Pirates draw heat for removing Roberto Clemente tribute in right field

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The Pittsburgh Pirates generated friction with fans during the team’s home opener as they were quick to point out that a tribute to Roberto Clemente was removed from the right-field wall.

Clemente’s No. 21 was marked near the foul pole at PNC Park to honor the late outfielder who tragically died in a plane crash while delivering aid to Nicaragua in 1972. The organization honored Clemente’s legacy with several tributes around the stadium since his death. MLB declared Sept. 15 Roberto Clemente Day.

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Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente poses for a portrait at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. (Malcolm Emmons-USA Today Sports)

But as the 2025 season got underway, the right-field wall tribute was replaced with a sign for the alcoholic beverage Surfside.

Roberto Clemente Jr. was among those unhappy with the move.

"Yesterday, I was shocked to learn that the Clemente 21 sign – a tribute to my father on the right wall at PNC Park at Pittsburgh – had been removed and replaced by an advertisement," his statement on Sunday read. "The Change was made without 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."

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The statue of former Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente outside of PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Sept. 15, 2024. (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

He added that the "outpouring of support"