| Paul Merchan. 13th July, 2006 - 6:10 pm
 It was a historic moment after the fifth inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh during the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday. The presentation of the commissioner’s achievement award to one of that town’s most beloved stars brought tears to the eyes of many, including tough guys like Ozzie Guillen. Roberto Clemente’s wife, Vera, was on hand to receive the award for her late husband, still a legend in the Pirates organization and around baseball.
However, the presentation of the award not only brought joy to the occasion, but also sparked a debate that has been going on for quite some time- that Clemente’s No. 21 should be retired from baseball.
Latinos all over the country, especially in baseball circles, have been vying for such a distinction for the Puerto Rican Clemente, who they say opened doors for many Latinos to play baseball, breaking language and cultural barriers in the process. Today, a large percentage of major leaguers are of Latin descent.
Many others argue that such a recognition is excessive, citing that only one number has been retired from baseball altogether- No. 42, that of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American ever to play in the Major Leagues. Especially in the black community, the argument stands that Jackie Robinson had to endure more racial hardships in baseball than Clemente, and that therefore, his number 42 should remain the only one retired from all of baseball.
Spanish-speaking radio stations mentioned the debate the morning after the All-Star game, pushing for No. 21 to be retired. Its still to be seen if MLB Commissioner Bud Selig will even consider such a motion, being that it could possibly cause cultural or racial tensions, since the retiring of No. 42 was so emotional for the game.
Clemente’s Hall of Fame credentials are impressive in their own right. He was a World Champion in 1960 and 1971 with the Pirates and finished his career with an even 3,000 hits, his last hit coming on the last day of the 1972 season. He died on a plane crash in that same year, while helping deliver supplies to an earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua. Those who want his number retired explain that the circumstances of his death further qualify him for such an honor.
Whether he will join Jackie Robinson in those ranks is yet to be seen. What’s certain is that his impact on baseball is still felt, as was witnessed on the field during this year’s All-Star game, and on the field during baseball games all season, where Latin players are in strong representation. |
