Retire21

Retire21 is a social movement started in an effort to urge Commissioner Bud Selig to retire the number 21 of Roberto Clemente from all MLB teams. The effort was headed by the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA) along with the Latino Sports Initiative (LSI) and is similar to the way that MLB retired the jersey number 42 of Jackie Robinson. The effort to retire Clemente's number stem from his accomplishments on the field and his humanitarian efforts off the field. The movement leaders have organized petition signings for the movement at all Major League Baseball Parks since 2006 and most recently at the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium in July of 2008. In addition to the petition drive, there is also an internet campaign, and resolutions introduced in the city councils of New York City and Philadelphia,in order to show support of the movement. The motto of Retire21 is "Ya es Tiempo" which means, "It's Time". While many feel that the only officially retired jersey in Major League Baseball belongs to Jackie Robinson, there is a growing movement among Latinos to allow Roberto Clemente to share the honor of having his jersey officially retired by Major League Baseball.

Background

Roberto Clemente was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and signed his first Major League contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1954. He was the right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955-1972. Clemente overcame racial bias during his playing days and helped pave the way for future generations of Latino baseball players. Many argue that Roberto Clemente was one of the greatest all-around baseball players of all time. Clemente was killed in a plane crash in 1972 while delivering earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua. While his Baseball Hall of Fame career was cut short, his legacy as a humanitarian lives on. One of his life-long goals was to build a sports complex in Puerto Rico to give Puerto Rican children the opportunity to learn and to grow. His family continues to work at his Sports City in his hometown.

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