Roberto Clemente

Born

Aug 18, 1934

Born as Roberto Clemente Walker near San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Beginning of a Legacy

Period: Jan 1, 1948 to Dec 31, 1948

Clemente began playing softball, baseball, and running track.

Going Semi-pro

Jan 1, 1952

Joined the Puerto Rican semi-pro team, the Santurce Crabbers

Going Pro

Jan 1, 1954

Joined the Brooklynn Dodgers baseball organization playing for their farm-league team.

Becoming a Pirate

Dec 1, 1955

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Marriage

Nov 1, 1964

Met Vera Zabala while visiting his hometown. The got married in November.

First son

Jan 1, 1965

Welcomed first son, Roberto Jr. to the family.

MVP!

Sep 1, 1966

Recorded 2000th career hit and earned NL MVP award.

Roberto Clemente Night

Jul 24, 1970

"Roberto Clemente Night" at Three Rivers Stadium.

Making History

Sep 30, 1972

Recorded his 3000th career hit, becoming the 11th man to ever do so.

Death

Dec 24, 1972

Died in a plane that crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. Him and some friends were flying to Managua, Nicaragua to provide medicine, food, and other supplies to victims of a recent earthquake. Clemente was only 38.

Hall of Fame

Jan 1, 1973

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in a special election.