Jersey Numbers

I have never understood why people select different jersey numbers. I was always # 10 because the kid before me chose #9. In middle school, I remember someone picking #10 before me, so I picked the next available number #20. Why? Because it was the next number available.

I never wanted to be #23 or #1 because the people that wore those numbers tried too hard to be flashy, which did not match my game type. Why was #1 always the coaches son? Why did the coaches son never pass the ball to anyone else? Well, while picking numbers this year, a large debate stirred concerning which numbers are good/bad and how people get their numbers. One guy on our team has changed numbers every year because he has the same belief that I had. Some people on our team thought he was dumb for doing it. I thought it was funny.

One rookie asked the team on our listserv, "What is involved in a good jersey number exactly?"

The first response was, "The absence of bad numbers." Duhhh.

The second response was, "symmetry, a back story, number aesthetic , being good at frisbee (the last one is the most important)." This response started to shed more light on things. Unless you have the number 69 or 00, you can make any number good as long as you play well on the field. That's what I take from this.

The third response was the best by far. The first email said, "Allow me to elaborate... Bad numbers:
1,4,6,9
12,14-16,18,19
26,28
30,35-39
41-43,46,48
51-54, 56-59
60-69
70-76, 78 (unless a major baller), 79
82, 86, 87,
91-94". That didn't explain much, there was no rhyme or reason behind these bad numbers (except 69).

In the second email he sent out, he explained how people go about picking numbers. He said:

"Option A) Pick the best player in your sport that plays your position, take his number.
Example: DeAngelo Hall is a corner back, when he was growing up Deion Sanders was the best corner back and wore #21. Thus, D-Hall wears #21.

Option B) Figure out who your favorite player in your sport is, take his number, regardless of his position in relation to yours
Example: Every 5'9" point guard who wears #23 because Jordan did

Option C) Figure out who your favorite player in any sport is, take his number
Example: Colin loves Ray Lewis so he wears #52 (which is still a stupid number)

Option D) Figure out what kind of player you think you are, pick a number of a prominent player with similar skills:
Example I: If you fancy yourself the quarterback of the team, pick #13 like Joe Montana
Example II: If you're a mean son-of-a-bitch that can lock down any player on D, take #91 like Dennis Rodman
Example III: If you are fat, take any number between 50 and 79 because thats what offensive linemen and fat kids who only fit in the XXL youth basketball jerseys wear

Option E) Figure out what number your dad, brother, grandfather, etc wore when he played youth sports; continue the lineage.

Option E) Take your lucky number, or a number with personal significance.

Option F) If you still haven't found a number do NOT take 00, 1, or 69
Example: 00 is for retards and looks like boobs, #1 is for over-rated ball-hogs, and wearing 69 curses you to a lifetime of 69'ing dudes."

For a better source on how to choose your next number or to realize what your number means, you should visit this site: http://bestbythenumbers.blogspot.com I hope this helps people understand what number they choose and the significance/athlete behind their number.

Thank you Dusty Smith for your number knowledge. Dusty was the third response.