Roberto Clemente Walker
- Born:
- August 18, 1934, Carolina, Puerto Rico
- Died:
- December 31, 1972, en route to Nicaragua (plane crash)
- Nationality:
- Puerto Rican
- Profession(s):
- Professional Baseball Player
Early Life and Education
- Born the youngest of seven children to Melchor Clemente and Luisa Walker.
- Attended Julio Vizcarrondo High School in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
- Excelled in track and field, as well as baseball.
Career and Major Achievements
- Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1954.
- Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954.
- Played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972.
- 12-time Gold Glove Award winner (1961-1972).
- 4-time National League Batting Champion (1961, 1964, 1965, 1967).
- National League MVP (1966).
- 2-time World Series Champion (1960, 1971).
- World Series MVP (1971).
- 3,000th career hit on September 30, 1972.
Notable Works
Roberto Clemente's primary "work" was his performance and dedication to baseball. While not directly a "work," extensive video footage exists documenting his career. For more information on his life and career, one might search "roberto clemente biography youtube leonardo dicaprio," although the latter is unrelated and would not yield relevant results. Clemente also dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts and charitable work, especially in Latin America.
Legacy and Impact
- Posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
- The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the MLB player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.
- Considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and a symbol of Puerto Rican pride.
- His humanitarian efforts continue to inspire.