26 Days Until Spring Training

There are only 26 days left until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. 

Here are some interesting facts about the number 26:

• In Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value and Gematria "is the calculation of the numerical equivalence of letters, words, or phrases, and, on that basis, gaining, insight into interrelation of different concepts and exploring the interrelationship between words and ideas." Anywho, 26 carries some significance in that it signifies the proper God of Israel, YHWH. Take from that as you will, I say it's a sign that today will be a good day and the 2013 baseball season will be fantastic.
• Billy Williams of the Cubs, Rangers manager Johnny Oates and the Angels founding owner Gene Autry all have jersey number 26 retired.
• If you were to run 26 miles (and some change) you would have run a marathon. Congratulations!
• In 1926 the Cardinals beat the Yankees in the World Series in seven games. In game six, Cardinals starter Pete Alexander pitched a complete game victory for the win and the following day relieved Jesse Haines to record the last 7 outs, winning the World Series. Impressive performance for the 39-year old future Hall of Famer. St. Louis Catcher Bob O'Farrell won the MVP in the NL and Cleveland Indians first basemen George Burns (not that George Burns) won the MVP in the AL batting .358 with 64 doubles, the second most in baseball history.  
• Unsurprisingly in 1926, Babe Ruth led the league in runs (139), home runs (47), RBI (146), walks (144), on base (.516) and slugging (.737). At that point in his career Ruth was 31 and hit 356 home runs, he had 358 more left in him. 
• Paul Konerko and Aaron Hill hit 26 home runs last season. Considering Konerko plays first base and Aaron Hill second base, it's safe to say Hill had the better season. However, did you know that Konerko has 422 home runs? If Konerko were to get to 500 home runs would he have a Hall of Fame case? I'm not one to vote in someone just on milestones, but it would be an interesting debate. What say you?