Royals’ Salvador Perez made special gesture after Roberto Clemente Day game vs. Pirates

Roberto Clemente’s legacy is embedded in the ethos of Pittsburgh.

Clemente embodied the local blue-collar, hard-working mentality. His passion for the city made him a beloved hero, and with a short walk over the Allegheny River, his presence can be felt.

His name is immortalized on the main bridge leading to PNC Park.

Inside the stadium, Clemente’s jersey number is retired and displayed high above the stands. There is also a 21-foot wall in right field to honor the standout outfielder.

More importantly, Clemente is an icon for his work off the field. His empathy and courage to help others lives on after his tragic death in 1972.

And that’s why Clemente is so revered by the Kansas City Royals.

“To actually be here for it, it’s really kind of emotional,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And to hear some of the stories and the guys that made it to (the Clemente Museum) and that kind of stuff, it’s just different. Something that you just dream about.”

The Royals lost 4-3 to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. After the game, Royals captain Salvador Perez signed autographs for fans and donated his catching gear to the Clemente Museum.

Bally Sports Kansas City reporter Joel Goldberg shared on X (fka Twitter) that Clemente Museum executive director Duane Rieder received the gear and will put it on display soon.

The Royals joined the Pirates in honoring Clemente. KC quartet Perez, MJ Melendez, Seth Lugo and Adam Frazier wore No. 21 jerseys in the game.

The Pirates also wore No. 21 uniforms in Sunday’s game against the Royals.

MLB allows current or former Roberto Clemente Award nominees to wear the number today. Players of Puerto Rican descent have had the option to wear the number in the past.

Additionally, all MLB players will wear a “21” patch on their uniform sleeves. Active winners of the Roberto Clemente Award also have the “21” patch on the back of their ball cap.

“It means a lot and something that is very special to me, my family and my heritage,” Melendez said. “First time playing in Pittsburgh, and I think it’s kind of cool that the first time playing here is during Roberto Clemente Day.”

Perez is the Royals’ 2024 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. It’s the third time he has been nominated in four years.

He honored Clemente with unique catching gear during Sunday’s game.

“I think for me, it’s most important what he did outside the field,” Perez said. “You know, the way he took care of people is special.”

Perez has also left his mark off the field. He contributes to the Carlos Fortuna Organization in Colombia and partners with Sarah’s Soldiers in the fight against ALS.

Perez also supports other foundations, such as Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer and the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy. Last month he made headlines for playing Wiffle ball with KC youth in a local neighborhood.

“People recognize how you are outside of the field,” Perez said. “I think it’s very special. I don’t like to put anything on social media, but I do it because anything I do is coming from the heart. My mom helped me in Venezuela to do what we do over here. So it’s pretty special.”

Both Lugo and Melendez have Puerto Rican roots. They vividly remember stories of Clemente as young kids.

Lugo played for Team Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and his paternal grandfather is from the country. So Lugo has made sure to wear the No. 21 jersey to pay homage to his heritage on Roberto Clemente Day.

“He was my dad’s favorite player,” Lugo said. “Dad had one of his rookie cards that he put in his bike spoke and tore it all up. But he talked about the kind of ball player he was: the great arm, defensive bat and everything he did on the field.”

Melendez enjoyed the childhood stories as well.

“I think what he did off the field was very special and people still talk about today,” Melendez said.

Clemente is remembered for helping others in need. He died in a plane crash while traveling to help Nicaragua citizens after a massive earthquake.

On the field, Clemente became a Hall of Famer with 3,000 hits, four batting titles, 12 Gold Gloves, one National League MVP, two World Series championships and 15 All-Star appearances.

Major League Baseball remains committed to keeping Clemente’s legacy alive. His children were on hand Sunday to celebrate the occasion. And the Royals were grateful to share the moment with the Pirates.

“He’s obviously an international hero, but what he did for the game and for communities is really special,” Lugo said. “And to be in Pittsburgh for it is really cool.”