Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I thank, of course, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, for her leadership in getting 296 Members of the House to sponsor this bill. That is way under Roberto Clemente's batting average, but it is still a great number.

Of course, I also thank our ranking member, Maxine Waters, and Chairman Patrick McHenry for their collegiality and support of this measure.

Long before the Latinization of baseball, long before we enjoyed seeing players from many Latin-American and Caribbean nations on the diamond play, there was the great number 21, Roberto Clemente, and that is why today I rise in support of H.R. 6751, the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act.

Roberto Clemente was a baseball icon and trailblazer, breaking barriers as the first Latin American inducted into the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame as one of the greatest players of all time. We have heard about the 15 All-Star Games, and we have heard of his MVP winning years. He got his 3,000th hit on his last at bat before he unfortunately passed on a mission to Nicaragua.

Clemente was much more than a baseball star. He used his platform to advocate for civil rights and racial equality as he played throughout the Jim Crow South. In fact, Clemente and many other MLB players protested the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by not playing the first two games of 1968.

He fought for justice not just here in the United States but abroad as well. Clemente's dedication to service extended beyond the baseball diamond. As a proud member of the Marine Corps Reserve, he exemplified discipline, leadership, and pride, earning the rank of Private First Class.

Perhaps most inspiring was his humanitarian work. During his off seasons, Clemente would host free baseball clinics for underprivileged kids, giving aspiring players an opportunity they wouldn't have otherwise. He also delivered aid to numerous Latin American countries, including his hometown in Puerto Rico.

Tragically, he lost his life on New Year's Eve 1972 while on an earthquake relief mission to Nicaragua. It was a selfless act that defined his legacy.

In his honor, Major League Baseball established the Roberto Clemente Award. Given annually, it recognizes a player who best exemplifies baseball's sportsmanship and community involvement. It has been given to many, many baseball greats.

This bill pays tribute to Clemente's unparalleled contributions, making him the first Afro-Latino and Puerto Rican featured on a commemorative coin. Proceeds from the coin will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation.

Roberto Clemente was a humanitarian, a civil rights advocate, a baseball legend, a marine. By passing this bill, we honor his life, legacy, and enduring impact on the world.

Let's remember number 21. Let's remember the great one, Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this extraordinary measure.

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