Major League Baseball (MLB) players don their uniforms with pride and passion, but this season, all teams are wearing the same number: #21. The league has decided to honor the late Roberto Clemente, an iconic figure in baseball and a beloved figure in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
What is Roberto Clemente Day?
Roberto Clemente Day is a celebration of the life and legacy of Clemente, who played for the Pirates from 1955 to 1972. He was a 15-time All-Star, won the National League MVP award in 1966, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. He was also a humanitarian and a civil rights activist, and he was the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In 2002, MLB created Roberto Clemente Day to celebrate his life and legacy. The day is held on the anniversary of Clemente’s death, which was December 31, 1972. Every year, teams wear his signature number (21) on their jerseys and caps to commemorate Clemente and his impact on baseball and the world.
Why is everyone wearing 21?
In 2020, MLB decided to make Clemente’s number mandatory for all teams. This was done in part to honor Clemente’s legacy and to bring attention to social justice issues that still persist in the United States. The league also wanted to acknowledge the current racial and social inequalities that many people still face.
The league also wanted to draw attention to the fact that Clemente was a pioneer in Latin American and Caribbean baseball. His legacy is still felt in countries across the region and it is still inspiring players to this day.
The Impact of Wearing 21
By making the wearing of #21 mandatory, MLB is encouraging all teams to remember Clemente and to honor his legacy. It is also a reminder that the game of baseball is still a vehicle for social change and a platform for creating dialogue about important issues.
The wearing of #21 also serves as a reminder that diversity is an important part of the game. Clemente’s career was a testament to this, and the league wants to recognize his impact and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Conclusion
MLB’s decision to make #21 mandatory is a fitting tribute to Roberto Clemente and his legacy. It is a reminder of the impact he had on the game of baseball and on the world. It is also a reminder of the importance of diversity and of using the game as a platform for social change.
By making #21 mandatory, MLB is continuing to honor Clemente and to keep his legacy alive. It is a reminder that, despite the challenges still faced by many people in the United States, progress is being made and that the game of baseball can still be a vehicle for positive change.