Rays start historic all-Latin American lineup on Roberto Clemente Day

The Tampa Bay Rays accomplished a first on Roberto Clemente Day.

All nine Rays players in the starting lineup Thursday were Latin American players, an MLB first.

How did the Rays honor Clemente, the late Hall of Famer born in Puerto Rico who played 18 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning two World Series titles and earning National League MVP honors in 1966?

Tampa Bay Rays players of Latin American descent pose for a group photo after defeating Toronto Blue Jays 11-0 at Rogers Centre. The Rays fielded the first ever starting team of Latin American descent. From left are catcher Rene Pinto (50), third baseman Yandy Diaz (2), shortstop Wander Franco (5) second baseman Isaac Paredes (17), left fielder David Peralta (6), first baseman Harold Ramirez (43), center fielder Jose Siri (22), designated hitter Manuel Margot (13) and right fielder Randy Arozarena (56). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton- — The Rays started nine players of Latin American descent on Thursday, an MLB first.

Just an 11-0 drubbing of AL East rival Toronto.

Rays third-baseman Yandy Diaz, who hit a three-run homer in the Rays’ win, said he’s happy today was the day this historic first was achieved.

“I think the Latinos are really putting a stamp on the game of baseball,” he said.

Diaz started alongside Randy Arozarena, Wander Franco, Harold Ramirez, Manuel Margot, David Peralta, Isaac Paredes, Rene Pinto and Jose Siri. The Rays starters come from five different countries: Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

All nine Rays, along with base coaches Chris Prieto and Rodney Linares, wore No. 21, the number Clemente wore in his playing days.

The Rays’ blowout win pulled them within a half game of the Blue Jays and Mariners for the top spot in the wild-card race, and within seven of the Yankees for the AL East lead.