New Yank reliever Latroy Hawkins hasn't made too many friends amongst Yankee fans with his first two outings this season, allowing nine hits and seven runs in just three innings pitched. While we all knew he was no Mariano Rivera when he came to the Bronx, those numbers are downright ugly.
But as far as numbers go, could the No. 21 on his back be bringing him some bad luck? Yes, it was an absolutely sincere choice he made by wanting to honor the late Roberto Clemente, who wore the same number.
However, he is the first to choose that number since the beloved Paul O'Neill retired at the end of the 2001 season.
Yes the number wasn't officially retired and he has ever right to choose it, but maybe that number on his back - which looks somewhat odd on someone other than O'Neill - is brining him bad vibes from the Yankee faithful. Perhaps he can change his Yankee number but put a 21 on his hat to honor Clemente, the great outfielder for the Pirates.
In fact, during his awful outing Friday, fans were chanting "Paul O'Neill" to chastise Hawkins.
Would changing the number change his luck? Don't be surprised if he has a new number after a few more awful outings.
Recent notable Yanks who changed their numbers while on the team:
Don Mattingly
Roger Clemens
Joe Girardi
Robinson Cano
In the meantime, we at Gameface would like give everyone a reminder of Clemente's greatness with this video tribute.
-Pete Catapano
Comments (1)
As Pedro Martinez once said, "I don't believe in damn curses." But maybe Hank Steinbrenner should have had a Paul O'Neill jersey buried where the David Ortiz one was dug up. (Taking Union workers 5 hours on a sunday. How much you think that costs?)