FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Orioles catcher Lenny Webster has been wearing No. 46 in camp, but hopes to have it changed by Opening Day. The object of his desire: No. 42, in honor of Jackie Robinson and the 50th anniversary of his breaking major-league baseball's color barrier.
Webster, who signed with the Orioles in December, broached the subject with bullpen coach Elrod Hendricks about a week ago, then went to clubhouse manager Jimmy Tyler.
"I said if it was at all possible -- I don't want to cause any trouble -- but if at all possible, I told him why I wanted to wear it," said Webster, 32. "He said it wouldn't be a problem and he'd get me the number. He thought it was a great idea.