Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente was a professional baseball player, playing Major League baseball and also in the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League. He was born August 18, 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico to poor, working class parents.

(http://t3.pacific.edu/teams/B015705/clemente.jpg)

As a young boy growing up in Puerto Rico, Roberto was always interested in baseball and could be found on the ball field when he wasn't delivering milk cans for money to support the family. His talent was undeniable in his adolescence, as was his enthusiasm. While in school he would even squeeze a foam ball to strengthen his throwing arm.

Clemente began his professional career in Puerto Rico, but was soon asked to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers triple-A team in Montreal. He was then drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954, thus beginning his hall of fame career, despite challenges including language and culture barriers, a stint in the US Marine Corps, prejudice, and racial discrimination.

What really separates Clemente from other ball players, however, was his dedication to service and those in poverty. He frequently made trips and donations to poor towns in Latin America and around the world. On December 31, 1972 while on a flight to bring aid to Nicaraguan earthquake victims, Roberto's plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.

(http://www.wilmotco.com/imageskgc/Clemente_3000_Hit.jpg)

Clemente's life has been honored by Major League Baseball with a Hall of Fame induction and an award given each year in his name. His legacy will live on.