The New York Yankees, one of MLB's most storied and successful franchises, have a high-end problem: they're running out of uniform numbers to give to players. They've retired 22 numbers (including Jackie Robinson and Mariano Rivera's No. 42), at least eight more than any other team in the majors, and they're holding three more out of rotation.
That leaves 75 numbers to issue to players and coaches, which seems like a lot — until you realize the Yankees invited 69 players to spring training this year. So they're in a bit of a crunch.
Lou Cucuzza, the Yankees director of clubhouse operations, feels the crunch every year at this time, especially since the rare lower numbers are always in high demand. But he told The Athletic he has a solution: stop giving numbers to managers and coaches, because they rarely wear their full uniforms in the dugout anymore.
