Tom Gordon's 1991 Number Change

[gunnerleigh]

Here is a query regarding a number change by the Kansas City Royals’ Tom “Flash” Gordon during the 1991 season. I am curious because I just happen to have a pretty large collection of Gordon game-used jerseys, six in all. Three of those are tagged 1991. But, at some point during the 1991 season Gordon changed from his traditional #36 to #16. By 1992, he was back to wearing #36. Now here is the question for you Royals’ fans … did he make the switch to #16 to show he was unhappy that the Royals’ released Bo Jackson in the spring of that year (with Jackson wearing #16 during his time with the Royals)? Also, does anyone know the specific dates Gordon wore #16? I know, an unusual query, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and let’s go Royals.

[CampWest]

I think Gordon wore #16 the entire 1991 season. I cannot find any record of any Royal wearing #36 during the 1991 regular season.

Your theory seems to make sense. Gordon never went back to #16 the rest of his career. Though I do not recall at the moment why precisely he made that change.

[Dach0sen0ne]

I'd kill for a Royals Gordon jersey. Brings me way back to when I started collecting baseball cards. :)

[CampWest]

I think Gordon wore #16 the entire 1991 season. I cannot find any record of any Royal wearing #36 during the 1991 regular season.

Your theory seems to make sense. Gordon never went back to #16 the rest of his career. Though I do not recall at the moment why precisely he made that change.


Bo was released on my birthday... 3/18/1991... So, if Gordon made the change in honor of Bo or simply because the number became available, he could have made the change in late Spring Training. I would guess the #36 jerseys from that year were either Spring Training used, or not used at all by Gordon. They were likely manufactured before he switched numbers. At least according to Baseball Reference and a couple other places I checked, Gordon didn't wear 36 during that regular season.

[CampWest]

I'd kill for a Royals Gordon jersey. Brings me way back to when I started collecting baseball cards. :)


ditto.... I vividly remember watching his curveball fall off the table his first couple seasons, he was an exciting young pitcher.

[escaperoyals]

Leigh
Flash wore #16 in 1991 in honor of Bo Jackson. I was told he changed after Bo was released. He switched back in '92. Keith Miller wore 16 that year after the great Saberhagen trade!
Dan

[Lumber 1980]

Any Interest in a 1990 Tom Gordon game used jersey? Blue road set 1.

[cruwet]

Any Interest in a 1990 Tom Gordon game used jersey? Blue road set 1.

Definitely interested in your 1990 road Gordon jersey! Please get in touch with me: cruwet77@gmail.com

Thanks!

[sportsnbikes]

Any Interest in a 1990 Tom Gordon game used jersey? Blue road set 1.

I am also HIGHLY interested!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! royalcollector1@yahoo.com PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE EMAIL ME!

[sportsnbikes]

I've been looking for a blue for 7 good months...just haven't found the right one! I'm at the point of frustration. LOL.