Marquis can have #21

[BigbadB]

I guess we can agree to disagree. You continue to say that we should remember the players names, not their numbers. I would venture to say that all Cub fans know who #10, #14, #25, and #26 are. We've established that. We've also established that Cub fans know who wore #31, #8, #17, and so on.

 

I think you're wrong. I remember who wore those numbers, but I have to think about it for some. And I've followed the Cubs more closely over the past 25 years than most Cubs fans. The number isn't nearly as important as the name.

 

I think the uproar is silly.

 

I remember the names and not the numbers. I know Sammy is 21 because of the jersey I own but after that, I don't really know any of the old timers' numbers. But I know who Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, etc. are.

 

And that's the point I've been trying to make. If you need to know the number to remember the player, then obviously the fan didn't follow the players' career, or the player wasn't worth following. Great players should be honored, NO DOUBT, but retiring numbers is not the option, I would use.

 

So what you are really saying is that retiring numbers never should have become a time honored tradition? I'm sure many would agree with that. How about a bronzed statue somewhere within the stadium grounds? That would be pretty cool. Some teams already do this.

 

But, if retiring numbers is a time honored tradition, why stop now? The Cubs are now playing in their 3rd century and have retired a total of 4 numbers. At that rate, they shouldn't run out of numbers anytime soon. Sammy (and I'm really not that big a fan of Sammy at all) should have his number retired.

 

545 career HR's as a Cub. MVP. 7 time all star. 3 seasons with 60 or more HR's. Over 100 XBH's in a season in 2001. He had a remarkable career as a Cub.

[NorthsideAvenger]

 

So what you are really saying is that retiring numbers never should have become a time honored tradition? I'm sure many would agree with that. How about a bronzed statue somewhere within the stadium grounds? That would be pretty cool. Some teams already do this.

 

The Bronze statue would be fine for me to honor the TRUE greats of the franchise, I have no problem with that. It's the retiring numbers that I have a problem with. I mean so many players are going to come through the organization, and you can't just tell them not to wear a specific number, unless said number is retired. After #31, the "retiring numbers" tradition should stop, IMO.

 

Sammy (and I'm really not that big a fan of Sammy at all) should have his number retired. 545 career HR's as a Cub. MVP. 7 time all star. 3 seasons with 60 or more HR's. Over 100 XBH's in a season in 2001. He had a remarkable career as a Cub.

 

The problem is...Sosa's number is NOT RETIRED, and IMO, should be allowed to be worn by whoever, until said number is officially retired. His numbers speak themselves, if they were done legitimate, which is under question right now, but until the Cubs decide to retired #21, any player should have the opportunity to wear the number if they choose to.

[Roast]

 

After #31, the "retiring numbers" tradition should stop, IMO.

 

 

Why? Thats ridiculous. What if, hypothetically, Ryan Theriot (starting this year) goes on a Ty-Cobb-esque 20 year streak in which he hits .320+ every year. Should his number not then be retired?

 

Now, obviously, thats an extreme example. But its rather ridiculous to say that from "X" time forward there will be no more numbers retired, reguardless of what happens.

[NorthsideAvenger]

 

After #31, the "retiring numbers" tradition should stop, IMO.

 

 

Why? Thats ridiculous. What if, hypothetically, Ryan Theriot (starting this year) goes on a Ty-Cobb-esque 20 year streak in which he hits .320+ every year. Should his number not then be retired?

 

Now, obviously, thats an extreme example. But its rather ridiculous to say that from "X" time forward there will be no more numbers retired, reguardless of what happens.

 

His number wouldn't/shouldn't be retired, the Cubs would find another way to honor Ryan Theriot---hypethetically speaking, of course---by having a bronze statue, or doing a baseball version of the NFL's "Ring of Honor."

[frostwyrm]

I don't much care for Sammy as a person, but as a baseball player and a Chicago Cub I think he did more than enough to have his number retired. I have a lesser opinion of Marquis for being presumptious enough to wear Sammy's number.

[CubColtPacer]

I don't much care for Sammy as a person, but as a baseball player and a Chicago Cub I think he did more than enough to have his number retired. I have a lesser opinion of Marquis for being presumptious enough to wear Sammy's number.

 

Again, in fairness, nobody has any idea if Marquis even wants to wear #21 right now-it's all just speculation because of what his number was before.