Braves Manager Walt Weiss Explains Reasons For His Changed Number

New Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss has officially changed his number from No. 4 to No. 22.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss has officially changed his number from No. 4 to No. 22. Weiss explained that the change is due to his childhood fandom of the Miami Dolphins and running back Mercury Morris, who wore the number 22 for the team.

Why it matters

Weiss' number change is a lighthearted piece of news as the Braves kick off spring training for the 2026 season. The Braves are looking to return to the postseason after a difficult 2025 campaign, and Weiss' new number choice reflects his personal connection to the sport of football.

The details

Weiss confirmed the number change with the media on Tuesday, saying that he wore the number 22 his whole life dating back to when he was a kid and a big Miami Dolphins fan. He cited Dolphins running back Mercury Morris, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, as the inspiration for the number choice.

  • Weiss was the Braves' bench coach from 2018-25 before being elevated to manager this offseason.
  • Spring Training action is slated to begin on Saturday, February 21st, against the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • Opening Day is set for Friday, March 27th, against the Kansas City Royals.

The players

Walt Weiss

The new manager of the Atlanta Braves, who previously served as the Braves' bench coach from 2018-25 and was the manager of the Colorado Rockies from 2013-16.

Mercury Morris

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion running back who played for the Miami Dolphins and was Weiss' childhood hero.

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What they’re saying

“When I was a kid, I was a big Miami Dolphins fan. I played football and stuff. Mercury Morris was my guy. He was number 22 for the Dolphins, and they had some great teams – and that undefeated team. From the time I was about 6 years old, I wore 22. My whole life. I'm bringing it back.”

— Walt Weiss, Atlanta Braves Manager (si.com)

What’s next

Spring Training action is slated to begin on Saturday, February 21st, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Opening Day is set for Friday, March 27th, against the Kansas City Royals.

The takeaway

Weiss' number change to 22 is a lighthearted and personal connection to his childhood fandom of the Miami Dolphins, reflecting his lifelong attachment to the number. As the Braves look to return to the postseason in 2026, Weiss' new number choice adds a fun element to the start of spring training.