The iconic superstar of the Pittsburgh Pirates was on top of the world in 1972. The previous October, Roberto Clemente helped lead the Pirates to a World Series championship. In 1972 he was on the precipice of reaching the coveted 3,000 hit mark.
Early in the 1972 MLB season, Clemente and his family took part in a celebration at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. Below are three photos from that special day, courtesy the Clemente Museum.
PHOTO CAPTION: Roberto Clemente with his three sons at Three Rivers Stadium early in the 1972 baseball season. From left: Roberto; Enrique; Luis; and Roberto Jr. Wife Vera is standing.
PHOTO CAPTION: In this photo, Roberto snaps a photo of his youngest son Luis with an unidentified child of a teammate on the field at Three Rivers Stadium in 1972.
PHOTO CAPTION: Roberto Clemente poses with two children at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh during the 1972 season.
Only months after these heartwarming photos were taken, Roberto Clemente lost his life while attempting to deliver supplies to victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. The plane Roberto was traveling on disappeared into the Gulf of Mexico on December 31, 1972. Clemente was 38 years old when he perished.
Clemente’s legacy is cherished by baseball and his native land of Puerto Rico. The Roberto Clemente Award is given each year to the Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the unselfish, humanitarian spirit of Clemente.
Roberto Clemente Jr. carries on the legacy of his father through the Roberto Clemente Foundation.This September the foundation and other organizations will honor Clemente during several events in Pittsburgh. On September 12, Clemente Jr. will host a benefit dinner in Pittsburgh.
