Ortiz: Honor Roberto Clemente, Retire His Number
By Blake Yagman
Like Roberto Clemente before him, aside from the nights of mashing baseballs deep into the darkness, his legacy extends far beyond the auspices of the foul lines. David Ortiz‘ career has quietly had an undercurrent of social justice; the Large Father’s words and deeds resonate from his humble beginnings.
David Ortiz has lifted more than one community on his back. Throughout his time with the Red Sox, the David Ortiz Children’s Fund has focused on improving pediatric care for children in Boston and the Dominican Republic. In 2012, Ortiz awoke Boston from the fearful paralysis set by the Marathon bombing; his words at Fenway, declaring the city ours, helped to heal a wounded city. And… there is that business of 2004, 2007, and 2012. But you know those already.
The last chapter of David Ortiz’ career has begun as one of his finest. Big Papi, casually on pace to hit 45 home runs, is writing more than one legacy this season. Today, Ortiz called for former Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente’s jersey number (21) to be retired throughout all of Major League Baseball.
Roberto Clemente undeniably deserves to have is jersey number universally retired. Clemente, the very first Latin or Caribbean player to be enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame, is a man who still represents the best that sport can offer to society. Clemente manned right-field for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 years and appeared in 12 All-Star games. He finished his career with exactly 3,000 hits, and is still the only player ever to record a walk-off inside-the-park home run.
In 1973, Roberto Clemente perished in a plane crash off the coast of his native Puerto Rico. Clemente was attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua; he chose to personally deliver them because he was concerned about rumors regarding public corruption. Immediately after Clemente died, he was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Ultimately, the decision will probably be in the hands of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. It probably helps, however, that Ortiz (one of the games most popular players) is calling attention to a tribute that is long overdue. Ortiz understands his ability to bring about positive action in baseball, and thankfully is doing so. Commissioner Manfred: retire number 21.
Keep it locked for continuing coverage of David Ortiz’ final season with the Boston Red Sox.