August 17, 1984 Carolina, Puerto Rico
Roberto Clemente was born Aug 17, 1934 Carolina, Puerto Rico
Clemente's professional career pagan when he was offered a contract with Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League, in 1952. The Brooklyn Dodgers would offer the young Clemente a contract to their AAA-afiliate team.
Clemente was sent to the Montreal Royals of the Dodger organization. Clemente would move to the Pittsburgh Pirates and make his major league debut in 1955. During his 18-year career with the Pirates Clemente would play in 12 All-Star games, earn 11 Gold Gloves, lead the national League in batting 4-times. He finished his career with a .317 BA, named National League MVP in 1966, help the Pirates to 2 world series championships (1960, 1971) named World Series MVP 1971.
New Year's Eve 1972, Clemente lost his life in plane crash, while on a humanitarian mission to deliver supplies to victims of an earthquake that hit Nicaragua a week earlier.
The first day ceremony was held at the Roberto Clemente Sport City, Carolina, Puerto Rico
Clemente was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. His plaque reads:
Roberto Clemente Walker
Member of the exclusive 3,000-hit club. Led National League in batting four times.
Had four seasons with 200 ro more hits while posting a lifetime .317 average and 240 home runs.
Won Most Valuable Player award in 1966.
Rifle-armed defensive star set N.L. mark by pacing outfielders in assists five years.
Batted .362 in tow World Series, hitting in all 14 games.
Clemente's jersey #21 was retired by the Pirates in 1973
Awarded the Roberto Clemente Walker Congressional Medal, 1973 by President Richard Nixon
Awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, 1973, by President Richard Nixon
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2003, by President George W Bush
USPS Commemorative Panel
USPS souvenir page
Robinson Stamps batter cachet - signed by stamp designer Juan Lopez-Bonilla (Louisville, Ky)
Pittsburgh Athletic Club - business corner card
A pictorial cancel was placed into use in Puerto Rico to commemorate Clemente from August 20 - 25, by the Puerto Rico Philatelic Society
1984 Nicaragua stamp commemorating Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente plaque and statue located on either side of the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Pittsburgh just outside of PNC Park.
Postal Bulletin July 19, 1984
Linn's Stamp News August 2015
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