Dustin May Faces Number Dilemma After Joining Cardinals

Last week, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired right-handed pitcher Dustin May from the Boston Red Sox, marking the latest move in reshaping their pitching staff. While May wore No. 85 in Boston, he quickly learned that the number would not be available in St. Louis due to its retirement. The announcement came during an introductory press conference, where May said he would select a new number by spring training.

May also cannot wear No. 58, which is already in use by reliever Chris Roycroft. As a result, the pitcher will have to explore alternative options while preparing for his first season with the Cardinals. Though seemingly minor, uniform numbers carry personal and historical significance for players and fans alike.

The retired No. 85 in St. Louis honors legendary owner August “Gussie” Busch Jr., who played a pivotal role in revitalizing the franchise. Busch’s contributions included saving the team from relocation, investing in player development, and overseeing a period of sustained success for the organization. The number was retired on his 85th birthday in 1984, a gesture recognizing his lasting impact on the Cardinals.

May’s transition from the Dodgers to the Red Sox last season saw him finish with a 7-11 record, a 4.97 ERA, and 123 strikeouts. Though Red Sox fans were disappointed to see him traded, May now faces the challenge of integrating into a historic Cardinals organization while navigating the unique circumstances surrounding his jersey number.

1. Historical Significance of No. 85

The retired No. 85 pays tribute to Gussie Busch, the longtime Cardinals owner whose leadership reshaped the franchise. In 1953, when the Cardinals were on the verge of leaving St. Louis, Busch, then head of Anheuser-Busch, stepped in to secure the team’s future. His efforts ensured the Cardinals remained in the city and provided a foundation for future success. Busch reinvested heavily in the franchise, building a strong farm system and making bold moves, including signing Tom Alston as the first Black player for St. Louis. His tenure also saw the renovation of Sportsman’s Park, later renamed Busch Stadium, cementing the team’s modern home. Under Busch’s ownership, the Cardinals captured six National League pennants and three World Series titles in 1964, 1967, and 1982. These accomplishments reinforced the team’s identity as a competitive, resilient franchise with a deep connection to its community. The retirement of No. 85 honors not just Busch’s leadership but the broader legacy of how his vision shaped St. Louis baseball. For a player like May, joining the Cardinals means stepping into a team with a storied past where history is woven into even small details like uniform numbers.

2. May’s Career and Recent Moves

Dustin May began last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers before being traded to the Boston Red Sox. Over the course of the year, he posted a 7-11 record with a 4.97 ERA and 123 strikeouts, showing flashes of potential despite a challenging season. With his move to the Cardinals, May faces the dual task of adapting to a new pitching staff and honoring the team’s traditions. While the jersey number issue is minor in comparison to his on-field responsibilities, it highlights the importance of history and culture within the organization. May’s performance in Boston drew both praise and criticism from fans, particularly surrounding his trade from the Dodgers. Nevertheless, his ability to contribute at the major league level remains clear, and St. Louis hopes he can help anchor their rotation in the coming season. Looking ahead, May’s adjustment to the Cardinals will also involve integrating with teammates and understanding the expectations of a franchise steeped in history, from Busch to legends like Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, and Ozzie Smith.

3. Cardinals Legacy and Player Integration

St. Louis has a rich tradition of honoring its legends through retired numbers, including Hall of Famers like Gibson (45), Musial (6), Smith (1), Dizzy Dean (17), and Lou Brock (20). May’s situation reflects the balance modern players must strike between personal preferences and the legacy of the team. The Cardinals’ history of resilience, marketability, and sustained success stems largely from strategic leadership, starting with Busch’s ownership. Today’s players inherit not only a competitive environment but also a franchise culture that emphasizes loyalty, community connection, and respect for history. Integrating new players into this environment requires both performance and an appreciation of the team’s traditions. May’s upcoming choice of a new number is symbolic of the broader adjustment every newcomer must make when joining a storied organization. As spring training approaches, the Cardinals’ blend of veterans and new acquisitions, including May, will begin to coalesce. His ability to adapt on and off the field will be a key factor in determining his impact on the team’s 2025 campaign.