Celebrating Roberto Clemente: "The Great One" in Pictures

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Charlotte Hopkins

2.    When Roberto Clemente was 19 years old, he signed on to play with the Dodgers. He played his first game with the Pirates on April 17, 1955, and wore #13 in his first 5 games. When center fielder, Earl Smith, left the team later that month, his #21 was given to Clemente. He requested that number because his full name was “Roberto Clemente Walker” which has 21 letters.

3.    Many from the media and executives from Topps often referred to him as “Bob.” They thought it would make him sound “more American.” He hated it and was adamant that they stop and call him by his name – Roberto.

4.    July 24, 1970, was declared Roberto Clemente Night in Pittsburgh. His family came to participate in the first annual event. Several fans from Puerto Rico also arrived to be a part of the first Roberto Clemente Day.

5.    After the 1958 season, Clemente enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and dedicated six months to active duty at Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. His service continued until 1964. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with induction into the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

6.    Roberto Clemente secured the Gold Glove award in each season that he played from 1961 through his last year in 1972. His remarkable achievement of 12 Gold Glove awards for outfielders remains tied with Willie Mays.

7.    Clemente was the first Hispanic player to be nominated World Series MVP and elected to the Hall of Fame. Clemente with his three young sons, Roberto Enrique, Luis Roberto, and Roberto Jr. Following in his father’s footsteps, Roberto Jr would go on to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and the Baltimore Orioles.

8.  Clemente’s legacy includes membership in the prestigious 3,000-hit club, four batting titles, twelve Gold Gloves, two World Series championships, a National League MVP award, and a lifetime batting average of .317.

9. The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the player who “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.” The award is given at the World Series. This year’s nominee from the Pittsburgh Pirates is David Bednar. It was Willie Mays who received the first Roberto Clemente Award. In this photo, Willie Mays congratulates Clemente when his 3,000 and final hit.

10. Here is a bonus moment of Roberto Clemente with his family during the 1971 World Series.