On Wednesday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced that the entire team will wear Roberto Clemente’s number 21 on Roberto Clemente Day, Sept. 9.
Pittsburgh will wear their home white jerseys on the Wednesday game against the Chicago White Sox, with the jerseys being auctioned off online the following day. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Clemente Foundation and Pirates Charities.
Clemente, a 12-time All-Star, was killed in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, with four others while traveling to Nicaragua from Puerto Rico to assist in earthquake relief. In 1973, the Pirates retired the Hall of Famer’s number 21.
“Since 1973 the only persons allowed to wear number 21 in a Pirate uniform would have been any of the three sons. I became the closest to have that honor, but didn’t continue to play to reach the Major League level,” said Roberto’s son, Luis Clemente. “History will be made this September 9 and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Derek Shelton for his initiative and supporting the Clemente Family endeavors. We thank Bob Nutting and the Pirates organization for continuing the goodwill of the Clemente name in their community efforts.”
“Our staff and players are excited to wear the number 21 with pride as we constantly search for ways to not only honor Roberto’s legacy but to keep his memory alive through our community actions,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “We recognize what this moment represents for all of us within the organization, the Clemente Family, our fans, and the people of Puerto Rico. We take great pride in representing such a great ambassador of the game.”