Selig: Clemente's number will not be retired across MLB

Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com

Though there has been a push from some in Pittsburgh to have Roberto Clemente’s No. 21 retired across baseball in the same way Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 was, Commissioner Bud Selig said on Thursday that Major League Baseball has no plans to do so.

Said Selig, who was speaking at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 2 of the World Series: “Jackie Robinson transcended baseball. You want to be very careful about retiring numbers. We honor Roberto every chance we get in every other way we can.”

One of those ways came on Thursday, when the Roberto Clemente Award was given to Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The award, which has been presented annually since 1971, is given to a player who combines a dedication to giving back to the community with outstanding skills on the baseball field. The honor was named after Clemente in 1973, shortly after his tragic death in a plane crash.

Among those on hand to present the award to Jetere was Vera Clemente, Roberto’s wife. It was also announced on Thursday that she has been named goodwill ambassador for MLB.

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