Washington Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle has quickly become one of the most popular players on the team over the past two seasons, but any merchandise that has been sold with his jersey number on it is suddenly outdated. The left-hander is trying his best to make that up to fans.
On Monday, Doolittle announced that he is changing from No. 62 to No. 63 this season. He said the number “carries a special significance” for his family and he decided to switch after leaving the Nationals to tend to a family emergency earlier this year.
PSA for Nats fans: I’m changing my number to 63. Earlier this spring I left the team for a week to attend to a family emergency. 63 carries a special significance for me and my family so I’ve switched my number as a tribute to them, to acknowledge their love and support.
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) March 25, 2019
Doolittle added that he understands fans have purchased jerseys and other items with his previous No. 62 on them, and he’s planning to give away some free stuff to help offset that.
I’m also aware that many fans have bought shirts or jerseys with my name & number on the back and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. To help fans update their Nats swag w some 63 gear for 2019 my wife & I will be doing some giveaways during the season so stay tuned!
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) March 25, 2019
The Nationals acquired Doolittle in a trade with the Oakland A’s back in 2017, and he has stabilized the back end of their bullpen since they made that deal. He was lights-out last season and converted 25 of 26 save opportunities, finishing the season with a 1.60 ERA and just 21 hits allowed in 45 innings. Doolittle has already proven he is a team-first guy with some remarks he made this year about Washington potentially bolstering its bullpen, and the fans have to appreciate him showing them some love as well.
