Leader Schumer And CHC Chair Espaillat Announce Reintroduction Of Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act To The 119th Congress
Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-NY13) today announced that the Senate and House will reintroduce the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Act to the 119th Congress. The text of the bill can be viewed here:
This legislation would direct the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in honor of the renowned Major League Baseball (MLB) Player, Roberto Clemente. Clemente was the first Puerto Rican, and first person of Latino heritage, to win a World Series as a starter, be named league MVP, be named World Series MVP, and be elected to the Hall of Fame. Clemente was a legend in life and death, a baseball star, a humanitarian activist, and a symbol of Latin American pride.
“Roberto Clemente was a legendary baseball player and humanitarian activist. I am proud to honor his life through this commemorative coin,” said Leader Schumer. “As the first Puerto Rican to enter the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Clemente was a fierce advocate for his community who broke barriers on and off the field. Growing up in New York, I remember watching Clemente play against the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series, losing to the Pirates that year broke my heart, but we knew he was an all-time great player and an even greater human being. Together, let’s honor his legacy.”
Rep. Espaillat said, "Throughout his life and dedicated career, Roberto Clemente dedicated his time, energy, and resources to Black and Latino communities, and exemplified the spirit of community service. His Hall of Fame career was historic by any measure and included countless accolades — including two World Series championships, 15 All-Star appearances, 12 Gold Glove Awards, and 3,000 hits — his legacy is enshrined by his selflessness and commitment to service of others, which is externalized by the MLB's annual Roberto Clemente Award, the annual award bestowed to the League's player who best exemplifies sportsmanship and community involvement. I am proud to partner with Congressman Meuser of Pennsylvania, to reintroduce the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation — and the coin it will ultimately mint — ensures that Roberto Clemente's legacy is etched into the very fabric of the United States in perpetuity."
Representatives Adriano Espaillat (D-NY13) and Dan Meuser (R-PA09) are leading the reintroduction of the legislation in the House. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker was a Major League Baseball All-Star. Born in Puerto Rico, Clemente played 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Shortly after his death in December 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, Clemente was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming the first player from the Caribbean to be honored in the Hall of Fame.
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