Nats DH Cruz, other Clemente Award winners wear '21' on caps – WDVM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz pulled his game day hat off a hook by his clubhouse locker Thursday to show that a “21” patch was stitched onto the back to honor Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. Like other winners of the humanitarian award named in memory of Clemente, Cruz will be allowed to wear the late Pittsburgh Pirates star outfielder’s uniform number on his cap for the rest of his major league career. Cruz wears No. 23 on his jersey. Major League Baseball announced the initiative on Thursday, saying it was a “special tribute to (Clemente’s) enduring legacy.” The announcement was timed for the 50th anniversary of the year in which Clemente died in a plane crash at age 38 while on a relief effort to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua. “It’s a privilege. An honor. He means so much for baseball, in general. He was an example to follow – how to be professional, on and off the field. A remarkable player and a remarkable human being who lost his life trying to help others,” Cruz said before Washington’s opening day game against the visiting New York Mets. “He paid the ultimate price, and whatever…
Read More