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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
Roberto Walker Clemente
b. Carolina, Puerto Rico, 18 August 1934
d. San Juan, Puerto Rico, 31 December 1972
Roberto Walker Clemente's Hall of Fame baseball career took him from Puerto Rico to the Pittsburgh Pirates. His lifetime batting average was .371 with 240 home runs and 1,305 RBI's. He was also committed to helping the less fortunate. His career was cut tragically short by an accident as he was delivering emergency relief to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
Roberto Clemente - A Pittsburgh Pirate Forever!
Roberto Clemente was born on August 18, 1934 in Puerto Rico. Roberto was very famous for being a black baseball player. A lot of people have heard of him but don't know a lot about him. Roberto was not an only child; he was one out of five children in his family. Baseball was Roberto's favorite hobby, he carried a ball where ever he went. In 1954, the Pittsburgh Pirates obtained Roberto with the # 1 pick of the draft, which was awarded to the Pirates where he played his entire eighteen year Major League Baseball career from 1955 to 1972. Roberto played in two World Series, batting .310 in 1960 and .414 in 1971. He was the National League Batting Champion four times, was awarded twelve Gold Gloves, selected National League MVP in 1966 and was chosen as the MVP in the 1971 World Series. Roberto Clemente Walker's pride and humanitarianism won him universal admiration. Despite an unorthodox batting style, the Pirates' great won four batting crowns and amassed 3,000 hits. He was equally brilliant in right field, where he displayed a precise and powerful arm. Clemente earned National League MVP honors in 1966, but achieved his greatest fame in the 1971 World Series, when he batted .414. On November 14, 1964, he married Vera Cristina Zabala in Carolina, Puerto Rico. They had three sons: Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto and Roberto Enrique. Proud of his heritage Roberto insisted that Vera give birth to all three sons in Puerto Rico. The boys were six, five and two, respectively, when their father met his untimely death. In 1955 he became a Pittsburgh Pirate, where he stayed for his entire18 year career. Tragically, Roberto Clemente's life ended at age 38 on December 31, 1972 in a plane crash. He was on the plane to take clothing, food and medical supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress in 1973.
"He gave the term 'complete' a new meaning. He made the word 'superstar' seem inadequate. He had about him the touch of royalty." Former MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.
"Clemente is a great hero for all Latin players especially Puerto Ricans." "Not only was he one of the best baseball players ever, but he was a great human being as well." Juan Gonzalez, Texas Rangers.
"Growing up in Puerto Rico we got to learn a lot about his character, it was obvious that not only was he one of the greatest players, but a great human being as well." Bernie Williams, New York Yankees.
"He's the strangest hitter in baseball, figure him one way and he'll kill you another." Sandy Koufax, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.
"I would be lost without baseball. I don't think I could stand being away from it as long as I was alive." Roberto Clemente.
H e was one of the greatest baseball players ever to play right field and arguably to play the game. Watching Clemente track down balls that were bound for an extra base hit was thrilling. Watching him gracefully catch a deep fly ball and throw a strike to the catcher to cut down the runner was incredible. Tearing around the bases at full speed, legging out another extra base hit was exciting. Those were some of the natural skills that Latino legend Roberto Clemente portrayed when he played the game of baseball.
Born in small barrio San Anton in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente was the youngest of seven children and was raised in a modest home with mother Luisa and father Melchor.
Early on he excelled in track and field, winning medals in the javelin throw and short distance races. However, Roberto's real love was baseball.
When Roberto graduated from high school, he received best wishes from family & friends because they all knew he was bound for greatness as a baseball player.
At the young age of 17, Roberto was playing for the Santurce Cangrejeros in the Puerto Rican Winter League where he attracted legions of big-league scouts because of his hitting, fielding and throwing ability.
He signed with the Dodgers for $10,000, but never got to play a single game in Brooklyn or Los Angeles.
A rule back then in effect required that any player signed for more than $4000 had to stay on the parent club for a full season. The Dodgers attempted to keep Clemente's profile low, but the keen eye of the Pittsburgh Pirates general manager knew Clemente and he was selected by the Pirates for $4,000 on Nov. 22, 1954.
In his first Major League season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955, Clemente had a solid rookie season batting .255 with five homers and 47 RBI's. He built upon that foundation and batted .311 in his sophomore season. After that, Clemente hit above .300 for the next 12 seasons.
In the 1960's, Clemente joined the likes of Hank Aaron and Willie Mays as one of the top players in the National League.
He had over 200 hits four times (1961,64,66,67), hit over .350 twice (1961 & 67) and lead the league in batting four times and won 12 consecutive gold glove awards.
In the 1960's, no other player dominated the entire decade like Roberto Clemente did.
No other Latin American has ever achieved the numbers and recognition like Clemente did. But even though with his stellar, consistent play, Clemente thought the fame achieved was all too slow in coming as it always seemed for players of Hispanic background. For example, in 1960 while helping the Pirates win its first World Series victory in 33 years, the Puerto Rican star with a solid season and a brilliant series performance, finished only 8th in the National League MVP balloting. It was another evidence for Roberto, that Latino players could never get a fair shake from the media and the American fans.
Clemente only won one MVP crown (1966) during a decade (the 60's) which he dominated so thoroughly -- ironically is was the one season he was not the best hitter in the National League. When it came to selecting a "Player of the 60's" Clemente was obviously overlooked and the award went easily to Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers as Clemente only received a handful of ballots.
He starred in two World Series triumphs and dominated all pitchers in the 1971
Series with a sizzling .414 batting average. In one memorable play he showcased his cannon-like arm that the National League had feared for several years.
In game six of the World Series versus Baltimore, slugger Frank Robinson came to the plate and launched a 300-foot fly toward Clemente that was sure to score Merv Rettemund who was on third base. The minute Clemente pinched the ball in his glove, he ripped it out and rifled a strike to the awaiting catcher's mitt. Rettenmund scuffled back to third base and the Orioles was held at bay. After the series win, Clemente was named the 1971 World Series MVP.
Clemente always played like a man possessed, fielding superbly, unleashing his rifle arm, and hitting in clutch situations, where it counts the most. That attitude won the World Series for the Pirates in 1971 and made him the Series MVP. Many people often said that Clemente played "something close to the level of absolute perfection."
Roberto Clemente was not only a great player on the field, but he was a greater person off the field. He was a National hero to everyone, especially Latinos.
On December 31, 1972, Clemente had taken upon himself to direct personally a relief mission to earthquake torn Nicaragua. Bound to Nicaragua, Clemente and four others loaded a small DC-7 plane with food and supplies that never got past the San Juan border as the plane almost immediately crashed into 30 feet of water in the Caribbean Sea.
One Navy man speculated during a broadcast that it seemed the plane was over-crowded and the cargo wasn't secured enough and shifted during take-off. Rescue efforts started immediately, but five people died and Clemente's body was never recovered. The world was in shock. Here was a man who was struck down due to his desire to help a country in need. His death was not only a loss to his family and friends, but a loss of a hero to the entire nation.
The Baseball's Writer Association of America immediately waived the customary five-year wait and voted Roberto Clemente into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on August 8, 1973 -- making him the first Latino to be inducted
At the ceremony in 1973, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn honored him by creating the "Roberto Clemente Award", the highest award in baseball for sportsmanship and community activism. Kuhn spoke proudly about Clemente, "He was so very great a man, as a leader and humanitarian, so very great an inspiration to the young and to all in baseball, especially to the proud people of his homeland, Puerto Rico."
On April 7th 1999, the County of Allegheny, Pittsburgh announced that the Sixth Street Bridge, which spans the Allegheny River and joins downtown Pittsburgh to the North Side at Federal Street, will now be known as the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The announcement was made by the current Chairman of the Allegheny County Commissioners, Bob Cranmer.
"I can think of no better tribute to the memory of Roberto Clemente and the pride that he brought to Pittsburgh than renaming the Sixth Street Bridge, the Roberto Clemente Bridge," said Commissioner Cranmer. "'The Great One exemplified Pirate baseball at its finest. PNC Park and Roberto Clemente Bridge will serve as a constant reminder to all generations that Clemente and Pirate baseball will forever be an important part of Pittsburgh."
The 995-foot suspension bridge, constructed in 1928, is one of three identical spans that join the North Side to the downtown area at Sixth, Seventh and Ninth streets. On days when the Pirates play home games at PNC Park, Clemente Bridge will serve as a pedestrian walkway and fans will be able enter the new Pirates ballpark directly from the bridge. A great tribute for one of this country's most cherished and prestigious athlete.
In 2002, Major League Baseball's Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced that on Sept. 18 will be known as "Roberto Clemente Day."
The celebrations will be a league-wide effort that has been initiated to honor the memory of Roberto Clemente, and coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. As part of the tribute, the local recipients of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock will be recognized at each club’s home game on Sept. 18.
"It has been almost thirty years since Roberto Clemente’s untimely death," said Commissioner Selig. "He will be remembered as a great baseball player and humanitarian. To honor his legacy, we have designated this special day to not only remember Roberto, but to honor those players who have contributed so much to their communities."
Roberto married Vera Cristina Zabala on November 14, 1964 and has three sons; Roberto Walker Clemente Jr. , Louis Roberto Clemente and Roberto Enrique Clemente.
Resources :
Roberto Clemente Foundation: (412) 772-3444
Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown NY. (607) 547-7200
Roberto Clemente Plaque is Recast to Correct Cultural Inaccuracy;
New One Travels to Puerto Rico (November, 2000)
"I have difficulty expressing myself the way I really feel. It's not just for me and my children. It's a goal for all Latin American children, too."
-- Vera Clemente speaking on behalf of her late husband at his Induction Ceremony in 1973
So very great was he as a player. So very great was he as a leader. So very great was he as a humanitarian. So very great was he as an inspiration to the young, and so very great was his devotion to young people and particularly to the young people of his native island of Puerto Rico. Having said all of those words, they are very inadequate to describe the real greatness of Roberto Clemente.
-- Commissioner Bowie Kuhn on Clemente at the 1973 Induction Ceremony
Roberto Clemente's Hall of Fame Plaque
(COOPERSTOWN, NY) -- A rarity has occurred in Cooperstown, as the Hall of Fame has made a change to one of its plaques, the one featuring the late, great Roberto Clemente . In Latino heritage, a person's mother's maiden name traditionally follows their surname. Though Clemente was born Roberto Clemente Walker, he was known throughout his baseball career as Roberto Clemente. When Clemente was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, the Hall of Fame plaque had his mother's maiden name and father's last name reversed, reading "Roberto Walker Clemente." The Hall of Fame has rectified the inaccuracy and the new plaque reads "Roberto Clemente Walker."
To celebrate the culturally correct plaque, National Baseball Hall of Fame representatives and the plaque will travel to Clemente's native Puerto Rico, November 14-16. The plaque will be part of three days of festivities, with some Latino Hall of Famers and current-day major league superstars invited to participate. The new Clemente plaque will debut on November 14 at a Grand Gala at Wyndham El San Juan Hotel, where plans for the Master Plan 2000 will be unveiled. On November 15, the plaque will make stops at Plaza Las Americas, the non-profit Roberto Clemente Sports City, and the new Roberto Clemente Municipal Stadium. The plaque will be on hand at the stadium dedication on November 15, home to the Gigantes de Carolina Baseball Club (formerly San Juan Senadores) of the Puerto Rican Winter League. The plaque tour concludes on November 16 with a visit to Roberto Clemente Elementary School. After the three-day tour, the plaque will be permanently installed in Cooperstown. "By rectifying and recasting my father's plaque to reflect Roberto Clemente Walker, the Hall of Fame has shown the respect and honor of our rich heritage and culture that my father was so proud of," said Luis Clemente, president of Sports City and son of the late Roberto Clemente. "The Clemente family and all Latin descendants are extremely grateful to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and newly appointed President Dale Petroskey, for this recognition."
"We could not be happier with the administration of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown," said Clemente's widow Vera, from her home in San Juan. "The Hall of Fame's desire to rectify this cultural inaccuracy means a great deal to my family, the entire Puerto Rican nation, and Hispanics everywhere. We are so very grateful that Roberto's plaque in the Hall of Fame Gallery will be accurate for the hundreds of thousands of visitors that travel to Cooperstown annually."
The new plaque was created by Matthews International in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the foundry utilized by the Hall of Fame to cast all of its plaques since the early 1980s. The new Clemente plaque was at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center in Pittsburgh as part of an exhibit on the history of the 150-year-old foundry, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
"As Baseball's institution of record, correcting Roberto Clemente's plaque was important -- in fact, necessary," said Hall of Fame President Dale Petroskey. "We are honored to bring the new plaque to San Juan, where those who know so much about the career of the Hall of Fame right fielder will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the plaque before it is permanently installed in Cooperstown. Traveling the plaque to San Juan, a first for the Hall of Fame, helps us to fulfill our mission, which speaks to honoring excellence and connecting generations."
Clemente died tragically on December 31, 1972, when he and four others boarded a small DC-7 to deliver food, clothing and medicine to Nicaragua, to aid victims of a devastating earthquake. Clemente, who headed the Puerto Rican relief effort, and the four others died when the four-engine plane, with a questionable past and an overload of cargo, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
The first Latino Hall of Famer, Clemente became the second (and last) major leaguer to have the five-year waiting period waived by the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors. Like the first, Lou Gehrig, he was elected to Cooperstown on the first ballot. The special ballot results were announced on March 20, 1973, with Clemente earning votes on 393 of 424 ballots cast, an overwhelming 93%, with 75% needed for election. At the time, only Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Bob Feller, Ted Williams and Stan Musial had earned a higher percentage of votes. Vera Clemente spoke at the August 6 Induction Ceremony on behalf of her late husband and the 1973 Pirates played in the Hall of Fame Game that day, with Clemente's teammates attending the Induction.
Clemente's career ended with a .317 batting average, 440 doubles, 166 triples, 240 home runs, and 1,305 RBI in a Pirates-record 2,433 games. He recorded 3,000 hits and the bat from that magical milestone, along with many other artifacts from his illustrious career, are on display at the Hall of Fame. He won four batting titles, hit .300 or better 13 times, and utilizing a cannon-like arm, led the National League in outfield assists on four occasions. The 1966 National League Most Valuable Player starred in the 1971 World Series, hitting an eye-popping .414.
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Medal History
