For 23 years, Carl Yastrzemski wore the number 8 for the Boston Red Sox. Heir apparent to the great Ted Williams, “Yaz” as he was affectionately known, went on to become one of the greatest defensive left fielders of all time. His batting prowess earned him the Triple Crown in 1967 and he became the first American League player to achieve 400 home runs and 3000 hits. This batting helmet was retrofitted by Yastrzemski by cutting a hole in the right ear flap so he could hear the strike count more clearly but still be protected from close pitches. Batting helmets use this innovation today.