After receiving online backlash for replacing a Roberto Clemente No. 21 logo with an advertisement for Surfside Iced Tea, the Pirates will be adding the logo back to the wall pad under the right-field foul pole at PNC Park, according to team president Travis Williams.
"We did not intend to disrespect the legacy of Roberto Clemente by adding the advertisement to the pad in right field," Williams said in a statement. "When we added the advertisement to the pad, it was an oversight not to keep the No. 21 logo. This is ultimately on me, not anyone else in the organization. It was an honest mistake."
Williams continued: "We have used this area for advertisements for many years. When we didn't have a sponsor coming out of COVID, we added an additional element in 2022 to honor the legacy of Roberto. It was a replica of the Three Rivers signage honoring him. This is in addition to the many elements throughout the ballpark that honor his legacy, including the fact that the wall is named the Roberto Clemente Wall, is 21 feet tall and has two No. 21s on it. We want to make sure that the Clemente family understands that we intended no disrespect to their father. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Clemente family and apologize to them and our fans for our honest mistake."
Earlier today, Roberto Clemente Jr. released the following statement on social media: "Yesterday, I was shocked to learn that the Clemente 21 sign -- a tribute to my father on the right field wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh-had been removed and replaced by an advertisement. This change was made without any communication or consultation with our family. 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. The outpouring of support from fans in Pittsburgh and across the country has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. It is clear that our father's legacy continues to inspire and unite people, not only for his achievements on the field, but for the integrity and compassion he demonstrated off of it. We have always been open to building a sincere and lasting partnership with the Pirates, one grounded in respect and shared values. Our hope is that this moment serves as an opportunity for reflection, paving the way for a more thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative relationship moving forward. I intend to reach out to the Pirates directly to explore this further."
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
7:53 pm - 04.06.2025North ShoreClemente logo to be restored
After receiving online backlash for replacing a Roberto Clemente No. 21 logo with an advertisement for Surfside Iced Tea, the Pirates will be adding the logo back to the wall pad under the right-field foul pole at PNC Park, according to team president Travis Williams.
"We did not intend to disrespect the legacy of Roberto Clemente by adding the advertisement to the pad in right field," Williams said in a statement. "When we added the advertisement to the pad, it was an oversight not to keep the No. 21 logo. This is ultimately on me, not anyone else in the organization. It was an honest mistake."
Williams continued: "We have used this area for advertisements for many years. When we didn't have a sponsor coming out of COVID, we added an additional element in 2022 to honor the legacy of Roberto. It was a replica of the Three Rivers signage honoring him. This is in addition to the many elements throughout the ballpark that honor his legacy, including the fact that the wall is named the Roberto Clemente Wall, is 21 feet tall and has two No. 21s on it. We want to make sure that the Clemente family understands that we intended no disrespect to their father. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Clemente family and apologize to them and our fans for our honest mistake."
Earlier today, Roberto Clemente Jr. released the following statement on social media: "Yesterday, I was shocked to learn that the Clemente 21 sign -- a tribute to my father on the right field wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh-had been removed and replaced by an advertisement. This change was made without any communication or consultation with our family. 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. The outpouring of support from fans in Pittsburgh and across the country has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. It is clear that our father's legacy continues to inspire and unite people, not only for his achievements on the field, but for the integrity and compassion he demonstrated off of it. We have always been open to building a sincere and lasting partnership with the Pirates, one grounded in respect and shared values. Our hope is that this moment serves as an opportunity for reflection, paving the way for a more thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative relationship moving forward. I intend to reach out to the Pirates directly to explore this further."
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