Giants' Bryce Eldridge Pays Tribute to Hometown Heroes with No. 8 Jersey

The Virginia native honors NHL star Alex Ovechkin and NFL QB Lamar Jackson with his new Giants uniform number.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:54am

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In his second MLB season, San Francisco Giants outfielder Bryce Eldridge has chosen to wear jersey number 8, a tribute to his hometown heroes Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Eldridge, who grew up in the Washington D.C. area, has been a lifelong fan of both athletes and sees the number as an important part of his identity and connection to the DMV region.

Why it matters

Eldridge's choice of jersey number highlights the influence that local sports stars can have on young athletes, even as they pursue their own professional careers. By honoring Ovechkin and Jackson, Eldridge is carrying on a tradition of excellence from his hometown that he hopes to emulate with the Giants.

The details

Eldridge previously wore number 78 during his MLB debut in 2025, but has now opted for the more meaningful number 8. He explained that Ovechkin, who has been a dominant figure in the NHL throughout Eldridge's life, and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who Eldridge has grown up watching, have both made a lasting impact on him as sports idols from the DMV area.

  • Eldridge wore number 78 during his MLB debut in 2025.
  • Eldridge has now chosen to wear number 8 for the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Bryce Eldridge

A 24-year-old outfielder for the San Francisco Giants who is entering his second MLB season.

Alex Ovechkin

A Russian professional ice hockey player who has played for the Washington Capitals since 2005 and is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer.

Lamar Jackson

An American professional football player who has been the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens since 2018.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up in the D.C. area, I had season tickets to the [Washington] Capitals almost my whole life to this point. I was a big [Alex] Ovechkin fan, and 8 has always kind of meant something to me and has always meant something to the D.M.V. area.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Outfielder

“I'm a huge [Baltimore] Ravens fan too. So, Lamar Jackson, I've grown up watching him quarterback my team; I think he's on year nine now. So, 8 has always been important to me and those are kind of my two sports idols outside of baseball.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Outfielder

What’s next

Eldridge will look to make an impact with the Giants while wearing the number 8, which holds deep personal significance for him.

The takeaway

Eldridge's choice of jersey number demonstrates the lasting influence that local sports heroes can have on young athletes, even as they pursue their own professional careers. By honoring Ovechkin and Jackson, Eldridge is carrying on a tradition of excellence from his hometown that he hopes to emulate with the Giants.