Brandon Crawford is a household name among San Francisco Giants fans. As the starting shortstop for the team, Crawford has made a name for himself as a skilled defender and a reliable hitter.
But it’s not just his on-field talent that has endeared him to Giants supporters – it’s his unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to the team’s values. One of the most notable ways that Crawford embodies the Giants’ ethos is through his choice of uniform number – 35.
While most fans may simply view it as a number on a jersey, there is a deeper meaning behind Crawford’s decision to wear it.
In this blog, we will explore why Brandon Crawford wears number 35, and how it reflects his personal values and the legacy of his childhood friend and former high school teammate, Greg Morhardt.
Childhood and High School Years
Brandon Crawford and Greg Morhardt were childhood friends who grew up playing baseball together in Pleasanton, California. Morhardt was a highly talented athlete who played both baseball and football, and he wore number 35 on the baseball field.
Crawford looked up to Morhardt and admired his dedication and hard work, which inspired him to pursue his own dreams of playing professional baseball.
Morhardt’s talent on the field was evident from a young age. He played baseball at Valencia High School in Southern California, where he was scouted by several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams.
In 1986, he was drafted by the California Angels in the eighth round of the MLB draft. He spent four years in the minor leagues, playing for the Quad City Angels, Lake Elsinore Storm, and Midland Angels, before his career was cut short by injuries.
Despite Morhardt’s setbacks, he remained committed to baseball and continued to mentor Crawford throughout their high school years.
Crawford was a standout player at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, where he wore the number 4 jersey. But he always looked up to Morhardt and saw him as a role model, both on and off the field.
In an interview with The Mercury News, Crawford recalled how Morhardt’s dedication to baseball rubbed off on him.
“He would come back during the offseason and he would work out at our high school,” Crawford said. “I remember seeing him do all these drills and I was like, ‘Oh man, I want to be like him.'”
Morhardt’s influence on Crawford’s career would continue long after high school. When Crawford was drafted by the Giants in 2008, he requested the number 35 jersey as a tribute to his friend and mentor.
By wearing Morhardt’s number, Crawford not only honors his friend’s memory but also carries on his legacy of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Professional Career
Brandon Crawford’s decision to wear number 35 as a tribute to his childhood friend and former high school teammate, Greg Morhardt, has had a profound impact on his professional career.
Since joining the San Francisco Giants in 2011, Crawford has established himself as one of the best shortstops in the game, earning three Gold Gloves, two Silver Slugger awards, and two All-Star selections.
For Crawford, wearing Morhardt’s number is a way to keep his friend’s memory close and to remind himself of the values that Morhardt embodied. In an interview with MLB.com, Crawford explained, “He was a great athlete and a great person.
He was one of those guys who played the game the right way and always hustled. I wanted to honor him by wearing his number and remembering him every time I put it on.”
Crawford’s achievements in baseball are a testament to the influence that Morhardt had on his life. Like Morhardt, Crawford is known for his work ethic and his commitment to the game. He is a fierce competitor who never gives up, and he has a reputation for making clutch plays in crucial moments.
In 2014, Crawford played a key role in the Giants’ postseason run, hitting .304 with four home runs and eight RBIs in 17 games. His performance earned him the National League Championship Series MVP award and helped lead the Giants to their third World Series title in five years.
Throughout the playoffs, Crawford wore Morhardt’s number 35 on his wristband as a constant reminder of his friend and mentor.
Crawford’s success on the field is a testament to the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving one’s goals. By wearing Morhardt’s number, he is not only honoring his friend’s memory but also carrying on his legacy of perseverance and determination.
Meaning Behind the Number
In baseball, the number 35 holds a special significance due to its historical connections to some of the game’s greatest players. It was worn by Hall of Famers Frank Thomas, Mike Piazza, and Phil Niekro, among others, and has come to symbolize excellence and achievement on the field.
For Brandon Crawford, the number 35 has a personal connection that goes beyond its baseball history. It represents his friendship with Greg Morhardt and the values that Morhardt embodied.
To Crawford, wearing Morhardt’s number is a way to honor his friend’s memory and to remind himself of the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
In an interview with The Mercury News, Crawford explained, “I wanted to wear his number to keep his memory alive, but also to represent the way he played and the type of person he was.
” For Crawford, Morhardt’s number serves as a constant reminder of the lessons he learned from his friend, both on and off the field.
Uniform numbers have long been a part of sports culture, serving as a way for athletes and fans to identify and celebrate their favorite players. But for many athletes, their number holds a deeper significance that goes beyond its numerical value.
Whether it’s a tribute to a friend or family member, a nod to a favorite player, or a symbol of personal identity, a uniform number can be a powerful reflection of an athlete’s values and character.
In the case of Brandon Crawford and his decision to wear number 35, it is clear that the number holds a special meaning that goes beyond its historical significance in baseball.
By wearing Greg Morhardt’s number, Crawford not only honors his friend’s memory but also embodies the values and traits that Morhardt exemplified – traits that have helped him become one of the best shortstops in the game today.
Legacy and Inspiration
Greg Morhardt’s impact on Brandon Crawford’s life and career extends far beyond their time together as high school teammates. Morhardt’s memory continues to inspire Crawford to this day, serving as a constant reminder of the values that he holds dear.
In an interview with NBC Sports, Crawford spoke about the lasting impact that Morhardt has had on his life, saying, “He was just a great person to be around, and he instilled in me the importance of working hard and staying focused.
Even now, when I’m out on the field, I think about him and what he would do in certain situations.”
Crawford has also become a role model and mentor to young baseball players, using his own story of perseverance and dedication to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
He has been involved in various youth programs and camps, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players.
In a 2019 interview with The Athletic, Crawford spoke about the importance of setting an example for young players, saying, “I try to be a good role model and show them what it takes to be successful.
It’s not just about talent – it’s about hard work and dedication, and that’s something that I learned from Greg and something that I try to pass on to others.”
Crawford’s story is a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication. By honoring the memory of his friend and mentor, Greg Morhardt, he has become one of the best shortstops in baseball and a source of inspiration for young players everywhere.
His legacy serves as a testament to the importance of hard work, dedication, and the lasting impact that one person can have on the lives of others.
Key Moments and Achievements in Brandon Crawford’s Career
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Drafted by Giants | Brandon Crawford was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the MLB draft. |
| 2011 | MLB Debut | Crawford made his Major League debut with the Giants, wearing the number 35 on his jersey. |
| 2014 | NLCS MVP | Crawford was named the Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series, helping the Giants advance to the World Series. |
| 2015 | Gold Glove & Silver Slugger | Crawford won his first Gold Glove Award for his defense at shortstop and his first Silver Slugger Award for his offensive contributions. |
| 2016 | Gold Glove & All-Star Game | Crawford won his second Gold Glove Award and was selected to his first All-Star Game. |
| 2017 | Gold Glove & All-Star Game | Crawford won his third consecutive Gold Glove Award and was selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game. |
| 2018 | Career-High in Home Runs | Crawford hit a career-high 14 home runs during the season, helping the Giants stay in playoff contention until late in the year. |
| 2020 | 1000th Career Hit | Crawford reached the milestone of 1000 career hits, all with the Giants and all while wearing the number 35. |
| 2021 | Willie Mac Award | Crawford was awarded the Willie Mac Award, which is given annually to the most inspirational player on the Giants. |
FAQs
What other players in baseball history have worn number 35?
There have been many notable players throughout baseball history who have worn the number 35, including Frank Thomas, Cole Hamels, Dennis Eckersley, Mike Mussina, and Justin Verlander.
Did Greg Morhardt ever play professional baseball?
Yes, Greg Morhardt was drafted by the California Angels in the 18th round of the 1986 MLB draft. He played five seasons in the minor leagues, reaching as high as Double-A, before retiring from baseball in 1990.
Has Brandon Crawford ever won any awards or accolades for his play on the field?
Yes, Brandon Crawford has been recognized for his achievements throughout his career. He has won three Gold Glove Awards (2015, 2016, and 2017) for his outstanding defensive play at shortstop, as well as a Silver Slugger Award in 2015 for his offensive contributions.
How long has Brandon Crawford been with the San Francisco Giants?
Brandon Crawford was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB draft and made his Major League debut with the team in 2011. He has been with the Giants for his entire career, spanning over a decade.
Is Brandon Crawford involved in any charitable causes or philanthropy?
Yes, Brandon Crawford and his wife, Jalynne, are involved in various charitable causes and philanthropic efforts. They established the Crawford Family Foundation in 2016, which supports a variety of organizations and initiatives focused on youth sports, education, and health. They have also been involved in fundraising efforts for various causes, including ALS research and wildfire relief efforts in California.
Conclusion
Brandon Crawford’s decision to wear number 35 goes beyond the typical significance of a uniform number in baseball.
It represents his personal connection to Greg Morhardt, his high school teammate and friend, who instilled in him the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Crawford’s story serves as a powerful example of how one person’s influence can have a lasting impact on the lives of others.
His success in baseball and his role as a mentor and inspiration to young players is a testament to the values and character that he embodies both on and off the field.
Brandon Crawford’s legacy is not just about his achievements in baseball, but also about the impact that he has had on those around him.
