Mets' Nick Morabito given jersey number that hasn't been worn since 2001 in honor of legend

The New York Mets didn't give this jersey number out for the last 25 years.

Nick Morabito, called up to make his MLB debut, has changed that trend.

It's a call that old-time Mets fans might not love, but New York clearly felt Morabito was deserving.

What's Nick Morabito's jersey number?

The Mets have given Morabito the number 8. 

No one had worn it since 2001, in large part because Gary Carter wore it from 1985-89.

Carter wasn't the last guy to wear it, though. Desi Relaford was the last guy to wear it, 25 years ago.

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Why did the Mets give out Gary Carter's jersey number?

The Mets never officially retired Carter's No. 8. It was just being held out of the rotation.

Technically, there are plenty of other numbers. They didn't have to give the 8 to Morabito.

They must've decided their roster, which continues to look for jolts from younger players, could use the spark of Morabito, and if he wanted to wear 8, so be it.

Carter was a great winner for the Mets from his catcher spot. Morabito doesn't catch, but the Mets will be hoping he, too, can help the franchise win a lot of baseball games while wearing number 8.

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