Roberto Clemente Day is celebrated on September 15 each year because Major League Baseball (MLB) established this day in 2002 to honor the legacy of Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star who died tragically in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. September 15 also coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, making it a fitting time to honor Clemente's contributions both on and off the field. MLB celebrates him not only for his excellence in baseball but also for his moral character, compassion, and charitable work. On this day, MLB also presents the Roberto Clemente Award to players who best embody his spirit of sportsmanship and community involvement.