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Pirates Face Fan Backlash After Clemente Tribute Replaced by Advertisement at PNC Park
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ pursuit of lucrative sponsorships has sparked controversy after the team replaced a tribute to baseball icon Roberto Clemente with an advertisement. The move, seen as prioritizing financial gain over honoring a legendary player, has ignited criticism from fans and even Clemente’s family.
Outcry Over Removed Clemente Sign
For years, a section of the right-field wall at PNC Park proudly displayed Roberto Clemente’s name and number, a visible homage to the Pirates’ Hall of Famer. However, fans attending the home opener against the New York Yankees on Friday noticed the Clemente tribute had been removed, replaced by an advertisement for Surfside alcoholic beverages.
The change did not go unnoticed. Roberto Clemente Jr. expressed his dismay on social media, initially reacting with “Wow” on X, followed by a more extensive written statement expressing his shock and disappointment.
Clemente Family Expresses Disappointment
“I was astonished to discover that the Clemente 21 sign, a lasting tribute to my father on the right field wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, had been taken down and substituted with a commercial,” Clemente Jr. stated. “This alteration occurred without any communication or discussion with our family.”
He further emphasized the lack of consultation, highlighting the personal significance of the tribute.
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Pirates’ Response and Apology
The Pirates organization issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and offering an apology to the Clemente family. The team emphasized their respect for Clemente’s legacy, pointing to statues and other tributes around PNC Park, including the 21-foot high right-field wall itself, also a tribute to Clemente’s jersey number.
According to the Pirates’ statement, the removed signage was intended to be temporary. “The temporary wall sign in question was put in place prior to the 2022 season and was never meant to be a permanent tribute — simply another cap tip to ‘The Great One,’” the statement explained. “We apologize that we didn’t directly communicate that fact to the Clemente family and our fans.”
Clemente’s Enduring Legacy
Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame outfielder, achieved 3,000 career hits before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1972 while on a humanitarian mission. Major League Baseball annually presents the Roberto Clemente Award to recognize the player who best embodies Clemente’s commitment to community service and philanthropy.
Call for Collaboration and Reflection
Despite the Pirates’ apology, Clemente Jr. stressed a desire for improved communication and partnership. “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,” he said.
He added, “The outpouring of support from fans in Pittsburgh and across the country has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. It is clear that our father’s legacy continues to inspire and unite people, not only for his achievements on the field, but for the integrity and compassion he demonstrated off of it.”
Clemente Jr. expressed hope that this incident would lead to “an opportunity for reflection” and reiterated the family’s willingness to forge “a sincere and lasting partnership with the Pirates.”