+ Roberto Clemente

+ Childhood Born August 18, 1934 Carolina, Puerto Rico. The youngest of seven children.

+ Childhood ➶ Melchor Clemente and Luisa Walker were his parents. ➶ delivered milk cans to the family’s neighbors in order to get money. ➶ First started playing baseball with Sello Rojo’s team.

+ Background At the young age of 17, he played for Santurce Cangrejeros in the Puerto Rican Winter. signed with the Dodgers for $10,000 never got to play a single game in Brooklyn or Los Angeles

+ Background ➻ Pittsburgh Pirates general manager selected for$4,000 on Nov. 22, ➻ In the 1960's, Clemente joined the likes of Hank Aaron and Willie Mays as one of the top players in the National League. ➻ In the 1960's, no other player dominated the entire decade like Roberto Clemente did.

+ Achievements 1955, Clemente had a solid rookie season batting.255 with five homers and 47 RBI's..311 in his sophomore season hit above.300 for the next 12 seasons.

+ Achievements  In his pro career, he got over 200 hits four times (1961,64,66,67),  hit over.350 three times (1961, 67 & '70),  lead the league in batting four times and won 12 consecutive gold glove awards.

+ Personal Life November 14, 1964, married Vera Zabala at San Fernando Church in Carolina Three children: Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto and Enrique Roberto began his professional career playing with the Santurce Crabbers

+ Awards  He was awarded the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award  1966won twelve Gold Glove Awards After death he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming the first Latin American to be selected

+ Quotes by Clemente "I am convinced that God wanted me to be a baseball player. I was born to play baseball.” "I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give.” "Why does everyone talk about the past? All that counts is tomorrow's game."