Roberto Clemente (1934-1972), “The Great One,” was Puerto Rico’s most popular sports figure and the first Latino elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. He won 12 straight Gold Glove Awards and 4 National League batting champion titles. Twelve times he was named to the All-Star team. He was Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1966 and Most Valuable Player in the 1971 World Series. His .317 career batting average was the highest among all active baseball players. A committed humanitarian with a passion for family and the welfare of children, he challenged racial discrimination while helping the less fortunate. He lost his life while attempting to fly relief supplies to earthquake victims in Central America. Recognized as baseball’s first Latin American superstar, he believed it is not enough to play the game well. One must always give back.

 If you have a chance to help others and fail to do so,

you’re wasting your time on this earth.—Roberto Clemente

Hall of Fame

(By Jonathan Sprout and Dave Kinnoin)

Such an eager little boy,

Broomstick for a bat,

Tin can for a ball—

Not much more than that.

One day he gave that ball a mighty whack,

Sailing over a mitt—a coffee bean sack,

Far from the sugar fields of San Juan

To the Pittsburgh stands… “Going, going, gone!”

Refrain:       So much more than just the way

                      He played the game,

                      It was his kind and giving heart

                       That keeps him in our Hall of Fame.

Managua earthquake victims.

An overloaded plane

Filled with relief supplies

Takes off in the rain.

He knew there was a risk, but he had to go

On a mission of mercy—he couldn’t say no.

Now, far from the sugar fields of San Juan

The legend lives on.

Refrain

Bridge:           He dazzled everyone with plays he made

                        And passion in the ways he played.

                        “He was a Superstar!” they all declared.

                        Remembered as theman who cared.

Refrain

©2014 Kanukatunes (ASCAP) and Song Wizard Music (ASCAP)

Lead vocal: Jonathan Sprout

Drum programming, bass programming, keyboards, trumpet, trombone, alto horn, tenor, and baritone saxophones: Joe Mennonna

Guitars: Joe Mennonna and Leslie Chew

Background vocals: Susie Stevens and Jimmy Hammer