Opinion

Acknowledge Roberto Clemente during Hispanic Heritage Month

By TriniTy Bland

MANAGING EDITOR

With MLB players like Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron having decorated legacies on constant display, names like Roberto Clemente often find a spot to rest in the shadows of history. A two-time World Series champion, a 15time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner in right field, Clemente’s 18-year career was nothing short of revolutionary. Even more groundbreaking, Clemente became the first Latin American player to reach the 3,000-hit mark as well as World Series MVP status in 1971. Off the field, Clemente fought tirelessly toward equality for individuals who looked like him — whether they played ball or not. These are only but a few noble mentions of his everlasting legacy. Roberto Clemente Day, which honors the life of a humanitarian and an athlete who made efforts toward justice for all, coincides with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15. Nineteen years later, this special annual occasion is celebrated for the first time since the Negro Leagues have been recognized as MLB. But that’s not all that makes this year’s Roberto Clemente Day special. Usually, the day’s tradition permits the Pittsburgh Pirates to wear No. 21 in honor of Clemente’s jersey number. With the blessing of the Clemente family, MLB allowed all players of Puerto Rican descent to wear No. 21 on Sept. 15. Extending this honor a step further, all MLB players were given this opportunity and optional “21” patches to wear on their jerseys during Roberto Clemente Day games. While No. 21 has yet to be retired league-wide like Robinson’s No. 42, the aforementioned recognition could expedite that specific process. It would lend a much deserved credence to the case that Clemente’s life and career must be commemorated. In Clemente’s honor, MLB annually presents the Roberto Clemente Award to recognize the player who best represents baseball through sportsmanship and community involvement — values Clemente deemed important. Former San Diego State commit and current San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is among the nominees for this year’s award. In 1972, Clemente was tragically killed in a plane crash en route to Nicaragua to provide the country with post-earthquake resources. At only 38 years old, he accomplished what most dream about doing not only in sports but in a lifetime. Instead of the league waiting the standard five-year period baseball players undergo to reach Hall of Fame eligibility, Clemente was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame nearly a year after his death, making him the first player from Latin America to be preserved in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite MLB being integrated for nearly eight years when Clemente arrived, he was still subject to Jim Crow laws. Identifying as Black, Latino and Puerto Rican, there was no doubt he would face mainstream racism. The media referred to Clemente as “Bob” and quoted him using phonetic spelling in mockery of his accent. Additionally, he couldn’t publicly share meals or hotel rooms with his white teammates, a collective experience for Black players in the league during this time. Clemente, who was born and raised on the progressively integrated island of Puerto Rico, was disturbed by the segregationist society that seemingly plagued America. This prompted him to use his power as a public figure for good while frequently challenging discrimination and inequality. The idea of remaining silent and having the “just play ball” mindset was something Clemente would not accept. The diligence and perseverance that accompanied Clemente’s efforts to make baseball more welcoming are largely why he is a heroic and prominent member of Latin American representation. 2021 Opening Day rosters featured 256 players from 20 countries and territories, with the majority of them being Latin American. It is because of Clemente that those players can proudly wear their names on the backs of their jerseys, complete with accent marks and tildes. Clemente and his incalculable impact on baseball and the fight for civil rights shouldn’t just remain in the shadows of history. There is hope as MLB appears to acknowledge this truth but it’s time for everyone else to follow suit.

Graphic by Shalika Oza Roberto Clemente’s legacy and crontributions deserve as much recognition as Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron.

Trinity Bland is a senior studying television, film, media and Spanish.

Sustainable habits to incorporate in your life today

Photo by Aaliyah Alexander

A reusable water bottle and tote bag are great swaps.

By lindsey anderson

CONTRIBUTOR

It is October 2021 and we have suddenly found ourselves knocking on the door of climate catastrophe. The time has arrived in which we are confronted with the decisions of today that will directly impact the environmental prosperity of tomorrow.

As young people, we have a lot to fear as we walk into a future with a grim reality.

Will there still be snow for our children? Will California become uninhabitable? Where will our water come from?

We are beginning to face the dire truths behind the answers to these questions as we cross the line that separates the reversible from the irreversible.

The good news for us is that we haven’t crossed that line yet. There is still hope for our future and the future of our planet, but it requires a great deal of work for everyone involved.

The work required to help the planet through this crisis can become overwhelming when we feel as if our entire lives have to change. Although driving a Prius and transitioning to a vegan diet are highly effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint, these are not the only options.

There are many ways to start small that are much less daunting than never eating cheese again.

As young people living alone for the first time, it is important to recognize the small changes we can make to our routines that will have a positive impact on our planet.

To limit the sense of helplessness that may arise during this uncertain time, I have included a list of sustainable habits that we can easily incorporate into our daily lives:

Secondhand clothing and housing decor

As we resume our lives of college independence, it’s important for us to remember that splurging on clothing and room decor is bad for the environment.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of buying the best new and trendy grabs, but luckily for us, thrifting is even more trendy now than buying new.

Start purchasing all your new attire and housing decor from second-hand stores. In buying and selling to places like these, your consumer-waste footprint is being drastically reduced; not to mention your new stuff is way cool!

Goodbye plastic!

In switching to glass tupperware containers for snacks and leftovers, we are eliminating the purchase of plastics for food storage. Not only is it better for us, but the less plastic we buy, the less plastic we displace into the ocean.

The same goes for Ziploc bags. With class back in session, many of us are bringing lunches along to school. Rather than packing a sandwich or some crackers in a plastic Ziploc baggie, consider investing in a Stasher bag, or reusable silicone bags, to house your meals when you’re on the move.

Keep that metal straw handy

It’s great to get into the habit of keeping a metal straw in your backpack. This eliminates the use of a plastic straw that may be handed out with your beverage.

Reusable utensils are great to have on hand too, especially as a college student who’s eating out quite a bit. The plastic knives, forks, spoons and straws that we toss out after a meal contribute immensely to the plastic in our oceans. Be mindful of the vitality of our sea life and always have those tools handy!

No more red Solo cups!

If there’s anything college students know how to do, it’s how to have a good time — an event usually marked by the number of red Solo cups littering the backyard the next day.

But there are ways to enjoy the party without hurting Mother Nature in the process. Consider exchanging those Solo cups for mason jars or a non-breakable alternative like bamboo. The use of reusable party decorations that may be fabric-based will also help to eliminate waste and will leave party decorations readily available for next time!

Fortunately, going green in the college scene isn’t as overwhelming or as expensive as it seems. Plus, the purchase of reusable products actually saves you money in the long run, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

Happy earth, happy wallet — and the party still goes on.