Pittsburgh’s highly touted Rule 5 acquisition, rookie outfielder Roberto Clemente, debuts his new uniform number, 21 (as reported by Pittsburgh Press beat writer Les Biederman). Originally number 13, he replaces the previous 21, outfielder Earl Smith, who was optioned to New Orleans of the Southern Association on May 3rd. Clemente is the 15th and final Pirate to wear number 21, which will be retired in 1973, following his fatal airplane crash on New Year’s Eve, 1972.

This Day In Baseball

On May 24, 1955 — Pittsburgh’s highly touted Rule 5 acquisition, rookie outfielder Roberto Clemente, debuts his new uniform number, 21 (as reported by Pittsburgh Press beat writer Les Biederman). Originally number 13, he replaces the previous 21, outfielder Earl Smith, who was optioned to New Orleans of the Southern Association on May 3rd. Clemente is the 15th and final Pirate to wear number 21, which will be retired in 1973, following his fatal airplane crash on New Year’s Eve, 1972.

Source:
Baseball Reference May 24