Justin Turner explains Dodgers twist to seemingly awkward Red Sox number change

Former Dodgers de facto captain Justin Turner is living out his dream with the Boston Red Sox this season.

Not that he hasn't already had his fair share of dream-worthy moments while becoming one of the greatest playoff performers in the history of the game in Los Angeles. There's just one thing he was never able to do with the Dodgers: wear No. 2, the number that has always guided his life.

Initially, when JT showed up in a No. 2 jersey at Sox camp, he invited controversy, considering that jersey famously belonged to Xander Bogaerts just a few months ago, as well as recently-departed '70s icon and broadcaster Jerry Remy. Was the 38-year-old new guy really about to step on that?

Turns out, the number has been in Turner's blood all along, and he's "honored" to wear Remy's number. Per the man himself, the Red Sox actually honored his wishes and gave it to him; he didn't have to beg.

Why didn't he wear it in LA, then? Very simple; he asked, Tommy Lasorda said no.

Justin Turner on wearing No. 2. He had worn it his whole life until coming to Dodgers and Tommy Lasorda declined his request to wear it there. He said he is honored to wear Jerry Remy's number, hopes to make the late Sox player and analyst proud. Why 2? Turner was born at 222.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) February 16, 2023

Justin Turner wearing Xander Bogaerts' number (and Dodgers' Tommy Lasorda remembrance) in Boston

Makes sense that Lasorda didn't want to see his own legendary number un-retired only about a decade and a half after it was raised to the rafters. That rarely happens -- and, plus, Turner wasn't Turner when he arrived in LA. He was a Mets castoff looking to revamp his swing and take advantage of one last opportunity.

It also makes sense that Turner desires No. 2 and always has; anyone who's ever seen a JT tweet float by their timeline surely noticed the digit that ends his handle. It's a family thing.

Still, it's pretty funny that Jackson Frazier in New York was pilloried because somebody heard that somebody heard that he might want Mickey Mantle's No. 7. Turner asks for Lasorda's number and it doesn't get out for eight years? No wonder Joey Gallo was excited to head west from the Yankees to the Dodgers.

Introducing No. 2, Justin Turner.

“I think I was born at 2:22 AM. My dad was always No. 2. I’ve literally worn No. 2 pretty much every day my whole life. My (Twitter) handle is @redturn2 because of No. 2, not because I’m a master double play turner.”https://t.co/M6FSEKaYZy
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 16, 2023

Now 38, Turner is expected to carry the veteran mentorship load in Boston, training for his likely eventual return to Los Angeles as a coach or manager.

Sadly, when he gets there, he won't be following in Lasorda's numerical footsteps.

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