Tampa Bay Rays players of Latin American descent pose for a group photo after defeating Toronto Blue Jays 11-0 at Rogers Centre. The Rays fielded the first-ever starting team of Latin American descent. From left are catcher Rene Pinto (50), third baseman Yandy Diaz (2), shortstop Wander Franco (5) second baseman Isaac Paredes (17), left fielder David Peralta (6), first baseman Harold Ramirez (43), center fielder Jose Siri (22), designated hitter Manuel Margot (13) and right fielder Randy Arozarena (56). Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Rays field MLB's first all Latin-American lineup on Roberto Clemente Day

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 9/15/22

Major League Baseball celebrated Roberto Clemente day on Thursday, with players across the league wearing No. 21 to honor the legacy of the Hall of Fame outfielder and humanitarian.

The Tampa Bay Rays also made some fitting history on the day when they became the first team in Major League Baseball history to field a lineup made up entirely of Latin American players.

History on Roberto Clemente Day!

The Rays starting lineup featured all Latin American-born players, the first time in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/bM4dHdHX65
— MLB (@MLB) September 15, 2022

The Rays' lineup included Yandy Diaz and Randy Arozarena (Cuba), Wander Franco, Manuel Margot and Jose Siri (Dominican Republic), Harold Ramirez (Colombia), David Peralta and Rene Pinto (Venezuela), and Isaac Paredes (Mexico).

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Clemente's death. He was tragically killed in a plane crash while attempting to deliver relief supplies and aid to Nicaragua following an earthquake.

Every year the Roberto Clemente award is given out to the player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team.”

Clemente finished his career with exactly 3,000 hits, 15 gold gloves and is regarded as one of the greatest defensive outfielders of all time.

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