Congress considers commemorative coin honoring Roberto Clemente

Pittsburgh Pirates great Roberto Clemente may be honored on a commemorative coin if a measure currently before Congress is approved.

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-New York, joined local Reps. Chris Deluzio and Guy Reschenthaler in introducing legislation that would require the secretary of the treasury to mint commemorative coins honoring the legendary baseball star.

The Hall of Famer was described in the bill as “a legend in life and death, a baseball star, a humanitarian activist, and a symbol of Latin American pride.”

Roberto Clemente Jr. told TribLive news partner WTAE that Espaillat, the bill’s primary sponsor, is a “big fan” of Clemente.

“We’re very happy that he did make the move, and we’re hoping that it will pass, and I think it will,” he said.

If Congress approves the measure, the treasury will mint $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar coins bearing a depiction of Clemente. The designs would need to be approved by Clemente’s living family members, as well as the Roberto Clemente Foundation and the Commission of Fine Arts.

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The coins would be issued in 2027, according to the legislation, and costs would range from $5 for the half-dollar coin to $35 for the $5 coin. There would be limited quantities of each coin produced.

Clemente Jr. told WTAE he also is talking with lawmakers about making Roberto Clemente Day a federal holiday. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officials have recognized Sept. 30 as Roberto Clemente Day locally, to commemorate the anniversary of Clemente’s 3,000th career hit.