Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jose Tabata Wants To Honor Roberto Clemente
August 18th, 2011
In an interview with Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh Pirates’ OF Jose Tabata said he would like to honor Roberto Clemente by wearing his number 21 for just one game as well as play right field. No Pirates player has worn 21 since 1973. The Pirates retired the number four months after Clemente was killed in a plane crash while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
“My wish is to one day ask (the Clemente) family if I can wear that number for at least one day,” Tabata said through interpreter Luis Silverio. “I am so proud to play the same position as my hero.”
If this decision was up to me, I would let Tabata do it. I think anytime a player respects history and wants to honor a great player in a positive way, then it can only be good for baseball.
I grew up with Clemente being my boyhood hero. I have honor Roberto by giving the name, Clemente to my three Sons.
If it was up to me, I would allow for him to wear number 21 for a day.
It would be an honor for me as a Puerto Rican and a Clemente fan to attend Pittsburg and once again see the number 21 being displayed on a youngmen’s uniform guarding rightfield.
I would travel to Pittsburg with my three Clemente boys to see this take place. If we allow ballplayers to wear Jackie’s 42 why not Clemente’s 21
I know that this would be great for baseball and for the memory of my hero Roberto Walker Clemente.