David Maraniss notes that Roberto Clemente would vocally oppose Trump's immigration policies, standing for Latino workers living in fear. He emphasizes that Clemente would expect Major League Baseball to support its Latino players, reflecting on Clemente's impactful legacy in baseball during a time of racial change. Maraniss details how Clemente's career coincided with significant progress in the league's racial dynamics, contrasting it with the present MLB's inaction regarding immigration issues. He poignantly captures Clemente's integration and advocacy within Major League Baseball during a pivotal era.
Maraniss stated, "I have no doubt: Clemente would speak out on behalf of the many thousands of Latino and trabajadores who give so much to this country and are now living in fear of ICE shock troops. Clemente would be clearly denouncing Trump's overtly racist policies."
Clemente's silence over Trump's denaturalization efforts would have been shattering because his era was one of progress, changing the complexion of MLB clubhouses forever.
Clemente entered a league with racial quotas, which on some teams was still zero. In 1972, he left as captain of a Pirates team that could field a lineup of African American and Afro Latino players.
Clemente, if reanimated, would be initially ebullient over Major League Baseball, seeing the current state as a testament to the progress he fought for.
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