The Pittsburgh Pirates generated friction with followers in the course of the group’s residence opener as they had been fast to level out {that a} tribute to Roberto Clemente was faraway from the right-field wall.
Clemente’s No. 21 was marked close to the foul pole at PNC Park to honor the late outfielder who tragically died in a aircraft crash whereas delivering assist to Nicaragua in 1972. The group honored Clemente’s legacy with a number of tributes across the stadium since his demise. MLB declared Sept. 15 Roberto Clemente Day.
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Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente poses for a portrait at Forbes Area in Pittsburgh. (Malcolm Emmons-USA At this time Sports activities)
However because the 2025 season obtained underway, the right-field wall tribute was changed with an indication for the alcoholic beverage Surfside.
Roberto Clemente Jr. was amongst these sad with the transfer.
“Yesterday, I used to be shocked to study that the Clemente 21 signal – a tribute to my father on the proper wall at PNC Park at Pittsburgh – had been eliminated and changed by an commercial,” his assertion on Sunday learn. “The Change was made with out communication or session with our household.
“Whereas we respect that the Pirates acknowledged their failure to tell us, it reveals a broader difficulty: an absence of significant collaboration between the group and on issues which can be deeply private and traditionally important to us and the followers.”
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The statue of former Pirates proper fielder Roberto Clemente exterior of PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Sept. 15, 2024. (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Photos)
He added that the “outpouring of assist” from followers was “deeply appreciated.”
“We’ve got at all times been open to constructing a honest and lasting partnership with the Pirates, one grounded in respect and shared values. Our hope is that the second serves as a chance for reflection, paving the way in which for a extra considerate, clear, and collaborative relationship shifting ahead. I intend to succeed in out to the Pirates to straight discover this additional.”
Others reacted to the choice to take away the tribute on social media.
The Pirates reversed course on Sunday.
“We didn’t intend to disrespect the legacy of Roberto Clemente by including the commercial to the pad in proper subject,” group president Travis Williams mentioned in an announcement.
“Once we added the commercial to the pad, it was an oversight to not hold the No. 21 brand. That is finally on me, not anybody else within the group. It was an sincere mistake.”
Roberto Clemente Jr., son of Corridor of Fame proper fielder Roberto Clemente, within the dugout earlier than the Baltimore Orioles sport at PNC Park, June 21, 2011. (Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE)
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The group mentioned it might return the No. 21 brand.
“We’ve got used this space for ads for a few years. Once we didn’t have a sponsor popping out of COVID, we added an extra component in 2022 to honor the legacy of Roberto,” Williams added. “It was a duplicate of the Three Rivers signate honoring him.
“That is along with the numerous components all through the ball park that honor his legacy, together with the truth that the wall is called the Roberto Clemente Wall, is 21 ft tall and has two No. 21s on it.
“We wish to be sure that the Clemente household understands that we supposed no disrespect to their father. We stay up for persevering with our relationship with the Clemente household and apologize to them and our followers for our sincere mistake.”
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