Spencer Steer Reveals The Secret Behind Balling With No. 7: “Number 7 Isn’t Just a Number, It’s a Symbol of My Journey…”
For many athletes, a jersey number is simply a piece of fabric with a designation. However, for some, a number becomes much more—it becomes a representation of personal history, a symbol of dedication, and a marker of the path they have walked to get to where they are.
Spencer Steer, the rising star in Major League Baseball, is one of those athletes for whom No. 11 holds a deep and significant meaning.
In an exclusive interview, Steer opened up about the reasons behind his choice of jersey number and the powerful significance it holds for him.
“Number 11 isn’t just a number,” he explained. “It’s a symbol of my journey.
When I chose it, it wasn’t just for me; it was a tribute to the people who’ve helped me along the way, the lessons I’ve learned, and the struggles I’ve faced.”
The Personal Connection to No. 11
Spencer Steer’s journey to the big leagues hasn’t been a straightforward one, and his connection to No. 7 is deeply personal. For Steer, it all started back in his high school days when he was first given the choice to pick his jersey number. “I was in high school, and at that time, there was a lot of pressure to stand out,” he recalled.
“You want to make a name for yourself, but you also want to feel like you’re part of a team. The number I wore in high school, No. 11, became a part of my identity. It was about embracing who I was and where I was going.”
When Steer played for the University of Oregon, he continued wearing the same number, symbolizing his growth from a young, hopeful athlete to a college baseball standout. However, the real significance of No. 7 emerged when he entered the minor leagues. It was then that Steer fully realized that this number representeuch more than just his playing career—it was a tribute to the people who had been instrumental in his journey.
“Growing up, I had a lot of people around me who supported me, coached me, and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Steer said, pausing thoughtfully. “My family, my coaches, my teammates—No. 7th represents all of them. It’s a way to carry their spirit with me every time I take the field.”
The Impact of Family and Mentors
For Steer, family and mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today.
He credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his parents, who made countless sacrifices so he could pursue his dreams. “My parents are everything to me,” he shared. “Without their love and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
They’ve always been there, whether I was succeeding or facing setbacks. Number 11 is for them.”
Steer also spoke fondly of his high school and college coaches, who taught him not only about baseball but about life.
“My high school coach, Coach Thompson, was the first person who really made me believe in myself. He told me, ‘You have something special. Keep working, and you’ll get there.’ It’s not just about baseball skills—he taught me the value of mental toughness and perseverance, lessons that stay with me to this day.”
When Steer was drafted into professional baseball, his journey took him through various minor league teams.
Each stop on that path added layers to his understanding of the game, the grind of professional sports, and his place within the larger baseball community. “Minor league baseball is a grind,” Steer admitted. “It’s not glamorous, and it can be really difficult at times. But through all those struggles, No. 7 became a constant.
It was like carrying a little piece of home and my journey with me as I moved through different cities and teams.”
The Symbolism of Number 7
While many athletes choose jersey numbers based on superstition or simply because they like how it looks, Steer’s decision to wear No. 7 goes beyond the superficial. The number has come to represent an ongoing narrative of resilience, hard work, and personal growth.
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of number 7 being about balance,” Steer said. “It’s an odd number, so it’s kind of like life—there are ups and downs, highs and lows. But it also represents the idea of keeping things in alignment. When you wear No. 7 , you have to stay balanced and grounded. That’s something I try to remind myself every day: stay humble, stay focused, and never lose sight of where you came from.”
Steer also sees No. 11 as a way to honor those who came before him. “Baseball has a rich history, and there have been so many incredible players who wore No. 7. Some of them were pioneers in the game, others were stars in their time. For me, wearing No. 7 is about honoring that legacy.
Every time I take the field, I’m representing all the people who helped me get here.”
The Road to MLB: Overcoming Adversity
For Steer, the road to Major League Baseball was not without its obstacles.
Despite his impressive skills, there were moments when doubt crept in. He struggled at times with injuries, and the pressure to perform at a high level was constant.
Yet through it all, No. 11 remained a symbol of his resilience.
“There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. The setbacks, the injuries, the long seasons in the minors—it all took its toll,” Steer confessed. “But whenever I felt like giving up, I thought about everything No. 7 represents.
It’s not just about me—it’s about the people who’ve supported me, the sacrifices they’ve made, and the journey that has led me to this point.”
Finally, in 2022, Steer’s perseverance paid off when he made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds.
“Making it to the big leagues was the culmination of years of hard work, but it was also just the beginning,” Steer said, smiling. “When I put on that Reds jersey with No. 7 on it, I knew it wasn’t just about me—it was about everyone who helped me get there. It was the final chapter in one part of my journey, but the next chapter is just beginning.”
Looking Forward: The Legacy of No. 7
As Steer continues his career in Major League Baseball, he is determined to carry the legacy of No. 7 forward.
“I want to be more than just a player with a number on his back,” Steer stated.
“I want to represent everything that No. 11 stands for: the grind, the perseverance, and the people who have supported me. I want to make sure that when people see No. 7, they know that it’s about something bigger than just baseball.”
For Steer, wearing No. 11 is about honoring the past, living in the present, and building a future that reflects the lessons learned and the people who helped shape his journey.
“Every time I step onto that field, I’m reminded of everything I’ve been through to get here. I want to give back to the game and to the people who believed in me,” he said. “Number 7 is my way of doing that—by staying grounded, working hard, and always remembering where I came from.”
Spencer Steer’s journey is far from over, but with No. 7 as his guiding symbol, there’s no doubt that his story will continue to inspire those who watch him play. Whether it’s through his skill, his work ethic, or his unshakable belief in the power of perseverance, Steer’s number has become a testament to the strength of character and the importance of the people who help us along the way.