Understanding Why Jersey Number 18 Holds Special Value with Orix Buffaloes

Jersey numbers are more than just numbers. They often carry a deeper significance than meets the eye. Sometimes for players and sometimes historically. One such number, 18, has gained prominence in Japan. In the world of baseball, it hints at the pitcher designated as the team’s top player. 

The New York Yankees make a move about this revered number. With that, could it indicate something this off-season? It not only reflects their keen interest in the Orix Buffaloes’ ace but also pays homage to a tradition that goes beyond the diamond. 

Why Has ’18’ Risen To Relevance, Particularly for Yoshinobu Yamamoto? 

As per an article by sny.tv, this tradition seeps in, creating an interesting narrative that unfolds in the New York Yankees courting the irresistible Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In Japan, the number 18 has gained prominence as the ‘ace’ which is what it stands for. As per MLB sources, the Yanks have deliberately kept the number 18 reserved for Yamamoto over the past year and this isn’t merely a gesture. 

It’s a strategic move acknowledging the pitcher’s association with the Orix Buffaloes and the cultural weight of the number 18 in Japanese baseball. But why would the Yankees do this, if they were not pursuing Yamamoto? This act of theirs only proves that they are the hungriest for the Japanese ace. Yet another instance that acts as potential evidence for it would come from 2022. 

The Yankees did not give any player the coveted number 18 last season in a calculated move. The team was actively scouting Yamamoto in Japan, so this deliberate vacancy was a reflection of their strong interest in the pitcher. The number was purposefully left off during the 2022 season, when Andrew Benintendi wore it, highlighting the careful preparation and foresight that went into Yamamoto’s possible hiring.

History of the Number 18

When it comes to baseball, 18 has more meaning outside of Japan. Former Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) star Hiroki Kuroda wore the number 18 when he was a player for New York. A fellow Japanese ace, Masahiro Tanaka, also adopted the number 18 in honor of Kuroda while playing for the NPB’s Rakuten Golden Eagles. He later changed it to 19 when he joined the Yankees. That said, it is worth looking at another team’s perspective. 

Read More : Phillies Pursue Japanese Ace Not Named Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Days After Securing $172M Ace Deal

The New York Mets bring a whole new angle to this discussion though. They have been connected to the pursuit of Yamamoto along with the Yankees. However, the team has chosen to retire the number in honor of Darryl Strawberry the following year, even though Nick Plummer wore it in 2022. If one were to spot a pattern regarding the number ’18,’ The Mets’ chase for Yamamoto adds a layer of complexity. Only time will tell who the ultimate Major League Baseball suitors for the Orix Buffaloes’ ace would be. 

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