Why is it that 1996 was the final year a Boston Red Sox player has worn the Number 21?That player being Roger Clemens, drafted 19th overall in the 1983 draft. Clemens spent 13 years in Boston, compiled a healthy list of accolades: 5x All-Star, 3x Cy Young, 1x MVP.
Over Clemens 382 starts with Boston he pitched;
2,776 Innings, 2,590 Strikeouts, 3.06 ERA, 1.158 WHIP, 100 Complete Games, 38 Shutouts.
With those monster numbers and impact that Clemens had on Boston over his first 13 years of his career, I understand if they have wanted to retire his number. Clemens was celebrated by Boston in 2014 when he joined the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. In 2022, Clemens missed out on getting selected into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his last year on the ballot.
Other scenarios that I thought of that can be effecting the Red Sox making #21 available
is the factor of Roberto Clemente. In 2002, MLB established Sept. 15 as Roberto Clemente Day to honor the late Hall of Famer’s legacy as a humanitarian.
Each year, every club has one nominee to win the Roberto Clemente Award, which is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Since 2015, Boston has retired 3 players numbers. Wade Boggs (#26), Pedro Martinez (#45) and David Ortiz (#34). Obviously the Red Sox are not against retiring numbers of players that played a big impact on the organization, which Clemens was during his 13 year career with them.
Boston has to make a decision on #21.
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