TOYS OF SUMMER
By the numbers
What: In a sport embedded in statistics, uniform numbers are also strangely important. Players will go to great lengths to wear certain digits. With apologies to Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, sometimes the number on the back is more important the name on the front.
Why: It’s a running theme that players are creatures of routine. That’s why Atlanta’s Brian Jordan provided third-
base coach Fredi Gonzalez with a $40,000 custom-made motorcycle to retrieve No. 33 six months ago, and the reason former Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle sent a Rolex to catcher Ben Petrick before the 2001 season for giving up the No. 15.
The solution: To guarantee your favorite number is usually available, settle on 13. Or never take off your spring training jersey, which is why Marcos Carvajal looks like a left wing for the Avalanche with the No. 62.
