During his late-season debut in the major leagues in 2025, Bryce Eldridge wore the number 78 on his Giants jersey. Now, as the San Francisco Giants open spring training with their 40-man roster, Eldridge has opted for a more memorable and meaningful number: No. 8. The Virginia native’s choice reflects a tribute to his hometown and the sports figures he greatly admires.
Explaining his selection to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic, Eldridge revealed how the number connects to his upbringing and personal inspirations, making the transition from a high number to a significant one more than just a change in digits.
Connection to Hometown Heroes and Childhood Sports Favorites
Raised in the Washington D.C. area, Eldridge grew up closely connected to the local sports scene, particularly as a lifelong fan of the Washington Capitals.
“Growing up in the D.C. area, I had season tickets to the [Washington] Capitals almost my whole life to this point,”
Eldridge said.
“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.”
Ovechkin, who was drafted first overall by the Capitals in 2004 just months before Eldridge was born in Fairfax, Virginia, has remained a dominant figure in the NHL, debuting shortly before Eldridge’s first birthday and becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer in his 21st season. Eldridge emphasized the deep roots of number 8 in his life, adding,
“He’s been there my whole life. So, 8 has always been an important number to me and my family, and my area.”
Influence of NFL Star Lamar Jackson
In addition to Ovechkin, Eldridge honors another athlete who wears No. 8 in the D.M.V. region. A passionate Baltimore Ravens fan, Eldridge also admires quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“I’m a huge [Baltimore] Ravens fan too,”
he shared.
“So, Lamar Jackson, I’ve grown up watching him quarterback my team; I think he’s on year nine now.”
He continued,
“So, 8 has always been important to me and those are kind of my two sports idols outside of baseball.”
Interestingly, Eldridge was only 13 years old when Jackson was drafted in 2018, highlighting the youthful yet growing connection he feels with these regional heroes while stepping into his own professional career.
Looking Ahead to Making His Own Mark with No. 8
As Eldridge prepares to compete in the upcoming season, he embraces the responsibility and pride that come with wearing No. 8 on the Giants’ roster. Giants fans will eagerly watch to see if Eldridge can carve out an impact in San Francisco comparable to what Ovechkin and Jackson have accomplished in the D.M.V. region. The choice of jersey number symbolizes more than just an identifier—it represents a lineage of excellence and inspiration from his home area that Eldridge hopes to continue.
This number switch not only signals Eldridge’s personal connection to the sports culture that shaped him but also sets a tone of promise as he aims to build his own legacy within the Giants organization and Bay Area baseball community.
