Categories: sports

Pirates to restore the Roberto Clemente panel to the PNC Park after the Hall of Famer family expresses anger

Pittsburgh (AP) – The Pittsburgh Pirates reversed the course after angry the family of the late Roberto Clemente by removing an icon of the franchise on the right field of the PNC Park.

The brand featured the name of Clemente and its n ° 21. Replacement was an advertisement for surfside, an alcoholic drink.

However, the Clemente panel will be restored before Monday evening’s match against the Cardinals of St. Louis, according to the president of the Pirates Travis Williams.

Williams took responsibility for controversy on Sunday.

“We did not intend to disrespect the inheritance of Roberto Clemente by adding advertising to the PAD in the right field,” said Williams in a statement. “When we added advertising to the PAD, it was surveillance not to keep logo n ° 21. It is ultimately on me, no one else in the organization. It was an honest mistake.

“We want to make sure that the Clemente family understands that we had no lack of respect for their father. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Clemente family and apologizing to them and our fans for our honest error. ”

The wall of the right field of PNC park measures 21 feet high in honor of Clemente.

The pirates said in a press release that the panel, which has been on the wall since 2022, was to be a temporary ornament. However, Roberto Clemente Jr. expressed his misfortune on Sunday in a statement.

“This change was made without any communication or consultation with our family,” said the press release. “Although we appreciate that the pirates have recognized their inability to inform us, this reveals a broader problem: a significant lack of collaboration between the organization and on deeply personal and historically significant questions for us and the fans.

“The effusion of the support of Pittsburgh fans and across the country was overwhelming and deeply appreciated. It is clear that our father’s inheritance continues to inspire and unite people, not only for his achievements on the ground, but for the integrity and compassion he has demonstrated.”

Clemente spent his entire career with the pirates from 1955 to 1972. He played in 15 star games while winning 12 Gold Glove Awards, four shot titles and the 1966 National League MVP.

Clemente died in an airplane accident off the coast of San Juan in her Puerto Rico Natal on New Year’s Eve in 1972 while he was trying to deliver supplies to Nicaragua ravaged by the earthquake. He was enthroned at the renowned temple the following summer.