When newly-acquired Blue Jays pitcher Jordan Hicks suits up for the first time, he'll be wearing a number that hasn't been seen in Toronto for many years.
Hicks, a hard-throwing right-hander, was traded to the Blue Jays from the Cardinals on Saturday. As one of the most sought-after relievers on the market, he will provide a welcome boost to a Toronto bullpen that recently lost Jordan Romano to the injured list.
According to Mitch Bannon of Sports Illustrated, Hicks will wear the No. 12 jersey when he makes his debut on Monday night. He will be the first player to wear the number since Roberto Alomar's jersey was retired in 2011.
Jordan Hicks will wear #12 with the #BlueJays. Expect him to be activated for tonight’s game and be available out of the ‘pen.
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) July 31, 2023
So how was the No. 12 available to Hicks? The Sporting News has you covered with all the details:
MORE: Here's what Jordan Hicks will bring to Toronto's bullpen
Why Jordan Hicks can wear No. 12 for the Blue Jays
The last player to wear No. 12 for Toronto was Edwin Encarnacion all the way back in 2010.
In 2011, Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar had his jersey retired by the Blue Jays, preventing any players from wearing the number moving forward. He was the first player in franchise history to receive the honor.
However, in 2021, Alomar was fired from his roles as a special assistant for Toronto and special consultant for MLB. The firing came amid reports a female Blue Jays staffer was preparing to sue Alomar, the team and MLB for a sexual harassment incident that took place in 2014.
An independent investigation was conducted, and both Toronto and MLB subsequently cut ties with Alomar.
"Having reviewed all of the available evidence from the now completed investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Alomar violated MLB's policies, and that termination of his consultant contract and placement on MLB's Ineligible List are warranted," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
"We are grateful for the courage of the individual who came forward. MLB will continue to strive to create environments in which people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of recrimination, retaliation, or exclusion."
Major League Baseball announces the discipline of Roberto Alomar. Commissioner Rob Manfred says that after his review of the investigation by external law firm, "termination of his consultant contract and placement on MLB’s Ineligible List are warranted." pic.twitter.com/0vkMGQh7Jq
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 30, 2021
Following Alomar's termination, the accuser dropped her lawsuit, with her lawyer stating she simply wanted "to ensure Mr. Alomar is held accountable for his wrongdoing."
The Blue Jays cut all ties with Alomar following the incident, revoking his Level of Excellence award, taking down his No. 12 banner at Rogers Centre and unretiring his jersey number.
With the No. 12 jersey back up for grabs, Hicks has now decided to claim it. It was his number during his five-year spell with the Cardinals, after all.
The 26-year-old will become the first player to wear No. 12 for Toronto in more than a decade when he suits up against the Orioles on Monday night.
