In baseball, certain jersey numbers become legendary, while others seem to carry a heavier weight. For the Chicago Cubs, the number 22 has been worn by a series of talented players whose careers, for one reason or another, didn't quite reach the heights many expected. The latest to don the digits is top pitching prospect Cade Horton, whose promising start has been interrupted by injury, reviving a quirky question among the Wrigley faithful: is Cubs uniform No. 22 a little bit jinxed?

Let's take a lighthearted look at the history. Before the late 1960s, the number wasn't particularly notable. Paul Popovich wore it for several stints as a reliable defensive infielder, though his bat was never his calling card—a common trait for backups of that era.

The narrative of "what could have been" begins to take shape with Bill Buckner. From 1977 to 1984, Buckner was a fantastic hitter, joining an elite group of Cubs to bat .300 over 4,000 plate appearances. Yet, his time in 22 was consistently hampered by injuries, limiting him to just two seasons of 150+ games.

Then came Mike Harkey, the Cubs' first-round pick in 1987 who seemed destined for stardom. After a brilliant rookie campaign in 1990, injuries derailed his promising career, and he was out of the majors by 1997.

The trend continued with outfielder Rondell White. Acquired in a 2000 trade, White was a former first-round pick whose potent bat was often silenced by the injured list during his 114 games with the Cubs. One can't help but wonder how his career might have differed with the designated hitter rule in the National League at the time.

From key contributors sidelined by physical setbacks to prospects who struggled to find their footing, the number 22 has been associated with interrupted potential. It's a curious pattern that adds a layer of superstition to the fabric of the franchise. While it's all in good fun, for the next player to wear the number, perhaps a little extra luck—and some durable performance gear—is in order.