Baseball players wear the number 21 on their jerseys to honor Roberto Clemente, a legendary baseball player and humanitarian. September 15th is celebrated as Roberto Clemente Day in Major League Baseball (MLB), coinciding with the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. On this day, all MLB players, managers, and coaches wear a number 21 patch as a tribute to Clemente's remarkable career and his selfless charity work off the field. Roberto Clemente was the first Latino player to win a World Series, be named World Series MVP, and be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He tragically died in a plane crash in 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. To honor his legacy, players from Puerto Rico, past winners, and nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award (which celebrates players' philanthropic efforts) are also allowed to wear number 21 on their jerseys. This tribute represents more than just a number; it celebrates Clemente's impact on the sport and community.
