It’s no secret Todd Frazier rooted for the Yankees as a kid growing up in New Jersey. There’s even a picture of Frazier standing next to former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter after his team won the Little League World Series.
So it’s no surprise that his favorite player is former Yankees outfielder and current YES Network analyst Paul O’Neill.
After Paul O’Neill wore No. 21, almost no one dared to wear it following his retirement in 2001. However, Frazier wants to wear No. 21, and will ask O’Neill for permission before the Yankees come home to the Bronx for their next homestand.
I have to admit that it’s extremely gutsy for Frazier to ask O’Neill for the number, and I have to applaud him for being straightforward. However, there was a reason no one wore No. 21 after O’Neill retired; O’Neill played an integral role during the dynasty era, and when you mention No. 21 to Yankees fans, the player that comes to mind is Paul O’Neill.
If O’Neill says Frazier can have the number, then there should be no issues in Frazier wearing it. But Yankees fans may not be as accepting, so Frazier should prepare for the backlash even if he does get O’Neill’s permission.
