Roberto W. Clemente

“Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth. (Clemente)” Roberto Clemente lived his entire life based on this quote. He tried to make the best out of every situation by using his diverse abilities. Roberto Clemente was one of the most talented baseball players of all time. However, baseball was not everything for him, he also wanted to make a difference for the people of his home country. Roberto Clemente is considered a great hero due to his actions on and off the field.

“Roberto Clemente was widely recognized as one of the most talented baseball players of his generation. (Clemente)” Roberto Clemente put all the time and effort he had into becoming the best baseball player he could be. Roberto Walker Clemente was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico on August 18, 1934, which is a small lower class city in Puerto Rico. Growing up in this environment made it difficult for him to become the player he is known as today. It required harder work and dedication than what it would be for an American baseball player. Roberto Clemente broke racial barriers for all Latinos; just like Jackie Robinson broke barriers for African Americans. Although he faced the hardships of growing up in a third world country, and not being the stereotypical race of a professional baseball player at that time, he became one of the most talented baseball players of all time. “He played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh pirates; he amassed more than 3,000 hits and a batting average of .317. (Clemente)” Only a handful of players have ever achieved getting 3,000 hits and playing 18 seasons. Even though his baseball stats on the diamond were outstanding, what he did off the field is why he will always be remembered.

Clemente had a generous heart and helped people in need. “During the off-season, he conducted baseball clinics all over the island, talking to children about the virtues of hard work, citizenship, and respect for their elders.” When most baseball players make it to the Major Leagues, they get so caught up in their success that they forget about their home roots. Roberto Clemente was not one of those players. When he made it to the Major Leagues, he helped his hometown with most baseball-oriented activities. He also donated most of his time and effort to help the youth of Puerto Rico during his off-season. The Puerto Rican people viewed him as a hero because of his character, not just some baseball player that made it to the major leagues.

“His life was cut short when his plane delivering relief supplies to the earthquake patients crashed. (Clemente)” Roberto Clemente is a great hero because he died trying to help earthquake victims in need from his home country. The people admired him because he is an example of a man that knew what life was worth living for. This obviously proves that Roberto Clemente is a hero. `

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