Roberto Clemente By: Zach Staszak

Roberto Clemente

Born Roberto Clemente Walker was born August 18, 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. His parents were Melchor Clemente and Luisa Walker. He was one of seven siblings.

Carolina, Puerto Rico

Early Childhood He had a few jobs to help family with money. He showed early interest in baseball,

Baseball

Young Adult In his first year of High School he was recruited to play for the Sello Rojo softball team. He played two years and played shortstop. He quickly moved into the Puerto Rican Amateur league.

Roberto for Sello Rojo

Early Baseball Career His professional career began Pedrin Zorilla offered him a contract to play for the Santurce Crabbers He hit.288 as a leadoff hitter. While playing for them the Dodgers offered him a contract with the Triple-a team. Then was drafted first selection by the Pirates on November, 1954.

He played for Dodgers and the Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates His Debut was April 17, In the Beginning of his Pirate career the fans did not like him because he was not white. During the middle of the year he was in a car crash that took him out for several games. During winter he played for Santurce Crabbers

Playing for the Pirates

1960 and 1961 Instead of playing for the Crabbers he went into the marines for he winter and gained huge strength and gained 10 pounds. He led the league in batting average and runs batted in. He was injured again when he ran into the outer wall of the field. They won the World Series in 1961 He also married Vera Zebala.

Catching ball at the wall

Times with Pirates

Death in Plane Crash He spent most of his time outside of baseball doing charity work. When Managua was hit with a massive earthquake he quickly set to work arranging emergency relief kits. He decided to accompany one of the planes to ensure the supplies get there. The planed had problems from the beginning and crashed into the ocean. His body was never found.

Career Achievements Won 1960 and 1971 World Series Won MVP of World Series Major League Latinos All Star Team Gold Glove Award National League MVP Babe Ruth award 3000 hit club Pirates retired his number Hall of Fame class of 1973

Career Statistics Played in 2433 games. Had 9454 total at- bats runs scored. Over 3000 hits.440 double, 166 triples, 240 home runs, 1305 runs batted in, 83 stolen bases, 620 walks, 1230 strikeouts, batted.317, on base percentage of.359, and a slugging percentage of.475.

Websites Used

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