Pa. House wants MLB to honor Clemente
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives urged Major League Baseball to retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21 in a resolution passed Tuesday.
The lawmakers are the latest group to contend that Clemente should be honored in the same way that Jackie Robinson was for breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947.
Robinson's No. 42 was retired for all teams on April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Clemente's Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates began in 1955 and ended when he died in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972, while trying to deliver relief supplies following an earthquake in Nicaragua.
"Roberto Clemente was more than a great baseball player," said state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Philadelphia, who sponsored the resolution as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. "He was a humanitarian who gave so much of himself for those in need."
Jackie Robinson's widow, Sharon, and Hall of Fame player Frank Robinson, who is not related to Jackie, oppose the move. They have argued that Jackie Robinson's contribution was unique in the sport, and that a similar honor for Clemente might diminish baseball's tribute to Jackie Robinson.
Hispanics Across America, an advocacy group that wants to see Clemente honored, and Roberto Clemente Jr. have said such criticism is misguided.
They acknowledge Clemente did not break down racial or ethnic barriers like Robinson, but should be honored for his character and because he died trying to serve others.
Major League Baseball has remained mum on the subject.
