Jenniffer González requests Major League Baseball to retire Roberto Clemente’s number 21

Washington D.C.- Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón requested the Commisioner of Baseball, Robert D. Manfred to honor the exemplary service life of one of the greatest stars of professional baseball and Puerto Rican legend, Roberto Clemente, by retiring his number 21 from all Major League Baseball (MLB) teams.

González Colón, sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Manfred emphasizing Roberto Clemente's achievements on the field, the racial struggles he had during the time of segregation, his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and the social and humanitarian commitment he had that gained him great admiration and several awards.

"Within the countless recognitions of Clemente's career and life, the maximum honor of the institution to which he gave glory and dedicated 18 years of his life, the Major League Baseball, would be completed by universally retiring the distinguished number 21, one that we all respect, inside and outside the ballpark," said González Colón.

The congresswoman expressed in the letter that "as the sole Representative of Puerto Rico in Congress, she supports the recognition of this Puerto Rican athlete and humanitarian, who transcended the baseball field, setting an example for the world to follow. I urge you to do the same and universally retire Roberto Clemente's number 21 in order to honor his exemplary lifetime service.