Pirates spark outrage by removing Roberto Clemente tribute from PNC Park
- The Pittsburgh Pirates removed a tribute sign honoring Roberto Clemente, replacing it with an advertisement.
- Roberto Clemente Jr. publicly expressed his discontent over the lack of communication regarding the decision.
- The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better collaboration between the Pirates and the Clemente family.
In a significant misstep, the Pittsburgh Pirates angered the family of legendary baseball player Roberto Clemente by removing a tribute sign from PNC Park's right-field wall. The sign honored Clemente, showcasing his name and number 21, and had been a fixture since 2022. The team replaced it with an advertisement for an alcoholic beverage, which further inflamed sentiments among fans and the Clemente family. Roberto Clemente Jr. expressed his discontentment, emphasizing that the franchise did not consult them before making this move. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that future interactions reflect the legacy of his father and are rooted in transparent communication. Fans across the country responded with overwhelming support for the Clemente family's concerns, indicating a strong emotional attachment to Clemente's legacy. The Pirates acknowledged their failure to inform the family and expressed an understanding of the gravity of this oversight. Team President Travis Williams labeled the removal as an unintentional mistake and reiterated that the organization honors Clemente daily through various means. He conveyed regret over the miscommunication and emphasized a commitment to rectify the relationship with the Clemente family. This controversy has prompted conversations about how the organization approaches tributes and engagement with the families of former players, with the hope of fostering a more collaborative spirit moving forward.