Before the Great One becomes No. 21

After 31 games wearing No. 13 to start his career in the major leagues, Pittsburgh right fielder Roberto Clemente switches to his soon-to-be iconic No. 21 before the Pirates’ 15-1 victory over Brooklyn 69 years ago today at Forbes Field.

Clemente then goes 2-for-6 with a double and three RBIs in the rout before a Tuesday night crowd of 9,251.

Earl Smith

Rookie center fielder Earl Smith previously wears No. 21 for the Pirates, but the number becomes available when Smith is optioned to the minors.

Smith loses his job – and uniform number – on merit, having totaled just one hit in 16 at-bats before his banishment to the minors.

The 27-year-old Smith plays one more season in the minors before retiring in 1956.

Clemente, of course, goes on to greater things.

Like the Hall of Fame.

As an aside, according to The Sporting News in 1955, Clemente reportedly takes the No. 21 since he has 21 letters in his full name – Roberto Clemente Walker.

Fourteen players wear the No. 21 before Clemente, who totals 3,000 hits in his Hall of Fame career before perishing in a plane crash after the 1972 season.

Since then, no Pirate wears the No. 21.