Shortly after Justin Turner signed with the Boston Red Sox, observant fans noticed a surprising detail: According to the team's website, Turner would wear No. 2 this season.
That number, of course, had been worn by shortstop Xander Bogaerts for the past nine seasons in Boston, and it seemed a little too soon to give away the number of arguably the greatest shortstop in franchise history. Beloved NESN broadcaster Jerry Remy also wore No. 2 during his playing days for the Red Sox, and after Bogaerts left for the San Diego Padres this offseason, some wondered if the team may retire No. 2 to honor Remy, who died in 2021.
Turner is sticking with No. 2, however, and defended his decision Thursday at Red Sox spring training in Fort Myers.
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"I know obviously there’s some history there with Bogey and Remy and I’ve read a little bit on social media," Turner told reporters, via Mass Live's Chris Cotillo. "I’m excited to hopefully make Remy proud of what I do and what I accomplish. I know a lot of guys have worn No. 2 before me. It is a big deal. I don’t take it lightly and I want to make them proud.
"I know how beloved (Remy) is to Red Sox Nation and would never want to do anything to disrespect the number. Actually, I’m happy I get to wear it and represent him."
But why was No. 2 so important to Turner that he picked a number with such rich history in Boston? Turner said he has a deep connection with the number and would have worn it with the Los Angeles Dodgers if Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda hadn't denied his request to bring it out of retirement. (Turner took No. 10 with the Dodgers instead.)
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"I think I was born at 2:22 in the morning. My dad was always No. 2," Turner explained. "My cousin was always No. 2. I’ve worn No. 2 since I was four years old.
"My freshman year in college (at Cal State Fullerton) I wore No. 23 because an older player had No. 2 and then I switched back to No. 2. And I’ve literally worn No. 2 pretty much every day my whole life. My (Twitter) handle is @redturn2 because of No. 2, not because I’m a master double play turner."
So, it turns out Turner does have justification for seeking No. 2 -- even if it might take a while for Red Sox fans to adjust to seeing the 38-year-old wear the jersey that Bogaerts rocked for nearly a decade.