Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Dan Meuser Introduce the Roberto Clemente Coin Act for the 119th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC -- Representatives Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09) have re-introduced the bipartisan Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act to honor the legacy and impact of Major League Baseball (MLB) star Roberto Clemente and his humanitarian achievements for communities around the world.
Senator Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) have introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
"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," said Rep. Espaillat. "His Hall of Fame career was historic by any measure and included countless accolades — including two World Series championships, 15 All-Star Game selections, 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 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."
Meuser said, “Roberto Clemente was more than a Hall of Fame baseball player—he was a humanitarian, a trailblazer, and a symbol of perseverance and generosity. Moving to the United States from Puerto Rico, he played his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, leaving an indelible mark on the game and the world through his commitment to excellence, civil rights, and philanthropy. Growing up, he was my baseball hero—just as he was for so many kids who admired his talent and character. His legacy continues to inspire generations, both on and off the field. I am happy to join Congressman Espaillat in co-leading the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, ensuring his contributions are honored in a lasting way.”
“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.”
“For thousands of fans, Roberto Clemente represents the best of athletic skill and the best of the humanitarian spirit. The number 21 is still proudly worn by thousands of baseball fans to this day on and off the playing field as a living tribute to his legacy,” Senator Capito said. “I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing legislation that will honor his distinguished career as a baseball player to include an MVP Award, a record number of Gold Gloves, two World Series Championships including the MVP of the 1971 World Series, as well as a U.S. Marine Corps reservists, and dedicated humanitarian whose life was lost in service to others. Generations of baseball players and fans continue to celebrate his legacy, and this is a fitting tribute to ‘The Great One.’”
"On behalf of the Clemente family, I want to sincerely thank Congressman Espaillat for his dedication to honoring our father’s legacy and for once again leading the charge in Congress to make the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin a reality. We are also deeply grateful to Congressman Dan Meuser for joining this bipartisan effort to recognize our father’s lifelong commitment to humanitarianism,” said Roberto Clemente, Jr., eldest son of Roberto and Vera Clemente.
"Our father always believed in using his platform to uplift others, and we are grateful for the continued efforts of Congressman Espaillat, for championing this initiative. We also extend our gratitude to Congressman Meuser for his support in bringing this bill back to Congress. The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin will serve as a lasting symbol of our father's impact both on and off the field, and we look forward to seeing this legislation become law,” said Luis R. Clemente, middle son of Roberto and Vera Clemente.
"Roberto Clemente’s life and legacy are defined by sacrifice, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. At the Roberto Clemente Foundation, we see his impact every day through our programs and the communities we serve. We hope the coin will not only celebrate his achievements, but inspire future generations to lead lives of purpose. We commend the leadership of Representatives Espaillat and Meuser," said Tom Brasuell, President of the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
Last Congress, in addition to the Roberto Clemente coin, Espaillat also introduced a congressional resolution urging MLB to fully implement Roberto Clemente Day throughout the league. Recently, in a call to action to the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise, Espaillat joined the Clemente family and fans, to decry the removal a logo in Roberto Clemente's honor from the stadium. As a result, Clemente's No. 21 logo will be reinstated at the location.
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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.
Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov