Rene Pinto #50, Yandy Diaz #2, Wander Franco #5, Isaac Paredes #17, David Peralta #6, Harold Ramirez #43, Jose Siri #22, Manuel Margot #13, and Randy Arozarena #56 of the Tampa Bay Rays pose after playing in the first all-Latino lineup in MLB history, while wearing the number 21 to honor Roberto Clemente day, following their 11-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, at the Rogers Centre on Sept. 15, 2022 in Toronto.Mark Blinch/Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays made major-league history on Thursday by starting nine Latin American players against the Toronto Blue Jays.
It happened as baseball celebrated Roberto Clemente Day, honouring the late Hall of Fame outfielder from Puerto Rico.
Third baseman Yandy Diaz and right fielder Randy Arozarena, who are both from Cuba, topped the lineup, followed by shortstop Wander Franco, who is from the Dominican Republic, and first baseman Harold Ramirez, who is from Colombia.
The designated hitter was Manuel Margot, who is from the Dominican Republic, followed by left fielder David Peralta, who is from Venezuela.
The second baseman was Isaac Paredes of Mexico, the catcher was Rene Pinto of Venezuela and centre fielder Jose Siri of the Dominican Republic rounded out the batting order.
All nine players, as well as base coaches Chris Prieto at first and Rodney Linares at third, wore No. 21 to honour Clemente, who played 18 seasons with Pittsburgh. Clemente won four NL batting titles and helped the Pirates win the World Series in 1960 and 1971. He won the NL MVP award in 1966.
Left-hander Shane McClanahan, an American, was activated off the 15-day injured list before the game to start for the Rays.