For most players as well as their fans, the jersey numbers hold special significance. While for some it is a mere identification code, for a few others it tantamount to sometimes superstitious levels. So many times have the players been witnessed changing their jersey numbers in their tryst to find the right one that helps them shoot to the Halls of Fame in no time. Meanwhile a few others simply get lost in this ongoing feud of the numbers and glory. So which number happens to be one of the most favorite amongst the players? Or better still, which number has proven to be the luckiest for the players who wore it? We did a check and realized that the number odd number 23 happens to be one of the widely used jersey numbers, while not being attributed to one single sport, but several.

Number 23, when worn as their jersey numbers have brought to fame several players. Be it a footballer, baseball player or basketball player – number 23 worked its charms up to the glory of many who dared flaunt it. Many younger kids mistake Magic Johnson as having worn 33 23. Johnson went down the 34 road. To name a few of such players who had 23 as their jersey numbers or chose 23 to be their mascot – David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Don Mattingly, LeBron James, Ryan Sandberg, Devin Hester and so on. Amongst these, most of the population around the globe is aware of the two most successful names and faces – David Beckham and Michael Jordon. Both these players had number 23 in common. ESPN named Michael Jordon as the Greatest North American Athlete of the 20th Century. Even today, contemporaries of Michael Jordon admit that he was the best of all. David Beckham is also known to have kicked off as the major football player after wearing the jersey number 23 and playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Donald Arthur Mattingly, or as he was commonly called by his teammates “Donnie Baseball” or “The Hit Man” is till date one of the most popular of the baseball players in the history of the players of the New York Yankees and he too sported a jersey number 23. LeBron James became a basketball player at the age of 16 only with his jersey number as 23. He made several records and won accolades as the youngest player. Of late he has also won a gold medal at the 2007 Olympics. Devin Hester and Ryan Sandberg are a few other players with acclaimed names in their respective field of sport and also having their jersey number as 23.

The history of the sports is filled with such extraordinary phenomena and special numbers. Number 23 is just one of them and has led to the rise of some of the best players in the history.