House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Roberto Clemente, known for wearing uniform number 21, played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 until his untimely death in a plane crash on December 31, 1972. Throughout his 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, Clemente’s vast accomplishments include collecting 3,000 hits, a .317 lifetime batting average, winning four National League batting titles, 12 National League Gold Gloves, and was a mainstay as a National League All-Star and named both a National League and World Series Most Valuable Player. Given these statistics he became known as “The Great One.”

As well-known off the field as on, Clemente spent much of the baseball off season involved in charity and humanitarian work, including the Nicaraguan earthquake relief work in late December 1972. His composure in the face of adversity, unselfish caring, compassion and willingness to give of himself, to help the underprivileged and anyone in need is why to this day he is a role model to many players, particularly Latino players.

Clemente was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in early 1973 during a special election. He was both the first Latin American and Caribbean player to receive the honor. That same year, MLB renamed the Commissioner’s Award, the Roberto Clemente Award and has presented the award to a player with outstanding baseball playing skills who is personally involved in community work each year. Additionally, Clemente was posthumously presented three United States government civilian awards: the Roberto Clemente Walker Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In 1973, the Pittsburgh Pirates retired Clemente’s uniform number 21 to honor his achievements. After more than 45 years, I am urging MLB to honor the lifetime achievements of the late Roberto Clemente by doing the same. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.