Why did Manny Ramirez choose to wear #99?

Question

I know #24 was retired in Los Angeles,but 99?Couldn't he have picked a NON-football number?I guess it won't matter anyways because he won't be in a Dodger uniform after this season.

Answer 1

He thinks he's an NHL super star hockey player.

Answer 2

thats just manny being manny LOL

Answer 3

he changed it to 30 now  

Answer 4

probably because that is the biggest number allowed on a jersey and he wanted it to match is ego

Answer 5

Gretzky played for the kings, plus his giant ego. Both would justify

Answer 6

MANNY BEING MANNY

Answer 7

He's a big Wayne Gretzky fan. :]

Answer 8

certainly not to match his IQ- it's not that high...

my best guess is that it's his way to tell the owners that he and Boras want a 4 year, 99 million dollar contract.

Answer 9

maybe he loves wayne gretzky

Answer 10

he just wanted another reason to draw attention to himself

Answer 11

it's just Manny being Manny...being weird and different.  I think he will be a New York Met when the 2009 season begins

Answer 12

he wanted 34 because of ortiz but it was  taken or someting.....   but who knows what manny is really thinking  

Answer 13

He couldn't keep 24, his number in Boston, because it was Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston's and it's retired. He didn't want 28, suggested equipment manager Mitch Poole, and asked for 34, but was told that had been Fernando Valenzuela's and nobody's worn it since he was released. Then he wanted 66, which was no problem, but he changed his mind. He asked if he could have 11 as a tribute to coach Manny Mota, but decided against it. He accepted 99, only to walk into the clubhouse Friday and ask for 28, the original suggestion.

By that time, the marketing department had already begun churning out Manny gear with 99 on the back. So, 99 it is.