Hey all,

I was captivated by the story of Jackie Robinson. His contributions to American society outweigh his accomplishments on the field. But could the same be said for Roberto Clemente and his influence on behalf of Latino ballplayers, and the manner in which he lived and died, off the field? If any jersey number is worthy of the honor bestowed on #42, it is #21. I have studied Clemente's influence over the years, and would recommend the following title to any serious fan of the game, and it's influence on the human community. Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero: David Maraniss: 9780743299992: Amazon.com: Books

Roberto Clemente's story deserves to be told, alongside the amazing life of Jackie Robinson. It's unfortunate that a biographer of Roger Kahn's talent has not told the story of #21.The Boys of Summer: Roger Kahn: 9780060883966: Amazon.com: Books Someday, I hope Roberto Clemente's story appears on the silver screen, and #21 is enshrined in every ballpark across America.

Clemente is another who was, by all accounts, a fine man.

A fellow who dealt with similar grief and bigotry as Jackie Robinson was Hank Greenberg. He was the first big name Jewish player and people were vicious to him. He also publicly welcomed Jackie Robinson when Jackie started with the Dodgers. Greenberg's last year in MLB was Robinson's first.

I appreciate the reverence to Robinson, but where does it stop?

Please get that this is in no way a dis to Clemente, nor any other individual who has endured unfair and inappropriate treatment.

Clemente is another who was' date=' by all accounts, a fine man.

 

A fellow who dealt with similar grief and bigotry as Jackie Robinson was Hank Greenberg. He was the first big name Jewish player and people were vicious to him. He also publicly welcomed Jackie Robinson when Jackie started with the Dodgers. Greenberg's last year in MLB was Robinson's first.

 

I appreciate the reverence to Robinson, but where does it stop?

 

Please get that this is in no way a dis to Clemente, nor any other individual who has endured unfair and inappropriate treatment.[/quote']

 

btw, there's a new book on Greenberg coming out and it's from a local author. Google it. It sounds very good.

I appreciate the reverence to Robinson' date=' but where does it stop?

 

.[/quote']

 

It started by retiring #42 across all of baseball. That opened the door for this conversation. If we are to regard ballplayers who transcended the game, consider the namesake for The Commissioner's Award. #42 should hang in memoriam in every ballpark across America. If any other number comes close, it's #21. Nobody else is even on the horizon. It stared with #42. It ends with #21, in my opinion. That is all.