The daughter of Jackie Robinson thinks Major League Baseball should not retire Roberto Clemente’s No. 21, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday. The Hispanics Across America advocacy group wants Clemente’s number set aside the way the late Robinson’s No. 42 was nine years ago for being the first black player in the major leagues. But Sharon Robinson said that honor should remain for her father only.
“To my understanding, the purpose of retiring my father’s number is that what he did changed all of baseball, not only for African-Americans but also for Latinos, so I think that purpose has been met,” she said.
What exactly has she ever done for baseball? What does it matter if MLB retires Clemente’s number? What has Roberto Clemente ever done to her? Retiring Clemente’s number has absolutely no bearing on the legacy of Jackie Robinson. You won’t see any ESPN Classic specials on how Clemente changed race relations in the United States. I’m not saying either way whether Clemente’s number should be retired but Sharon Robinson should shut her trap.
[Star Telegram]: Jackie Robinson’s daughter says Clemente’s 21 shouldn’t be retired
