Lester to wear No. 34 in honor of Walter Payton, Kerry Wood, Nolan Ryan
Jon Lester, the newest member of the Chicago Cubs, was introduced to the media Monday and revealed many reasons why he choose the Cubs over the Red Sox.
Also of note, his choice to wear No. 34 over his usual No. 31 in honor of the great Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan and Kerry Wood.
"The Chicago tie of Kerry Wood." he said. "I remember watching him as a young pitcher -- I don’t want to date him."
Wood responded on twitter to the number choice.
@JLester31 welcome to the Cubs! Humbled that you chose 34 and honored to be referenced with two Hall of Fame greats. #cubs
— Kerry Wood (@KerryWood) December 16, 2014
Lester mentioned Walter Payton and Nolan Ryan as other reasons for the decision.
"Obviously, the Walter Payton aspect, and for me, the personal aspect of Nolan Ryan. It’s always been one of my favorite numbers other than 31."
Lester's old number 31 was worn by Hall of Famers Ferguson Jenkins and Greg Maddux. The Cubs retired the jersey number in honor of the two pitchers on May 3, 2009.