CLEMENTE 5, BABE RUTH 3

Here's an excerpt from my TribLive.com column about the Pirates removing a Roberto Clemente logo from just below the right-field foul pole at PNC Park and replacing it with advertising. After much angst fueled by Clemente's son, Roberto Jr., the Clemente logo was restored.

Roberto Clemente Jr. autographs photos of his father and sells them. Like Clemente Jr. had something to do with his dad's career.

Nice work, if you can get it.

As Logan Roy said on “Succession,” “Make your own pile!”

I saw Roberto Clemente play. He’s the top Pirate ever and one of the greatest, most gracious and noble athletes who ever played in Pittsburgh. (Which wouldn’t have lasted long if they had free agency back then.)

There’s only one Clemente. I revere his memory.

But he’s been dead for more than 50 years.

The Pirates should feel no obligation to negotiate with Clemente Jr. about anything. He’s not his dad. He’s not an icon. He’s small potatoes.

To read more, click HERE.

Nobody meant more to baseball than the New York Yankees' Babe Ruth.

At Yankee Stadium, Ruth has a monument, giant bat and retired number.

At PNC Park, Clemente has a statue, wall, bridge, retired number and now this restored logo.

Clemente leads Ruth, 5-3.

Anybody who thinks Clemente has been shortchanged or disrespected by the Pirates is a nitwit.