One opponent to having Roberto Clemente’s number retired by Major League Baseball is Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson. Another who spoke his mind was a Roberto Clemente contemporary, Frank Robinson.  Major League Baseball already recognizes Roberto with an award given annually to a player who demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others. 

Both believing if Major League Baseball were to have Clemente’s number retired, it would diminish the meaning of Jackie Robinson’s struggle.  While Clemente did some wonderful things in during his life, Major League Baseball should find another way to honor him.
Sharon Robinson was quoted saying:

“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,”

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