Inspired by baseball icon, KC Royals celebrate Roberto Clemente Day against Astros

Major League Baseball celebrated one of the world’s greatest humanitarians on Friday. It was Roberto Clemente Day across the league, and teams showed their appreciation for the late Puerto Rican superstar.

Three Royals wore No. 21 jerseys against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium. Royals outfielders MJ Melendez and Nelson Velázquez honored their fellow countryman.

Meanwhile, Royals captain Salvador Perez also sported the iconic jersey number. All on-field personnel wore a No. 21 patch on their uniform.

Velázquez shined on the special night. He hit his 13th home run of the season to propel the Royals to a 4-2 victory over the Astros. The blast traveled 440 feet and became a memorable moment for the Puerto Rico native.

“Honestly, it means the world to me,” Velázquez said. “It’s my first time I’ve hit a home run on Roberto Clemente Day.”

The Royals acquired Velázquez at the MLB trade deadline. He has hit 10 home runs since being promoted on Aug. 10 from Triple-A Omaha.

Velázquez finished 1 for 3 in the game. Meanwhile, Melendez added two hits, and Perez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

“It’s so amazing to be able to wear his number and play in right field where he played his whole career,” Velázquez said. In Puerto Rico, it’s very important this day. I know he is not here with us no more, but we support him and everyone in Puerto Rico.”

This offseason, Velázquez and Melendez both played for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Meanwhile, Perez is the Royals nominee for the 2023 Roberto Clemente Award. He was celebrated prior to Friday’s game with a special recognition.

The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to a MLB player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.

“Anytime we can do something to help is good,” Perez said. “I’m super excited to get nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award.”

Perez was nominated for the second time in three seasons. He has worked with several local organizations in the Kansas City community. He has worked with the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy and also sponsors a baseball academy in his native country of Venezuela.

Additionally, Perez has also provided meals for families in need and worked with under-served youth as well.

“(He is) one of the most widely respected people on and off the field,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Perez. I think that exemplifies what Roberto Clemente Day is about and what he stood for as a person.”

The Royals will continue to honor baseball legends this weekend.

On Saturday, both the Royals and the Astros will salute the history of the Negro Leagues. The Royals will wear 1945 Kansas City Monarch jerseys, and the Astros will sport 1950 Houston Eagles away uniforms.