Puerto Rican · Carolina, Puerto Rico · Born 18 August 1934Puerto Rican baseball right fielder who became the first Latin American player to reach 3,000 hits and won 15 Gold Gloves during his MLB career.
Roberto Walker Clemente was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico in 1934. He played his entire career for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He won 12 Gold Gloves and four batting titles. He collected his 3,000th hit on September 30 1972 — the last game of the regular season. Three months later, on New Year's Eve 1972, he died in a plane crash while personally overseeing a relief mission to Nicaragua earthquake victims — he had boarded the plane to ensure supplies were not diverted by corrupt officials. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame immediately upon his death — the mandatory five-year waiting period was waived. He is the most revered figure in Puerto Rican sports history.
First Latino player to reach 3,000 hits, humanitarian work
How They Played
Outstanding right fielder with powerful arm, line drive hitter
Lasting Impact
Baseball Hall of Fame, first Latino superstar, died in humanitarian mission
Career Honours
- World Series 2x (1960,1971)
- World Series MVP 1971
- NL MVP 1966
- Gold Glove 12x
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 1955–1972 | 2433 |
Puerto Rican Athletes