How long until the plaque gets replaced with an Iron City mat?
The Pirates organization took the opportunity ahead of the finale of the Nationals series to honor the greatest player in franchise history, Roberto Clemente, on the 70th anniversary of his debut with the Pirates.
The team held a ceremony for friends and family, at the plaque outside of PNC Park that commemorates Clemente’s 3000th hit. The plaque sits where second base was located at in Three Rivers Stadium, in honor of Clemente’s last hit with the Pirates. Lem Martin was one of the members who organized the event, and spoke on the significance of honor Clemente on April 17.
“April 17 is a day of deep significance for baseball and Pittsburgh,” Martin said. “Roberto Clemente’s first hit set a brilliant career in motion, and the memory of his 3,000th hit at this very location connects us directly to his story.”
This morning, Pirates President Travis Williams, Steve Blass, Bob Walk and others from the organization joined regional elected officials, Roberto Clemente Jr. and his family at an unveiling of new permanent markers commemorating moments from Pirates history at Three Rivers… pic.twitter.com/GvKDlZk5oq
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 17, 2025
Roberto Clemente Jr. had an opportunity to speak on his father’s legacy as well.
“To have this celebration here at the location where he hit his 3,000th hit, it even makes it more special,” Clemente Jr. said.
Former Pirates’ pitcher Steve Blass was also in attendance for the event, as the team was also unveiling a brand new plaque at the location that the pitcher’s mound was at in Three Rivers Stadium. Blass took the opportunity to comment on Clemente as a teammate and the impact he had on his career.
“He helped me go from a ballplayer to a Major Leaguer, and that’s big. There’s a lot of ballplayers; there aren’t that many major leaguers. I will never forget him,” Blass said.
Roberto Clemente Jr. and Roberto Clemente III threw out today’s ceremonial first pitch in memory of Roberto Clemente’s lasting legacy on the anniversary of his debut in 1955 pic.twitter.com/363DgJ2817
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 17, 2025
This event comes just a week removed from the outrage that ensued when Clemente’s name and number was removed from right field in favor of a drink ad. This issue has since been revolved, as Clemente Jr. voiced his disgust with the move by the Pirates’ organization, but made it clear that he wanted to continue forward with a positive relationship with the club and his family.
It was all smiles at this event, and the day concluded with a Pirates’ victory over the Nationals securing a series win. Those in attendance had stories to tell about Three Rivers Stadium and the memories that were made there, including some that Clemente was able to help create along with the great teammates that he played with. Team President Travis Williams summed up his thoughts on the unveiling of the new plaque and the legacy of Clemente.
“When we can celebrate the history and legacy of the Pirates, the Pirates players, the Pirates organization, the championships and all that happened at Three Rivers Stadium, I think those are always special days and memories for us,” Williams said. “We’re honored to be a part of it today, and especially being able to honor the legacy and history of Roberto Clemente and what he means to Pittsburgh.”