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 who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons. Known for his exceptional fielding and hitting, he won 12 Gold Glove Awards and was a 15-time All-Star. Tragically, he died in a plane crash in December 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. His humanitarian efforts and extraordinary baseball career led to his posthumous induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, making him the first Caribbean and second Latin American player to receive this honor. Clemente is remembered as a baseball icon and a symbol of compassion and social responsibility.
October 9, 1952: Signed with Cangrejeros de Santurce
On October 9, 1952, at the age of 18, Roberto Clemente signed a contract with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League.
February 19, 1954: Clemente Signed with Brooklyn Dodgers
On February 19, 1954, Roberto Clemente signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers for $15,000.
June 1, 1954: Observed by Pirates scout
On June 1, 1954, Roberto Clemente was spotted by Pittsburgh Pirates scout Clyde Sukeforth during a scouting trip.
July 25, 1954: First North American Home Run
On July 25, 1954, Roberto Clemente hit his first home run in North American baseball during his first at-bat as a defensive replacement.
November 22, 1954: Selected in Rule 5 Draft
On November 22, 1954, Roberto Clemente was the first selection by the Pirates in the Rule 5 draft.
1954: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates
In 1954, after being signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and sent to the minor leagues, Roberto Clemente was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
April 17, 1955: MLB Debut with the Pirates
On April 17, 1955, Roberto Clemente made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
July 25, 1956: Inside-the-Park Grand Slam
On July 25, 1956, Roberto Clemente hit a walk-off, inside-the-park grand slam at Forbes Field, becoming the first player in modern MLB history to achieve this.
1958: Pirates Winning Season
In 1958, the Pirates had their first winning season since 1948.
1959: All-Star Roster
In 1960, Roberto Clemente earned his first spot on the NL All-Star roster as a reserve player after having a stellar season.
May 1960: NL Player of the Month
In May 1960, Clemente was named NL Player of the Month Award.
1960: Last Pirate Player from 1960 World Series
In 1960, Clemente, along with Bill Mazeroski, were the last Pirate players remaining from the 1960 World Series championship team.
1960: Player of the Month and World Series Champion
In 1960, Roberto Clemente was selected as the National League's Player of the Month for May and helped the Pirates win the World Series.
1960: World Series Champion
In 1960, Roberto Clemente won his first World Series championship. He was the first player from the Caribbean and Latin America to win as a starting position player.
1961: First NL Batting Leader Title
In 1961, Roberto Clemente became the National League batting leader, showcasing his hitting prowess.
1961: All-Star and Gold Glove Season
In 1961, Roberto Clemente started in the All-Star game, contributing to a come-from-behind victory and also received his first Gold Glove Award.
1961: Gold Glove Winner
Starting in 1961, Roberto Clemente won the Gold Glove award for each of his final 12 seasons.
1964: Second NL Batting Leader Title
In 1964, Roberto Clemente was again the National League batting leader, demonstrating his consistent performance.
1964: NL Batting Title
In 1964, Roberto Clemente won the NL Batting title for the second time.
1965: Third NL Batting Leader Title
In 1965, Roberto Clemente continued his hitting success by securing his third title as the National League batting leader.
1965: Injury and All-Star Selection
In 1965, Roberto Clemente experienced a thigh injury during winter league play, impacting his early season performance. Later on July 15, he participated as a pinch hitter during the All-Star Game.
1965: NL Batting Title
In 1965, Roberto Clemente won the NL Batting title for the third time.
May 1967: NL Player of the Month
In May 1967, Clemente was named NL Player of the Month Award.
1967: Fourth NL Batting Leader Title
In 1967, Roberto Clemente was awarded his fourth title as National League batting leader.
1967: NL Batting Title
In 1967, Roberto Clemente won the NL Batting title for the fourth time, registered a career-high .357 batting average, hit 23 home runs, and batted in 110 runs.
July 1969: NL Player of the Month
In July 1969, Clemente was named NL Player of the Month Award.
July 24, 1970: "Roberto Clemente Night"
On July 24, 1970, "Roberto Clemente Night" was celebrated at Three Rivers Stadium with Puerto Rican fans and charitable donations.
October 11, 1972: Clemente's Last Game
On October 11, 1972, Clemente played his last game at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium in the fifth and final game of the 1972 NLCS. Clemente had his final hit (single) in the 1st inning; his final plate appearance was an intentional walk in the 8th inning. The Reds won the game in the bottom of the 9th inning.
December 1972: Plane crash for Nicaragua earthquake relief
In December 1972, Roberto Clemente died in the crash of a plane he chartered to deliver relief goods to earthquake survivors in Nicaragua.
1972: Played Winter Ball
In 1972, Roberto Clemente played professionally for Cangrejeros de Santurce in Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico during off-season.
1972: Death delivering aid to earthquake victims
In 1972, Roberto Clemente tragically died in a plane crash while delivering aid to victims of the Nicaragua earthquake.
1972: Gold Glove Award
In 1972, Roberto Clemente won a Gold Glove Award for the 12th consecutive season.
December 31, 1972: Roberto Clemente's Death
On December 31, 1972, Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This tragic event cut short his illustrious career and life.
1973: Roberto Clemente Award
In 1973, Major League Baseball renamed the Commissioner's Award to the Roberto Clemente Award, awarded annually to a player with outstanding baseball skills and community involvement.
