A person in a suit stands before an audience in a formal room, with an American flag and a display case containing memorabilia, including a mosaic portrait of a baseball player.

On Oct. 9, Hon. Eliezer Rodriguez, New York City Civil Court Judge, presented “#21 Through My Eyes: A Bronx Latino Memoir of Vows, Miracles and the Bench.” The presentation, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, honored the legacy of Roberto Clemente, the first Hispanic to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and took place at the NYC Civil Court Ceremonial Courtroom.

Photo by Curtis Means/OCA

A New York City Civil Court judge stepped out from behind the bench earlier this month to share a personal story shaped by one of baseball’s most revered figures.

Hon. Eliezer Rodriguez presented on Oct. 9 “#21 Through My Eyes: A Bronx Latino Memoir of Vows, Miracles and the Bench” at the NYC Civil Court Ceremonial Courtroom in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The program paid tribute to Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican right fielder who became the first Hispanic player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The title refers to the No. 21 Clemente wore during his 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His career included 3,000 hits, 12 Gold Glove awards and two World Series championships. Clemente died on Dec. 31, 1972, in a plane crash while delivering relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame the following year, after the customary five-year waiting period was waived.

Rodriguez, the founder of Project Club Clemente, also opened his private collection to attendees. Rare Clemente memorabilia was on display alongside his presentation.

Among those in attendance were Hon. Taisha L. Chambers and Hon. Fiordaliza A. Rodriguez.

The event joined Rodriguez’s own path as a Bronx Latino who rose to the judiciary with the story of an athlete whose influence reached far beyond the ballfield. 

Two individuals stand at a podium, one speaking into a microphone while both place their hands over their hearts.(L-R) Hon. Taisha L. Chambers and Hon. Fiordaliza A Rodriguez. Both attended “#21 Through My Eyes: A Bronx Latino Memoir of Vows, Miracles and the Bench,” a presentation by Hon. Eliezer Rodriguez in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, and honoring the legacy of Roberto Clemente.Photo by Curtis Means/OCA A person in a suit carries a baseball bat over their shoulder while standing in a courtroom filled with spectators.On Oct. 9, Hon. Eliezer Rodriguez, New York City Civil Court Judge, presented “#21 Through My Eyes: A Bronx Latino Memoir of Vows, Miracles and the Bench.” The presentation, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, honored the legacy of Roberto Clemente, the first Hispanic to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and took place at the NYC Civil Court Ceremonial Courtroom.Photo by Curtis Means/OCA A row of colorful t-shirts hangs on a wooden wall beneath a banner celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.As part of the event, rare Roberto Clemente memorabilia from the private collection of Civil
Court Judge and founder of Project Club Clemente, Hon. Rodriguez, was on display.Photo by Curtis Means/OCA A weathered baseball figurine in a yellow uniform stands in a courtroom, with a white "Pirates 21" jersey displayed behind it.A statue of Roberto Clemente.Photo by Curtis Means/OCA Hand-painted white sneakers featuring baseball player portraits, team logos, and patriotic designs.As part of the event, rare Roberto Clemente memorabilia from the private collection of Civil
Court Judge and founder of Project Club Clemente, Hon. Rodriguez, was on display.Photo by Curtis Means/OCA