After a season that bid farewell to a couple of fan favorites–Matt Cain’s final start and Ryan Vogelsong’s ceremonial retirement–and led to an extreme coaching staff shake up, it’s only fitting that Tim Lincecum’s No. 55 will be inherited by Matt Moore after a temporary retirement, as reported by Chris Haft of MLB.com on Saturday evening.
Throughout his 10 years in the Major Leagues, nine of which he spent with the Giants from 2007-2015, Lincecum only knew No. 55. He finished his career in San Francisco with a 108-83 record, 3.61 ERA, and 1,704 strikeouts. Even when his career ended after nine starts for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2016, No. 55 was the number Lincecum wore.
It was the number he wore during his back-to-back Cy Young Award-winning seasons in 2008 and 2009. It was the number he wore during his four All-Star appearances and his two no-hitters. It was the number he wore when he helped the Giants to three World Series championships.
Above all, it was the number he wore as he won over the hearts of just about every fan in San Francisco. And now, it’s found a new owner.
While Lincecum wore No. 55 in San Francisco, Moore did the same in Tampa Bay. Starting in 2011, Moore owned No. 55 as a member of the Rays, but when he was traded to San Francisco in 2016, he switched to No. 45.
In keeping with the sentimental quality of the organization, the Giants will on occasion temporarily retire the number of a special player. Numbers that belonged to Robb Nen (31), which was unworn from 2002-2006, and Barry Bonds (25), who’s number is untouched to this day, are two examples of the Giants honoring their history.