Why do MLB players wear the number 21 on their jerseys today, September 15th?

Roberto Clemente was not the first Latino player to play in the MLB, but he was the first to win a World Series and the first to be named World Series MVP. He was also the first Latino player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Roberto Clemente was the Pirates' star right fielder. In the final game of the 1972 season, he scored his 3,000th goal, becoming the first Caribbean-born player to reach this milestone. Tragically, he was killed in a plane crash while attempting to personally deliver supplies and relief aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua during the winter. His body was never recovered.

The Pirates immediately retired his number 21 and The Hall of Fame ignored its usual rules that require a player to wait five years after leaving the league before immediately inducting Clemente..

Why do MLB players wear number 21?

All players and field personnel throughout baseball will be in in honor of Clemente, who wore number 21 throughout his distinguished career.

All nominees for 2024 for the Roberto Clemente Prizewhich recognizes MLB players for their philanthropic commitment to their communities, also has the opportunity to wear the number 21. They will join players from Puerto Rico and others who have worn the number in previous Roberto Clemente Day commemorations.

Active players who have previously received the Roberto Clemente Award wear a “21” patch on the back of their capswhich represents this highly esteemed award.