PITTSBURGH _ Gregory Polanco had to look no further than his feet Wednesday to see what he was stepping into, the same sort of prominent role Polanco has held since making his Pirates debut back in 2014.
Right field at PNC Park.
In front of a 21-foot wall commemorating Roberto Clemente.
Where, on Wednesday, a giant No. 21 was etched into the grass to celebrate Roberto Clemente Day.
It's an honor Polanco said he loves. Growing up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Polanco _ the same as so many Latin American ballplayers _ idolized Clemente, for his grace, freakish athleticism and warm spirit.
Which is why, as Polanco tugged a No. 21 jersey over his head for a game against the White Sox, he was overcome with emotion.
"A kid from the Dominican, having nothing and just to come here and play in right field in front of that wall that has such a significant name like Roberto Clemente and all that history, I'm like, 'Wow,' " Polanco said. "I'm just grateful, thankful to be there and represent him every day and play hard because that's the way he played."
As the Pirates _ as well as natives of Puerto Rico across Major League Baseball _ donned No. 21 jerseys to commemorate Roberto Clemente Day on Wednesday, Polanco also hoped the number would be retired, just like Jackie Robinson's No. 42.
"It's special," Polanco said. "This is (my) first time wearing it. We're going to wear it, be thankful, grateful, and I hope they retire it. I hope the Number 21 is retired around baseball."
Growing up, Polanco said it was routine to hear about Clemente's legacy. Similar to how baseball-loving Black children idolize Jackie Robinson, it's that way when it comes to the Latin American community and Clemente.
"He's our Jackie Robinson," Polanco said. "He's our idol. ... What he did and the way he helped people was unbelievable."
Before the game, Pirates players took the field wearing their No. 21 jerseys and posed for a photo. Manager Derek Shelton said the atmosphere around the clubhouse was so jubilant that it felt like a holiday.
"We're doing something that nobody's ever done before," Shelton said. "One of the things I told my wife (Wednesday) before we left was that I think it's one of the things I'm most proud of, to be part of something like this."
