In a powerful display of respect and remembrance, Major League Baseball and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization came together today to honor two of the game’s most iconic figures — Roberto Clemente and Honus Wagner — in a moving memorial tribute at PNC Park.
The event, titled “Legends Never Die: A Tribute to Clemente and Wagner”, brought together thousands of fans, players, and dignitaries to celebrate the lives, legacies, and enduring impact of the Hall of Famers. The ceremony featured emotional speeches from former Pirates greats, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and members of the Clemente and Wagner families.
Roberto Clemente, known not only for his brilliance on the field but also for his humanitarian efforts off it, was remembered through a newly unveiled bronze statue near the Roberto Clemente Bridge, as well as a $1 million donation by MLB to the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
Honus Wagner, the legendary shortstop from the early 1900s often regarded as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history, was honored with the retirement of his iconic No. 33 across all Pirates minor league affiliates — a rare move symbolizing his deep-rooted influence on the organization.
A special pregame ceremony included a video montage narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by a local gospel choir, and a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Clemente’s son, Luis, to Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz, who wore a Wagner-era throwback jersey in tribute.
Players from both the Pirates and their visiting opponents, the New York Yankees, wore commemorative patches featuring Clemente’s and Wagner’s silhouettes, and all fans in attendance received limited-edition tribute pins.
This marks the first time in MLB history that two Hall of Famers from the same team have been jointly celebrated in such a large-scale memorial event.
The tribute will be followed by a weeklong series of community outreach programs, youth clinics, and historical exhibits both at PNC Park and the Clemente Museum.
“These two men redefined what it means to be a Pirate — not just in how they played, but in how they lived,” said Pirates owner Bob Nutting. “Today, we don’t just remember them — we recommit ourselves to their values.”
