Lasting Legacy of Roberto Clemente: A Look at the Influence on History
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Roberto Clemente—a timeline of influence.
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.
March 20, 1973: Hall of Fame Election
On March 20, 1973, the Baseball Writers' Association of America held a special election for the Baseball Hall of Fame and posthumously elected Clemente, waiving the waiting period, with 92.7% of the votes.
April 6, 1973: Number Retired
On April 6, 1973, Clemente's number 21 was retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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.
1973: Presidential Citizens Medal and Congressional Gold Medal
In 1973, President Richard Nixon posthumously honored Clemente with the Presidential Citizens Medal, and Congress honored him with the Congressional Gold Medal.
1973: Posthumous Induction into Hall of Fame
In 1973, Roberto Clemente was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was the first Caribbean player to be inducted.
1973: Coliseo Roberto Clemente Opened
In 1973, the Coliseo Roberto Clemente opened in San Juan.
1974: Roberto Clemente State Park
In 1974, the Harlem River State Park in Morris Heights, The Bronx, New York City, was renamed Roberto Clemente State Park.
August 17, 1984: Roberto Clemente Postal Stamp
On August 17, 1984, the United States Postal Service issued a Roberto Clemente postal stamp.
1994: Statue at Three Rivers Stadium
In 1994, the Pirates erected a statue in memory of Clemente at Three Rivers Stadium.
1997: Jackie Robinson's Number Retired
In 1997, Jackie Robinson's number 42 was retired league-wide.
1999: The Sporting News List
In 1999, Clemente was ranked number 20 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players.
2000: Estadio Roberto Clemente Opened
In 2000, Estadio Roberto Clemente opened in Carolina.
2001: Statue Moved to PNC Park
In 2001, the Clemente statue was moved to PNC Park when it opened.
2002: Roberto Clemente Day
In 2002, 30 years after his death, Major League Baseball proclaimed September 15 as "Roberto Clemente Day".
2002: ESPN Documentary
In 2002, for the ESPN documentary series SportsCentury, Clemente's widow Vera mentioned that Clemente had told her that he thought he was going to die young several times.
2003: United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame
In 2003, Clemente was also inducted into the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.
2003: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2003, President George W. Bush awarded Clemente the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2005: Latino Legends Team
In 2005, Clemente was named to Major League Baseball's Latino Legends Team.
2007: All Time Rawlings Gold Glove Team
In 2007, Clemente was selected for the All Time Rawlings Gold Glove Team for the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Gold Glove Award.
2010: Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame
In 2010, Clemente was elected to the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.
2012: Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League Renamed
In 2012, the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League (LBPPR) was renamed Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente and the number 21 was also permanently retired.
2013: Statue Unveiled at Park
In 2013, forty years after his election to the Hall of Fame, a statue was unveiled at Roberto Clemente State Park. It was the first statue honoring a Puerto Rican to be unveiled in New York City.
2015: Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame
In 2015, Clemente was elected to the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame.
2020: The Athletic's "Baseball 100" List
In 2020, The Athletic ranked Clemente at number 40 on its "Baseball 100" list, complied by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.
2022: National Hero Recognition
In 2022, the government of Puerto Rico granted Clemente the formal recognition of prócer (national hero).
