For the first time since 1972, a Pirate will wear No. 21.
In fact, they will all wear 21.
The Pirates announced Wednesday that the entire team will be wearing No. 21 on Roberto Clemente day, which is Sept. 9.
The Pirates will be playing the White Sox on that day at 7:05 p.m..
“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,” Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said. “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.”
This honor is similar to how all teams wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson day.
Derek Shelton had championed the idea of having everyone wear 21 since he took the manager job with the Pirates.
“Since Derek got the job and we met, from Day 1, he said that he wanted to get this done," third base coach Joey Cora, who is Puerto Rican, said. "It’s been a journey to try to get this done, but man, he got it done. Once it was approved, he allowed me to talk to my fellow Puerto Ricans about this. I keep telling him how big a deal, how important it is, for us Puerto Ricans what’s happening. It’s impactful."
The Pirates will auction off the jerseys in days following the game, with all proceeds going to the Clemente Foundation and Pirates charities.
While the Pirates will be the only franchise to wear only 21, there has been a movement to retire the number league-wide, like Robinson. The commissioners' office giving the team the green-light for this signals that is a possibility for the future.
“Since 1973 the only persons allowed to wear no. 21 in a Pirate uniform would had 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,” Luis Clemente, Roberto’s middle child, said. “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.”