Pirates to wear No. 21 on jerseys for Roberto Clemente Day

When the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago White Sox at PNC Park on Sept. 9, all Pittsburgh players and coaches will sport a familiar number.

Members of the Pirates will celebrate Roberto Clemente Day by wearing Clemente's famous No. 21 jersey for the prime time showdown currently scheduled to air nationally on FS1.

Clemente, one of the most beloved figures in the history of the club, was on exactly 3,000 career hits when he boarded a plane headed to Nicaragua on Dec. 31, 1972, so he could help bring supplies to the earthquake-stricken nation. The plane crashed, and Clemente's body was never discovered.

Clemente was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting told the club's official website: 

"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. 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."

The No. 21 jerseys worn on Sept. 9 will be auctioned after the game, and all proceeds from those sales will benefit the Clemente Foundation and Pirates Charities.

MLB has observed Roberto Clemente Day each September since 2002.