On December 31, 1972, as the New Year was just a day away, the entire city of Pittsburgh was shrouded in mourning.

"Clemente Dies In Plane Crash"
 

He was a player who had been honored with both the World Series and National League MVP titles, and had been consecutively selected for the Gold Glove for 12 years. The last time Pittsburgh fans saw him was on September 30, 1972, marking his 3,000th career hit. 

 

 

"I have received the most honorable award in my career."

- Adam Wainwright, upon receiving the Roberto Clemente Award

"I've won the World Series and received countless awards, but the most precious moment of my life is right now."
- John Smoltz, upon receiving the Roberto Clemente Award

 

 

In Major League Baseball, there's a unique award that's not solely based on 'baseball performance'. It's the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player who has demonstrated the most philanthropy. Every year on September 9, each team nominates one player, and from these 30 nominees, the final awardee is decided. Being nominated is considered an honor among Major League players, and teams take pride when their players are selected. 

 

 

Roberto Clemente, the creator of the award, was a one-club man for Pittsburgh*, achieving 3,000 hits** and the World Series MVP. Notably, he showcased rapid bat speed and overwhelming defensive skills. In his last season in 1972, he not only achieved his 3,000th hit but was also awarded his 12th Gold Glove*** at the age of 38.

* One-club man: Refers to a player who has played for only one club throughout his career.
** Unlike other players who strive to increase their bat speed, Clemente's exceptional physical condition led him to use a heavier bat, which subsequently improved his batting performance.
*** Gold Glove: An award given to players who have demonstrated the best defense in their respective positions during a season.

The tragic incident traces back to December 23, 1972. A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Nicaragua in Central America. Upon hearing the news, Clemente prepared relief goods and boarded a plane bound for Nicaragua. However, shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed due to sudden adverse weather conditions.

What makes this tragedy even more poignant is that Clemente initially had no plans to personally visit Nicaragua. After the earthquake, he sent relief goods twice, but due to mismanagement by officials, he decided to personally deliver the aid, leading to his boarding the ill-fated flight.

 

 

The world mourned the loss of Clemente. His homeland, Puerto Rico, declared a three-day national mourning period in his honor. Furthermore, the Hall of Fame waived its usual five-year waiting period to induct him posthumously. The following year, in 1973, he was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with an overwhelming 93% of the vote.

 

Subsequently, Major League Baseball designated every September 15 as 'Roberto Clemente Day', where all players wear his jersey number, 21.

* The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame typically requires a player to be retired for five years before they can be nominated.

 

 

"If you have the opportunity to make a difference in the world and you don't, you're just wasting your time."
- Roberto Clemente

Though Clemente is no longer with us, his legacy remains. Major League players often include donation clauses* in their contracts or even run their own foundations. Teams also consistently engage in community service and donations**, embodying the spirit of noblesse oblige in American society.

* In 2021, when Major League player Shin-Soo Choo returned to the KBO, he made headlines by donating 1 billion KRW out of his 2.7 billion KRW salary.
** Korean players like Chan-Ho Park, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Shin-Soo Choo, who have played in the Major Leagues, have established and operate their own foundations.
*** The Arizona Diamondbacks have been recognized for their philanthropy, having donated a cumulative total of 60 million USD over 20 years.