With permission from Larry Walker, Justin Morneau will wear No. 33 with the Colorado Rockies.
Morneau idolized Walker during his youth. They are both natives of British Columbia.
The first baseman briefly wore 27 with the Minnesota Twins, but was No. 33 for most of his 11 seasons with the club. He doubled it and wore 66 when the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired him late last season for their playoff run. The Pirates retired 33 for Honus Wagner.
"I actually called him and asked if it was OK if I wore 33 here," Morneau said. "I know it hasn't been worn since he was here and I know what he meant to this team and this organization and everything he accomplished here.
"It wasn't one of those things I took lightly. It was something out of respect for him and what he's done. For him to give it the thumbs-up, to let me wear it, hopefully I'll make him proud."