during his first two years as a starter, Rivera became one of baseball’s most dominant relievers while helping the Yankees win five World Series titles. His mastery of cutting fastball made him one of the game’s most effective pitchers; he was nicknamed “Sandman” because he typically entered games with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blaring over the Yankee Stadium speakers. An accomplished postseason performer, he holds several records for pitching appearances, saves, and earned run average; he was named Most Valuable Player of the 1999 World Series.

Rivera is regarded within baseball as one of the most influential pitchers of all time.[2][3] Pitching coach Dave Eiland said “there’s really nothing [Rivera] doesn’t do well”.[4] Manager Joe Girardi called him “as perfect a pitcher as you’re ever going to see”.[5]Former teammate Jorge Posada said “I don’t think there will ever be anyone like him”.[6] Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley referred to Rivera as “the greatest reliever who ever lived”,[7] while fellow Hall of Famer Goose Gossage called him “as close to perfect as you can get”.[8][9] One sportswriter suggests that by accruing the second-most wins all-time among relief pitchers with 652 behind Trevor Hoffman’s 601,[10][11][12] Rivera has established himself deservedly alongside Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson and Grover Cleveland Alexander as one of baseball’s top starting pitchers.[13]