Major League Baseball is recognizing Roberto Clemente Day on September 15, with all players wearing a No. 21 patch on their jerseys. The day commemorates the legacy of the Pittsburgh Pirates legend and Baseball Hall of Famer, highlighting his significant charitable contributions, which continue through the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
Clemente, who played his entire 18-year career with the Pirates from 1955 to 1972, was a dominant force on the field. His career accomplishments include becoming the Pirates' all-time leader in hits with 3,000, totaling 4,492 bases, and recording 2,154 singles. He is one of only 33 players in MLB history to reach the 3,000-hit milestone.
His on-field success also includes being a part of the Pirates' World Series victories in 1960 and 1971. Clemente led the National League in hits twice, in 1964 and 1967, and won the batting average title in four seasons: 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1967. His career wins above replacement (WAR) stands at 95, ranking second in Pirates history and 37th in MLB overall. He achieved 200-plus hits in four seasons and maintained a career batting average of .317, tied for 66th in MLB history. In postseason play, he hit .318.
Individually, Clemente earned the NL MVP Award in 1966 and was named the 1971 World Series MVP, posting a .414 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs in the seven-game series. His defensive prowess was recognized with 12 Gold Glove awards. Clemente also received 15 All-Star selections and led the NL in triples multiple times, including 12 in 1969.
In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, MLB renamed the "Commissioner’s Award" to the "Roberto Clemente Award" in 1973. This award is presented annually to a player who embodies Clemente's commitment to community and helping others. Each of MLB's 30 teams nominates a player, with a single recipient honored during the World Series.
Clemente holds several franchise records for the Pirates, including 2,433 games played, tied with Honus Wagner. He also leads MLB with 2,305 appearances in right field.