The changing of numbers has long been a ceremonial thing as players advance in their careers, gain seniority, and claim an identity through their jersey numbers. Fans develop a connection to the number and the player that sometimes is impossible to separate. Stan Musial is No. 6. Ozzie Smith is No. 1. Michael Jordan is No. 23. John Elway is No. 7. Derek Jeter is No. 2 and so on ... Matheny's connection to No. 22 also influenced the name of his charity, Catch-22 Foundation.

Baseball, by rule, governs the changing of numbers for players and managers, especially high-profile ones. Why? Merchandising. The manufacturers of all those No. 22 Matheny shirseys don't want to be stuck with outdated inventory. There is a provision in the rules that actually requires a player to purchase that inventory if a number change happens without a trade or without the required notice. Martinez had to seek permission to move to No. 18 for two reasons: the team had to OK that this was the tribute they intended beyond a memorial patch for Taveras and baseball had to approve the switch from No. 44. Matheny had to clear the same hurdle once he received the OK from Rosenthal, who will now wear No. 44.