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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell will wear a new number in 2025

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 6:29 PM ET

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is entering his second season with the organization. In 2025, he will be wearing a new number. Previously, he was No. 30 and now he will wear No.11.

Why did Craig Counsell switch numbers?

As a player, Counsell primarily wore No.30, but he also had stints of wearing No.4 and No.7. When he managed the Brewers and transitioned to being the Cubs skipper last year, he also wore No.30. However, this off-season Chicago acquired Kyle Tucker, who has had that number since the 2020 season. Counsell elected to give No.30 up so that Tucker could retain it.

How did Craig Counsell choose No.11?

Of the teams available numbers, Counsell chose No.11 in honor of his former Florida Marlins manager Jim Leyland. Tim Stebbins of Marquee Sports Network provided the following quote on how much Leyland meant to Counsell as a young MLB player.

“He (Leyland) taught me (Counsell) so much about the game, really. You can’t even count the lessons that he taught you. They’re just part of you. It’s a big part of you. I love the way he went about it. It felt like a gruff exterior, but it was kind of a teddy bear on the inside. He taught us all a lot.”

Previous Chicago Cubs players to wear No. 11

Some recent Cubs players who wore No. 11 includes Drew Smyly from 2022-2024 and Yu Darvish from 2018-2020. Before them, Tommy La Stella wore the number in 2015, Jose Nieves in 1998-2000, Rey Sanchez from 1993-1997, and Don Kessinger from 1965-1975.

All things considered, it was a thoughtful gesture from Counsell to give up No. 30, a number he’s worn for much of his baseball career. Hopefully, Tucker, who was acquired with just one year left before hitting free agency, will be able to wear the number with “Chicago” across the front for more than just the 2025 season.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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