Pittsburgh Pirates fans have been voicing complaints with the replacement of a logo on the right field wall honoring Roberto Clemente for an advertisement.
Not only is Clemente the Pirates’ most decorated player in history as a 15-time All-Star who won two World Series and many other awards, he was known for his humanitarian work and legacy of giving back to his community. Clemente tragically passed away in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972.
Roberto Clemente Jr. issued a lengthy statement on X following Pittsburgh’s replacement of his father’s logo.
“Yesterday, I was shocked to learn that the Clemente 21 sign—a tribute to my father on the right field wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh—had been removed and replaced by an advertisement. This change was made without any communication or consultation with our family,” Clemente Jr. wrote. “While we appreciate that the Pirates acknowledged their failure to inform us, it reveals a broader issue: a lack of meaningful collaboration between the organization and on matters that are deeply personal and historically significant to us and the fans.”
“We have always been open to building a sincere and lasting partnership with the Pirates, one grounded in respect and shared values. Our hope is that this moment serves as an opportunity for reflection, paving the way for a more thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative relationship moving forward. I intend to reach out to the Pirates directly to explore this further.”
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Though the Pirates noted that the logo was never meant to be permanent, the lack of communication replacing the logo should not have happened.
Clemente’s legacy continues to live on across the league, as the MLB created the Roberto Clemente Award to honor players who embody his spirit along with Roberto Clemente Day.
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