Red Sox Infielder Shines in Debut, Discusses Choosing Franchise Legend’s Number
Caleb Durbin sat in the visitors’ dugout at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati before his first Opening Day start. He was hours away from making his Boston Red Sox debut and taking in the moment, Durbin told Filmogaz.com.
Opening Day performance
Durbin went 0-for-3 with a walk in the game. He also committed an error at third base. The Red Sox still won 3-0.
Path to Boston
Durbin was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers early in spring training. He previously spent time in the New York Yankees system.
At Fort Myers camp, a long “Legendary” banner greets players. The banner highlights past Red Sox stars and visiting retired players like Jim Rice and David Ortiz.
Choosing a jersey number
Durbin wore No. 17 during camp but wanted a single digit. He had worn No. 50 in Low-A and preferred single digits in other minor-league levels.
His top pick, No. 3, belongs to Ceddanne Rafaela. Several single digits are retired by the club.
- No. 1 — Bobby Doerr
- No. 4 — Joe Cronin
- No. 6 — Johnny Pesky
- No. 8 — Carl Yastrzemski
- No. 9 — Ted Williams
Durbin settled on No. 5, a number long associated with Nomar Garciaparra. He became the 10th player to wear that number since Garciaparra left in 2004.
Cultural fit and mentorship
Durbin said the franchise’s history made the move feel special. He hopes to embody the club’s scrappy “Dirt Dogs” identity.
He named Dustin Pedroia as a personal hero. Pedroia sent Durbin a text, and Durbin also spent time with David Ortiz during Ortiz’s camp visit.
Local coverage framed the story as Red Sox Infielder Shines in Debut, Discusses Choosing Franchise Legend’s Number. Durbin said he is soaking up the experience and settling into the team’s culture.
