Roberto Walker Clemente

August 18th, 1934 – December 31st, 1972

• He was born on August 18th, 1934 in the small barrio of San Antón in Carolina, Puerto Rico. His mother’s name Luisa Walker – a laundress and assisted sugar-cane plantation workers. His father’s name Melchor Clemente, was a foreman overseeing sugar-cane cutters. • As a teenager, he excelled in the sport of track and field in the events of javelin and high jump • At 14, Clemente joined a softball team organized by Roberto Marin; became very influential in Clemente’s life • At the young age of 17, Roberto was playing for the Santurce Crabber • His first contract was with the team Brooklyn Dodgers for the amount of $10,000 on February 19th, 1954 • When Clemente played well, he was benched; when he did not do well, he was allowed to continue playing • As a right fielder, Clemente was known for his strong arm; no comparison to his strength and accuracy. • On November 22nd, 1954, he was drafted by in the amount of $4,000. • Clemente married Vara Zabala who met her at a grocery store, on November 14th, 1964 and had 3 sons: Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto, and Enrique Roberto. • Clemente loved baseball and favorite player was Monte Irvin • His Major League debut was on April 17th, 1955 vs The Brooklyn Dodgers. • After his first 2 years, he batted over .300 for the next 13 seasons. • In his pro right field career, he batted over 200 hits in the years 1961, 1964, 1966, 1967. He over .350 in the years 1961, 1967, 1970. Clemente won 4 national batting titles in the years 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1967. He also won 12 consecutive gold glove awards in the years 1961 - 1972 • In 1960, he was upset because he was voted 8th in the Most Valuable Player balloting. • Finally, in the year 1966 Clemente was named the Most Valuable Player. (Award denied for years because of his background, appearance, and language) • The Pirates won the 1960 vs Yankees in 7 games • In 1961, he won his first batting title crown. • In 1972, he helped Pittsburg win the World Series vs in 7 games • Clemente accomplished something in the World Series games that no other player has ever accomplished. He played in 14 World Series games and had at least 1 base hit in every single game. • Clemente hit his 3000 hit on September 30th, 1972 and it was a double (type of base hit) • He was a wonderful person off the field. After the earthquake in Nicaragua on December 23rd, 1972, Clemente took it upon himself to direct relief efforts to the country. His plane crashed after taking off on December 31st, 1972 • There were problems with the plane; not maintained, too much weight, unexperienced crew, and plane had crashed weeks before plus not up to date in safety • The biggest tragedy of this accident was that Clemente’s body was never found. • The Baseball's Writer Association of America immediately waived the customary 5 year wait and voted Clemente nto the Baseball Hall of Fame on March 30th, 1973 - making him the first Latin American Player to be inducted.

• The Award is given to a player for positive contribution including sportsmanship and community involvement • In the year 2002, 's Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced that on September 18th will be known / recognized as Roberto Clemente Day • Clemente’s nickname: The Great One / The Great Roberto Clemente