At PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates will kick off a three-game series against the New York Yankees. However, it's not just any day for the city's most storied baseball team.
Today, September 15, Roberto Clemente Day is also celebrated in honor of the life and legacy of the outstanding Caribbean baseball player.
Clemente left a positive mark both in the Major Leagues and on all Latinos who admired him, from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.
Yankees-Pirates Preview
The Yankees have a 74-73 record this season and have won four of their last five games. New York has also won nine of its last 13 games and is tied with Boston for fourth place in the American League East Division.
For their part, the Pirates have a 69-78 record this season and have won three consecutive games.
Pittsburgh is coming off a series win over Washington, where they had three wins in four home games. Pittsburgh has played well recently and has an 11-5 record in its last 16 games.
The Pirates, considered the underdog team, host the Yankees, who command as the team to beat on the night. However, everything will be defined on the field.
The mound matchup for this game features the New York Yankees with Gerrit Cole, while Johan Oviedo gets a chance to pitch for the Pirates in front of his home crowd tonight.
The Yankees won their last game against the Red Sox yesterday by a score of 8-5. Aaron Judge batted 1-for-2 with a home run and four RBIs, leading the offense.
Wandy Peralta took the victory after pitching one inning without allowing any clean runs and allowing only one hit.
The Pirates defeated the Washington Nationals by a score of 2-0 last night. Jack Suwinski led the offense by going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
For his part, Mitch Keller took the victory by pitching eight innings without allowing any clean runs, allowing only two hits and striking out seven.
Volpe's power! 💪#LosDelBronx pic.twitter.com/rmmMhCdpLR
- Yankees Baseball (@Yankees_Beisbol) September 17, 2023
The Commemoration of Clement's Day
On Clemente Day, we commemorate the achievements of one of the best players in the history of Caribbean talent. Clemente set the standards for other players seeking to excel in the major leagues.
Interestingly, the Pirates and other Major League Baseball teams will wear the number 21 on their jerseys as a tribute to the player considered by many in the Caribbean as the greatest Latin player of all time.
Clemente's legacy goes beyond sports, as his figure represents the values that every human being should possess. His fight for equal rights for Latinos and the African-American community transcends baseball.
The Puerto Rican left the major leagues with outstanding records that include two World Series titles, a World Series MVP, a National League MVP trophy, 15 All-Star Game selections and 12 Gold Gloves.
Celemente also won four batting titles and had his number 21 retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The player was also inducted as a member of the MLB Hall of Fame.
