Career Timeline of Roberto Clemente: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Roberto Clemente built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Roberto Clemente was a celebrated Puerto Rican baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing 18 MLB seasons. Known for his exceptional skill as a right fielder and humanitarian efforts, he tragically died in a plane crash in December 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. His death prompted the National Baseball Hall of Fame to waive its waiting period, and he was posthumously inducted in 1973. Clemente was the first Caribbean player and second Hispanic player to receive this honor, cementing his legacy as a baseball icon and a symbol of selfless service.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1900: Baseball History

Roberto Clemente was the first player in modern Major League history (since 1900) to hit a documented walk-off, inside-the-park grand slam.

October 9, 1952: Signed with Cangrejeros de Santurce

On October 9, 1952, Roberto Clemente signed a contract with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League (LBPPR).

February 19, 1954: Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers

On February 19, 1954, Roberto Clemente signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers for a $15,000 contract.

June 1, 1954: Observed by Pirates Scout

On June 1, 1954, Pirates scout Clyde Sukeforth noticed Clemente during a scouting trip and inquired about his status, leading to the Pirates drafting him later.

July 25, 1954: First North American Home Run

On July 25, 1954, Roberto Clemente hit the first home run of his North American baseball career.

November 22, 1954: Selected by the Pirates in Rule 5 Draft

On November 22, 1954, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Roberto Clemente as the first pick in the Rule 5 draft.

1954: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates

After being signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and sent to the minor leagues, Roberto Clemente was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates after the 1954 season.

April 17, 1955: MLB Debut with the Pirates

Roberto Clemente debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 17, 1955, in a game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

July 25, 1956: Walk-off Inside-the-Park Grand Slam

On July 25, 1956, Roberto Clemente hit a walk-off, inside-the-park grand slam against the Chicago Cubs.

1958: Played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

During the off-seasons starting in 1958 (except the 1958–59, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971–72, and 1972–73 seasons), Clemente played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico.

1958: Pirates Winning Season

In 1958, the Pittsburgh Pirates had their first winning season since 1948.

1959: Two All-Star games were held

From 1959 through 1962, two All-Star games were held each season.

1960: Clemente was a Pirate during the 1960 World Series

In 1960, Clemente was a Pirate during the World Series championship team.

1960: NL Player of the Month and World Series Win

In 1960, Roberto Clemente was selected as the National League's Player of the Month and helped the Pirates win the World Series.

1960: World Series Champion

In 1960, Roberto Clemente won his first World Series as a starting position player.

1961: National League Batting Leader

In 1961, Roberto Clemente became the National League batting leader.

1961: All-Star Game and Gold Glove

In 1961, Roberto Clemente was named the starting NL right fielder for the first of two All-Star games. That season, he also received his first Gold Glove Award.

1961: Gold Glove Award

In 1961, Roberto Clemente's Gold Glove winning streak started, earning the award for each of his final 12 seasons.

1962: Played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

During the off-seasons leading up to 1962 (except the 1958–59, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971–72, and 1972–73 seasons), Clemente played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico.

1962: Two All-Star games were held

From 1959 through 1962, two All-Star games were held each season.

1964: National League Batting Leader

In 1964, Roberto Clemente became the National League batting leader.

1965: Played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

During the off-seasons leading up to 1965 (except the 1958–59, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971–72, and 1972–73 seasons), Clemente played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico.

1965: National League Batting Leader

In 1965, Roberto Clemente became the National League batting leader.

1966: National League MVP Award

In 1966, Roberto Clemente was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP).

1967: Clemente expresses desire to build a sports center

In 1967, Clemente stated his desire to create a sports center for disadvantaged youth in Puerto Rico, which he considered the most important thing he wanted to do after quitting baseball.

1967: National League Batting Leader

In 1967, Roberto Clemente became the National League batting leader.

1968: Played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

During the off-seasons leading up to 1968 (except the 1958–59, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971–72, and 1972–73 seasons), Clemente played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico.

July 24, 1970: "Roberto Clemente Night" at Three Rivers Stadium

On July 24, 1970, "Roberto Clemente Night" was celebrated at Three Rivers Stadium. Puerto Rican fans traveled to cheer Clemente in traditional attire. He received a scroll with 300,000 signatures from Puerto Rico, and donations were made to charity work at his request.

1970: Clemente's season and personal events

During the 1970 season, Clemente had a .352 batting average and the Pirates won the NL East pennant. During the offseason, Clemente managed the Senadores and his father, Melchor Clemente, underwent surgery.

1971: Played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

During the off-seasons leading up to 1971 (except the 1958–59, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971–72, and 1972–73 seasons), Clemente played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico.

1971: Pirates win the World Series; Clemente wins MVP

In 1971, the Pirates won the NL East, the NL pennant, and the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. Clemente batted .414 during the series, including a solo home run in the final game, and he received the World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

October 11, 1972: Clemente's last game

On October 11, 1972, Clemente played his last game at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium in the final game of the 1972 NLCS. He had his final hit in the 1st inning, and his final plate appearance was an intentional walk in the 8th inning.

December 1972: Clemente's Humanitarian Flight

In December 1972, Clemente chartered a plane to deliver emergency relief goods to earthquake survivors in Nicaragua.

December 23, 1972: Earthquake in Managua, Nicaragua; Clemente organizes relief

On December 23, 1972, following a massive earthquake in Managua, Nicaragua, Clemente organized emergency relief flights. After learning that aid was being diverted, he decided to accompany the fourth flight himself to ensure it reached the victims.

1972: Clemente's performance in 1972 season

During the 1972 season, Clemente played in 102 games, hitting .312, making the NL All-Star roster for the fifteenth time, and winning his twelfth consecutive Gold Glove.

1972: Played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico

During the off-seasons leading up to 1972 (except the 1958–59, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1968–69, 1971–72, and 1972–73 seasons), Clemente played in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico.

1972: Clemente's Death and Charitable Work

In 1972, Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash while delivering aid to victims of the Nicaragua earthquake. He was known for his charity work in Latin America and the Caribbean.

1972: Final Gold Glove Award

In 1972, Roberto Clemente won his 12th consecutive Gold Glove Award.

1973: Commissioner's Award renamed Roberto Clemente Award

In 1973, Major League Baseball renamed the Commissioner's Award to the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a player with outstanding baseball skills and community involvement.