Retire#21
Roberto Clemente, known as “The Great One,” was not only an extraordinary baseball player but also a beloved humanitarian whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Each year on September 15th, Major League Baseball celebrates Roberto Clemente Day, honoring his life and contributions to the sport and society.
Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on August 18, 1934, Clemente grew up in a close-knit family with strong values. Throughout his life, he never forgot his roots, proudly representing Puerto Rico on the global stage. He moved to the United States when he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team he played for his entire career. For 18 seasons, Clemente made Pittsburgh his home, endearing himself to the city and its people.
Clemente’s career was filled with incredible achievements, the pinnacle being his 3,000th hit, which came on September 30, 1972, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. That day, Clemente lined a double to left-center off Jon Matlack, a pitcher for the New York Mets. The crowd erupted in celebration, not just for the milestone but for the man who had meant so much to the game and the city. As one fan who was there recounted, the atmosphere was electrifying, and seeing Willie Mays walk across the field to personally congratulate Clemente added to the magic of the moment.
However, the night before, on September 29, 1972, the crowd had expected Clemente to get his 3,000th hit. He faced Tom Seaver, another great pitcher for the Mets, and many thought his final at-bat of the evening had secured the milestone. Clemente hit a sharp grounder to the second baseman, Ken Boswell, but it was ruled an error, postponing the celebration by one day. Fans who attended both games remember the emotional rollercoaster, but ultimately, Clemente’s 3,000th hit came in spectacular fashion.
Off the field, Roberto Clemente was known for his deep commitment to humanitarian efforts. He believed in giving back to those less fortunate, particularly in Latin America and his native Puerto Rico. Clemente was a man of action, and on December 31, 1972, while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, his life was tragically cut short when his plane crashed shortly after takeoff from San Juan. Clemente’s mission was to help people in desperate need, and he died doing what he believed in—serving others.
Clemente’s family, including his wife Vera Clemente, and their three sons—Roberto Jr., Luis, and Enrique—have carried on his legacy. Vera became a dedicated advocate for her late husband’s charitable work, ensuring that his legacy of compassion and kindness continued to touch lives. Clemente’s children, inspired by their father’s work, have taken on various roles in continuing his humanitarian efforts.
Roberto Clemente’s influence on the game of baseball extends far beyond his 3,000 hits, 12 Gold Glove awards, or his 15 All-Star selections. His style of play—graceful, powerful, and determined—made him a five-tool player, capable of hitting, fielding, throwing, running, and demonstrating power at the plate. One fan recalls watching Clemente patrol right field at Three Rivers Stadium, noting how his cannon-like arm and athletic ability made him a once-in-a-lifetime talent. He ran the bases with such intensity that another admirer described it as though “he was angry at the ground.”
Clemente’s legacy includes breaking barriers for Latin American players in Major League Baseball. He played during a time of racial segregation, where players of color faced enormous challenges. Clemente’s thick Puerto Rican accent was often mocked by the press, but he never let this disrespect deter him. He stood proud as an ambassador for his people, using his platform to speak out against injustice. When Black players were denied basic accommodations at hotels during spring training, Clemente fought for equal treatment, refusing to accept food from restaurants that denied him service.
A hero to many, Clemente’s humanitarian spirit continues to resonate. As one fan poignantly put it, “The world needs more Roberto Clementes.” His compassion and commitment to justice made him more than just a sports icon; they made him a global symbol of humility and service. Many agree that it’s long overdue for Major League Baseball to retire his number 21 across the league, just as Jackie Robinson’s 42 has been retired. The call to #Retire21 has only grown louder with time, and for many, it’s the ultimate way to honor Clemente’s contributions to baseball and humanity.
Clemente’s accomplishments on the field, including his two World Series championships, where he shone as a clutch performer, pale in comparison to his impact off the field. He left behind a legacy of selflessness and integrity, forever enshrined in the hearts of baseball fans worldwide. One fan summed it up best: “Legends never die,” and Roberto Clemente, a true legend, continues to inspire new generations of players and fans with his remarkable story.
Clemente is remembered not just for his talents as a player but for his humanity. Whether you knew him as the man who made impossible throws from right field, the ambassador who represented Puerto Rico with pride, or the humanitarian who gave his life for others, one thing is clear: Roberto Clemente was, and always will be, The Great One.
