why are the yankees wearing number 21

The New York Yankees are wearing number 21 to honor Roberto Clemente. On Roberto Clemente Day, which is commemorated annually on September 15, all MLB players and on-field personnel have the option to wear the number 21 to celebrate the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente, the legendary Puerto Rican Hall of Famer. Clemente wore number 21 throughout his esteemed career and was the first Latin American player to reach 3,000 hits. MLB expanded the honor so that players, managers, and coaches can wear number 21 or patches with the number to commemorate Clemente's legacy, particularly during the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and Clemente Day. This tribute extends beyond just Puerto Rican players or Clemente Award recipients; any player can request to wear number 21 with enough notice to the club. The Yankees, along with other teams, participate in this tradition to honor Clemente's contributions to baseball and his humanitarian legacy.