Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates for his entire career, Clemente did everything you could ask for from a baseball player. He hit for average, batting at least .300 in 12 different seasons, he had power, going deep 240 times, and he was the best defensive outfielder of his era.
A World Series Champion, Clemente became a hero to the Latin American community, and he was known for his philanthropy, giving back where he could. On one such mission, he died in a plane crash on route to Nicaragua to deliver food and supplies to earthquake victims.
Major League Baseball renamed the Commissioner’s Award to the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."
We are proud to nominate Roberto Clemente for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.