Indians' Double-A affiliate in Akron retiring LeBron's No. 23
It's barely been a week since LeBron James decided to leave Cleveland for a second time, but Northeast Ohio is already starting to honor its departed King.
On Monday, the Akron RubberDucks - Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians - announced they'll be hosting a celebration in James' honor on July 23, at which time the baseball franchise will permanently retire the No. 23 that he famously wore with the Cavaliers.
In a press release, the RubberDucks said they felt it appropriate to be the first franchise to honor James with a retired jersey given that he was born and raised in Akron before moving a few miles north to Cleveland and rising to global superstardom with the Cavaliers.
"LeBron James' greatness on the basketball court is unquestioned, but his commitment to his hometown of Akron is what really makes him a 'legend'," RubberDucks general manager Jim Pfander wrote. "We felt there was no better way to honor someone who has had such a positive impact than retiring his number in Canal Park for fans to see for generations."
James - who officially signed a four-year, $154-million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday - spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers during two separate stints. In 2016, only two years after returning to his home team, he led the Cavs to their first NBA title and Cleveland's first major professional sports championship since 1964, cementing himself as arguably the greatest athlete in the city's history.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said earlier this month that his team will eventually retire No. 23 for James when his playing career ends.