My Birthday

In lieu of my 21st birthday which was yesterday, I decided to dig up the famous #21's in Pittsburgh sports history.

If there was a ever a number that had so much history, it's that one. Let's start with the six time NFL champion Steelers.

There have been 19 players to dawn the number 21. The most recent being backup running back Mewelde Moore. Signed in the off-season from the Minnesota Vikings, Moore was supposed to be primarily a third down back. But once starter Willie Parker went down with and injury and rookie Rashard Mendenhall got knocked out for the year, Moore became the started and filled in admirably. He rushed for 589 yards and scored 5 touchdowns and helped the Steelers capture their 6th Super Bowl title.

The most famous Steeler to wear the number 21 is Tony Dungy. The Steelers cornerback played two years for the Steelers from 1977-78. In that time he appeared in 30 games and had 9 interceptions, six of those coming in 1978.

The Pittsburgh Penguins only had two players to ever wear the number 21. The second player, Michel Briere, was clearly the best. He debuted for the Penguins as a rookie in the 1969-70 season. That year he scored 12 goals and added 32 assists as the Pens advanced to the second round of the playoffs. He was the Penguins' rookie of the year. In a year that showed so much promise, Briere's life took a tragic turn when he was involved in a car accident. He spent 11 months in a coma before passing away. Briere's number 21 was never worn again and now hangs in the rafters along with Mario Lemieux's number 66, the only two numbers to be retired by the Penguins.

Last but certainly not least is the Pirates number 21. There was no debate in who would get this honor. Roberto Clemente, arguably the best right fielder to ever play the game sported the number 21 for the Buccos from 1955-1972. During that time he amassed exactly 3,000 career hits, 240 home runs, and was a career .317 hitter. He led the Pirates to two World Series Championships and was a 12 time All-Star. Like Briere, Clemente's life ended tragically in 1972 when his airplane crashed en route to Nicaragua to send supplies to the earthquake torn country.

Clemente would be inducted into the Hall of Fame the next year after the Baseball Writers Association of America waved the five year waiting period. His number is one of 10 retired by the Pirates and efforts have been made to have his 21 retired throughout all of baseball.

More than just a player, he was and is an inspiration to all. I encourage you all to check out this video of him.