Legacy is the heartbeat of this game, and some names are its very pulse. When the Pittsburgh Pirates removed the tribute sign of Roberto Clemente to replace it with a beverage advertisement at PNC Park, they were immediately slammed with criticism. It baffled the entire Pirates nation, and Clemente Jr. This move didn’t come across as a mere signage swap. It downright baffled the entire baseball world. There came a collective cry out—from Clemente’s family to the entire Pirates’ nation.

But perhaps you should hear from the one who spilled the bitter beans without flinching.

Ken Rosenthal brought this instance to light, stating, “They clearly wanted to sell that portion of the outfield fence. Obviously it was an oversight that they didn’t account for the fact that was the spot they reserved for Roberto Clemente.” He slammed the harsh truth of the Pirates prioritizing a beverage advertisement over Clemente’s honor sign.

As per Rosenthal, even if it was an “oversight,” the fact that they weren’t accountable for it makes it pretty clear that their decision might have been driven by profit. Although the Pirates President has made sincere apologies, Rosenthal couldn’t stop.

He continued, “What I would like to know is how this even happened in the first place?” Even if they corrected it, according to the MLB insider, it shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

Rosenthal further expressed that when the Pirates removed the No. 21 tribute sign to put up an ad, nobody paused and raised this red flag. It’s a hard pill to swallow. But eventually, he calmed down to acknowledge that it could be a mistake and mentioned that everyone makes one. Still, he pointed out, “It just speaks to an organization that on and off the field cannot seem to get out of its own way,” taking a jab at the Pirates’ on-field struggles as well.

At the end of the day, even if the sign went back up, it probably doesn’t reverse the damage Pirates have already done.

Pirates struggle to escape an ongoing pattern of mediocrity

Despite a crisp playoff run from 2013 to 2015 in which the Pittsburgh Pirates won 94, 88, and 98 games, they have been circling around in the same loop of missed opportunities. As it turns out, since 1992, the only season when they went above .500 was 2018. It’s a harsh reflection for the team that just can’t get a breakthrough.

However, there are no second thoughts on the potential of their present roster. The NL Rookie of the Year in 2024—Paul Skenes—is the future of the Pirates. He has a remarkable record of 11-3, 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings. But it is to be noted that he can only pitch once in five days. Not to mention, he will be on an innings count this year.

On the other hand, the 26-year-old Oneil Cruz is taking center field now. But he still has some refining to do. Meanwhile, Ke’Bryan Hayes might be traded despite signing a long-term deal with the Pirates. Apparently, his discounted $70 million deal is attractive.

It’s not that the Pirates don’t have key pieces anymore. They still have Bryan Reynolds and Mitch Keller. Not to mention, Tommy Pham and Andrew McCutchen with their phenomenal veteran leadership. But all things considered, unless Pittsburgh commits to finding the players who fit into their concept and the existing bullpen, things might not change for them.

The only way they can touch the glory is by treating competitiveness as a necessity, not an option. Isn’t it?