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Outrage! No Latino representation on
Baseball's All-Century Team.
Written by Ozzie Gonzalez
Latino Legends in Sports
October 25, 1999 -- It was nationally aired on NBC during the most watched sporting event of the year -- The 1999 World Series. The presentation of the All-Century Team, which represents the top baseball players of the century, voted in by their beloved fans. A total of 30 players (17 living) were named and honored during game 2 of the World Series in the greatest gathering of baseball talent ever assembled on one field (Atlanta's Turner Field). Legendary players like Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb, Stan Musial, Sandy Koufax and many others were named, but not a single Latin American was a part of this honor.
What an outrage! Every Latino who loves the sport of baseball should be appalled at how our great Latino legends in baseball were overlooked and dismissed as not being a part of this All-Century Team. Roberto Clemente, just to name one, dominated the 1960's with his bat and great defense in right field. He won every National League Gold-Glove Award in right field for the entire decade. He hit over .350 twice, won four batting titles, had more hits in the 60's than anyone (1,877) and ended his career with 3000 hits. The pride and joy of Latin America and the symbol of Hispanic pride who lost his life attempting to bring food and supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua didn't have enough votes. Only nine outfielders were allowed to be elected, Clemente finished tenth.
This is what happens when fan balloting is the main source for selection. It becomes a popularity contest, just like the All-Star game. How insulting is it when you see Ken Griffey Jr., a great player in his own right, get more votes than baseball legends like Roberto Clemente, Frank Robinson and many other Hall of Famers.
A special panel of five was appointed to prevent overlooks by fan favoritism. This panel also didn't acknowledge Latino baseball greats like Roberto Clemente and Juan Marichal. In fact, they drove the dagger in deeper by leapfrogging Stan Musial, who finished behind Clemente (11th) and placed him on the All-Century team.
Even convicted felon, wife beater and currently banned-for-life from baseball, Pete Rose made the ballot and got the loudest cheer and longest ovation (55 seconds), when he was announced and took the field.
When Clemente was alive, he was considered baseball's best ambassador from Latin America. A culture which has dominated baseball for decades and currently has the largest percentage of talent in the Major Leagues. But Clemente has been dead for 28 years and it seems that his great performances and achievements on and off the field has removed themselves from the minds of fans.
Who should we blame? The fans including Latinos for not voting for our great sports heroes? The educational system for not teaching our youth about the achievements great individuals like Clemente, Marichal and others have accomplished? Major League Baseball or the special panel of five who failed to see that Clemente should have been awarded? No need to point fingers now, the damage has been done!
This article is the opinion of Latino Legends in Sports. Latino Legends in Sports was created in focus to honor and tribute legendary Latino sports players in the world of sports and to educate everyone on the great accomplishments these individuals have made.
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