why mlb wearing 21

Major League Baseball (MLB) players and on-field personnel are wearing the number 21 patch to honor Roberto Clemente. This is in celebration of Roberto Clemente Day, observed on September 15, 2025. Clemente was a legendary Puerto Rican Hall of Famer who wore number 21 throughout his entire career. The league-wide recognition includes players, managers, coaches, and umpires wearing a white "21" patch on their uniforms. Additionally, players of Puerto Rican heritage, past Roberto Clemente Award recipients, and 2025 nominees for the award have the option to wear No. 21 during games that day. This tribute highlights Clemente's outstanding achievements and humanitarian legacy, including being the first Latin American player to reach 3,000 hits and his efforts in delivering earthquake relief supplies when he tragically died in 1972.