For Major League Baseball (MLB) fans, 9/15 is a day to remember. It is Roberto Clemente Day, a day to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the game’s greatest players. Clemente was a 15-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and the first Latin American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also an important figure in the civil rights movement and a tireless humanitarian. In this article, we will take a look at why 9/15 is Roberto Clemente Day and how his life and efforts have been honored by MLB.
Who Was Roberto Clemente?
Roberto Clemente was born in Puerto Rico in 1934 and is widely considered one of the greatest players in MLB history. He was known for his incredible throwing arm and batting skills, but also for his work ethic and determination. He played 18 seasons in the majors, spending his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his time with the team, he won two World Series titles, four batting titles, and 12 Gold Glove awards. Off the field, Clemente was an important figure in the civil rights movement and a tireless humanitarian. He was a staunch advocate of equal rights and opportunity for minorities, and he also devoted his life to helping those in need.
Why 9/15 is Roberto Clemente Day
In recognition of Clemente’s life and contributions to the game of baseball and the civil rights movement, MLB declared 9/15 as Roberto Clemente Day. The day is meant to honor Clemente for his humanitarian efforts, and to remember the legacy he left behind. It is a day to reflect on Clemente’s incredible life and to celebrate his impact on the game of baseball and the world.
MLB’s Honoring of Roberto Clemente
MLB has long honored the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. In 1972, he was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Latin American to receive the honor. In 1973, the Pirates retired his number 21 jersey, and in 1974, MLB established the Roberto Clemente Award to recognize players for their community service.
The annual award is given to a player who best “exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team.” Every year, MLB teams nominate one player for the award and a panel of judges select the winner. Some of the past recipients of the award include Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, and Ichiro Suzuki.
In addition to honoring Clemente on 9/15, MLB teams often recognize him in other ways. For example, the Pirates have an annual Roberto Clemente Day where they honor his legacy and contributions to the game. The team also has a plaque in the outfield at PNC Park that reads “In Memory of Roberto Clemente, His Legacy Lives On.”
What Can Fans Do to Celebrate Roberto Clemente Day?
Fans can show their support for Roberto Clemente Day in many ways. One way to honor Clemente is to attend a baseball game and take part in a moment of silence in his memory. Fans can also make a donation to the Roberto Clemente Foundation, which was created to help children in Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. They can also post a message of remembrance on social media, or share a story about Clemente’s life and legacy.
Conclusion
Roberto Clemente was an incredible player and an important figure in the civil rights movement. He was devoted to helping those in need and dedicated his life to making the world a better place. In recognition of his life and legacy, MLB declared 9/15 as Roberto Clemente Day. The day is meant to honor Clemente for his humanitarian efforts and to remember the incredible life he lived. Fans can celebrate Roberto Clemente Day by attending a game and taking part in a moment of silence, making a donation to the Roberto Clemente Foundation, or posting a message of remembrance on social media. No matter how they choose to honor Clemente, it is important to remember the impact he had on baseball and the world.