Why did some MLB players wear No. 21 on their jerseys on September 15?

Roberto Clemente was not the first Latino player to play in MLB, but he was the first to win a World Series and the first to be awarded a 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 star right fielder for the Pirates. He achieved hit #3000 in the final game of the 1972 season, becoming the first Caribbean-born player to reach that landmark. Tragically, he was killed in a plane crash while attempting to personally deliver supplies and aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua during the winter. His body has never been recovered.

The Pirates immediately retired his #21, and the Hall of Fame ignored its normal rules about waiting five years after a player was out of the league to induct Clemente immediately.

Why are MLB players wearing No. 21?

All players and on-field personnel across baseball will have the option to wear “21″ patches on their uniform chests on Monday in honor of Clemente, who donned No. 21 throughout his esteemed career.

The initiative is to celebrate the Puerto Rican Hall of Famer’s life and achievements on the baseball field. He was the first Latin American player to reach 3,000 hits.

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Many MLB teams and players are expected to participate this special day to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Clemente’s role as an inspiration for Latino youth and the community in general.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will celebrate the Puerto Rican player’s legacy with several events and activities for fans as well as a Spanish-broadcast of their game on Monday.