Legendary pitcher Jim Palmer wore number 22 for the Baltimore Orioles throughout his illustrious career, and the team has since retired this number in his honor, ensuring no other Orioles player will wear it.
The Significance of Number 22
Number 22 holds a special place in Baltimore Orioles history, being synonymous with one of baseball's greatest pitchers. Due to Jim Palmer's extraordinary contributions and Hall of Fame career, the Orioles honored him by permanently removing the number from circulation.
This dedication meant that even seasoned veterans joining the team, such as pitcher Jimmy Key in 1997, were unable to wear their preferred number 22, as it was already retired in recognition of Palmer's legacy. This highlights the profound respect and admiration the organization holds for its former star.
Jim Palmer: A Hall of Fame Career
Jim Palmer pitched his entire 19-year Major League Baseball career (1965–1984) with the Baltimore Orioles. He was a cornerstone of the Orioles' dominant teams of the late 1960s and 1970s, contributing significantly to multiple World Series championships.
His impressive list of achievements includes:
- Three Cy Young Awards: 1973, 1975, 1976
- Four Gold Glove Awards: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
- Six-time All-Star
- Three World Series Championships: 1966, 1970, 1983
- 268 Career Wins
- Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1990
Palmer's longevity, consistency, and success made him an iconic figure in Orioles history, cementing his number 22 as a symbol of excellence for the franchise.
Orioles Retired Numbers
While the Orioles have a tradition of "honoring" numbers rather than formally "retiring" them in the same way many other MLB teams do, these numbers are effectively out of circulation. Jim Palmer's #22 is one of the most prominent examples of this distinction.
Here's a look at some of the numbers effectively retired or honored by the Baltimore Orioles:
| Number | Player | Position | Career Span (Orioles) | Hall of Fame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Jim Palmer | Pitcher | 1965–1984 | Yes |
| 4 | Earl Weaver | Manager | 1968–1982, 1985–1986 | Yes |
| 5 | Brooks Robinson | Third Baseman | 1955–1977 | Yes |
| 8 | Cal Ripken Jr. | Shortstop / Third Baseman | 1981–2001 | Yes |
| 20 | Frank Robinson | Outfielder | 1966–1971 | Yes |
| 33 | Eddie Murray | First Baseman | 1977–1988, 1996–1997 | Yes |
For more information on Jim Palmer's career, you can visit his Baseball-Reference page.
