Hawkins Literally Has Number Taken Off His Back; Can't Honor Hero Roberto Clemente

Jeering started opening day for LaTroy Hawkins who donned the number 21, snatching it as soon as Morgan Ensberg chose a different number not wanting to take over for a fan favorite; Paul O'Neill.

Ensberg released the number as he was probably afraid of what Hawkins has gone through, which is the constant heckling of the Yankee faithful. As this went on, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada were said to have a discussion with Hawkins about the number.

Hawkins did stop wearing the number that should be up in Monument Park for O'Neill and the man who Hawkins was wearing the number in honor of; Roberto Clemente.

Jackie Robinson's number, 42, has been retired by Major League Baseball. Clemente's number 21 should be there as well, as should George Herman "Babe" Ruth's number 3.

However, any Yankee won't have to worry about taking the Babe's number, as it has been in Monument Park for years. As far as the number 21, it is once again vacated and probably will remain to stay vacated unless a player wants to bring on the wrath of the Yankees fans.

Hawkins in the meantime has taken over number 22, last year worn by Roger "The Rocket" Clemens. Hawkins doesn't seem to be recieving any heat for that, but if his current pitching performances don't get better and he doesn't lower his ERA, he won't have to be worried about being booed because of the number on his back.