Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The True Legacy of an Undying Hero

Katie Blackley
/
90.5 WESA

Devoted father, philanthropist and baseball hero Roberto Clemente holds an impressive number of personal and professional accomplishments. In addition to being the first Latin American baseball player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he was the 1971 World Series MVP and a 12-time Gold Glove winner.

His family has written a new book, Clemente: The True Legacy of an Undying Hero, which reveals never-before-seen photographs and commemorates his legendary career through the voices of his children and wife.

His youngest son and co-author Luis Clemente says the book remembers his father for his loyalty, honesty and relentless courage.

In the book the family shares their personal favorite memories of the famed Pirates right fielder including stories about his food poisoning before the 1971 World Series and having Martin Luther King Jr. to the family farm. They also describe the trying attempts by Clemente to combat racism both in baseball and in society.

“He wanted to use himself as an example to open that door for other Latino players…he didn’t ask to be treated better, he asked to be treated equally,” says Luis Clemente.

Roberto was revered for his remarkable career averages as well as his energy and honesty on and off the field. Luis says his father was very secure of himself and set a perfect example for his children and all his devoted fans.