Every sport has its own set of custom traditions, which are off the rule books and are purposely to pay tribute to the legend of the game.
Similarly, MLB players across the country are seen wearing number 21 patches on their jerseys and caps to celebrate the annual Roberto Clemente Day.
A special number is given to Roberto Clemente Award winners who wear the Hall of Famer’s number on their hats for the rest of their careers. Major League Baseball announced that it was a “special tribute to his enduring legacy” and each team will have the number 21 patch on their cap and jersey on September 15 to celebrate Roberto Clemente.
Why Do Baseball Players Wear Number 21 Jersey?
To honor a Latin American hero revered by all and one of the greatest all-around baseball players of all time, players celebrate Roberto Clemente. Major League Baseball celebrates the 22nd annual Roberto Clemente Day, honoring the legacy of one of baseball’s G.O.A.T. players and humanitarian nearly 51 years after his tragic passing. Apart from the day, it is also given as an award to a player at the end of every season.
The player is selected for “extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field” as Roberto was very active in charity work during the off-seasons. Roberto Clemente was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1973, and following his tragic death, his legacy continues to grow across the world.
What Is The 21 Patch on MLB Uniforms?
MLB players wear the number 21 patch on their uniform as a tribute to Roberto Clemente. He was known for his exceptional skills on the field and his humanitarian efforts off the field, and the move was to honor his legacy and contributions to the game of baseball and to society.
The patch shows the iconic Roberto Clemente’s number 21 in a white block sans-serif typeface placed on a black oval trimmed in gold.
It is worn to show a visible way for MLB players to pay tribute to Clemente’s impact both on and off the field. At a recent match, Rangers players wore a patch honoring Clemente vs. the Cleveland Guardians to pay tribute on the occasion of Roberto Clemente Day.
Who Was Roberto Clemente?
Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker, aka Roberto Clemente, was one of the greatest athletes and humanitarians of the 20th century. Born on August 18, 1934, he was a legendary Puerto Rican baseball player who played in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates during his entire professional career.
To date, he is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding and charismatic players in baseball history, both on and off the field.
Roberto was an emblem of Puerto Rican pride, but unfortunately, he met an untimely death on December 31, 1972. Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he felt compelled to assist and reached out to help around 10,000 lives after a devastating earthquake wreaked havoc in Nicaragua in December 1972.
At the age of 38, during an en route to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, his plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Baseball world was shattered by his loss, but his legacy still continues.
Let us know in the comments what you think about players giving tribute to the legendary Roberto Clemente, and do you think there could have been any better way?
