Fun with Yankee uniform numbers

Ever wonder which Yankees from years passed have worn some of the same numbers that our Bronx Bombers of today are wearing?

Let's take a look back at the history of number 55 and 12. Why those numbers? The newest Yankees, catcher Russell Martin (55) and backup infielder Eric Chavez (12) are quickly making an impact on the young 2011 season.

Here are just a few of the memorable and not so memorable players who have worn 12 and 55 on their back while playing for the Yankees.

46 men have worn Number 12: 

Waite Hoyt, 1929 (first Yankee to wear 12)
Herb Pennock, 1932-33
Charlie Keller, 1945-49
Vic Raschi, 1946
Billy Martin, 1950
Phil Linz, 1965
Ron Bloomberg, 1969, 1971-77
Jim Leyritz, 1990-92, 1999
Wade Boggs, 1993-97
Roger Clemens, 1999
Alfonso Soriano, 2002-03
Kenny Lofton, 2004
Ivan Rodriguez, 2008
Eric Chavez, 2011-present

18 men have worn number 55: 

Bob Grim, 1954-58 (first Yankee to wear 55)
Spud Murray, 1961-1969 (coach)
Rich Monteleone 1990, 92-93
Jorge Posada, 1996
Ramiro Mendoza, 1997-2002
Hideki Matsui, 2003-09
Eric Chavez, 2011-present