When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays in early December, he joined the team he grew up watching in person.
Glasnow was quickly signed to a five-year extension, keeping him with the team for the next handful of seasons. Born in Newhall, California, the right-hander played high school baseball at William S. Hart High School, a short drive from Dodger Stadium.
He mentioned that the Dodgers were on the short list of teams he wanted to play for, and that an extension was a “no-brainer” decision. Glasnow also came away with an important selection for his jersey number, choosing No. 31 with his new club.
“It was my number in Little League all the time and our travel team,” Glasnow said. “I always wanted to be 31. I was picking numbers and I was like, ‘This is perfect. I’m going back home and 31 is available.’ So I chose 31.”
Glasnow revealed that much of his decision was about finding a comfort spot with a long-term deal, prioritizing that over a desired salary range.
The Dodgers finding another impact player to wear that number would fall in line with a strong group to wear No. 31.
Tyler Glasnow joins list of accomplished Dodgers to wear No. 31
In picking No. 31, Glasnow faces a tall order in continuing the success of those who’ve done it prior.
Perhaps the biggest name is former Dodgers great Mike Piazza, who played for the franchise from 1993-to-1998. The former National League Rookie of the Year was drafted by the club, going on to make six All-Star teams.
Piazza would finish within the top 10 in NL MVP voting in five seasons with the Dodgers, and going on to play a Hall of Fame career.
Joc Pederson is also among notable Dodgers to wear No. 31, being one of the most accomplished postseason sluggers in club history.
From 2015 through 2020, Pederson posted a .272/.349/.503 slash with nine home runs, 20 RBI and 25 runs scored over 64 postseason games. His clutch home runs during their many playoff runs are etched into team lore and earned him the status as a fan favorite.
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