Pirates Spark Outrage by Removing Roberto Clemente’s Tribute for an Advertisement

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have drawn backlash from fans and the family of baseball legend Roberto Clemente after replacing a tribute sign honoring the Hall of Famer with an advertisement for Surfside, an alcoholic beverage. The sign featured Clemente’s name and jersey number, 21, and was a prominent feature on the right-field wall at PNC Park.

The Pirates stated that the sign, installed in 2022, was intended to be temporary. However, the abrupt removal has sparked anger and disappointment among Clemente’s family and supporters. Roberto Clemente Jr. expressed his shock in a statement, saying, “This change was made without any communication or consultation with our family.” He added, “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.”

Clemente, who played his entire 18-season Major League Baseball career with the Pirates from 1955 to 1972, remains a beloved figure in the city and the baseball community. He was known not only for his impressive achievements on the field, including 15 All-Star selections and 12 Gold Glove awards, but also for his humanitarian efforts off the diamond. Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve in 1972 while on a mission to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Fans quickly voiced their indignation during the Pirates’ home opener against the New York Yankees on April 4, when they noticed the removal of the sign. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with Clemente Jr. mentioning the outpouring of support as “overwhelming and deeply appreciated.” He emphasized that his father’s legacy continues to inspire people for both his athletic and personal integrity.

In a statement, Brian Warecki, the Pirates’ senior vice president of communications, acknowledged the team’s misstep in the communication with the Clemente family. “Roberto Clemente is more than a Hall of Fame player to us. His legacy helps define who we are as an organization,” he stated. Warehouse also highlighted that the Pirates honor Clemente daily, through various means including charitable efforts and baseball events dedicated to his memory.

The right-field wall at PNC Park stands 21 feet high, a tribute to Clemente’s jersey number. Although the removed sign was meant to be a temporary addition, the Pirates reaffirmed their commitment to honoring Clemente’s legacy and stated that they hope to work on building a more collaborative relationship with Clemente’s family in the future.

Clemente Jr. expressed hope that this incident could lead to a more respectful partnership with the organization. “We have always been open to building a sincere and lasting partnership with the Pirates, grounded in respect and shared values,” he noted. “My intention is to reach out to the Pirates directly to explore this further.”