The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has announced the inaugural recipient of the Roberto Clemente Scholarship, which commemorates the legacy of the Hall of Fame professional baseball player, his service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and his commitment to serving others.
Daniel Miranda of Crofton, Maryland is currently attending the University of Maryland-College Park, where he is pursuing a degree in English with aspirations of becoming a journalist to uplift cultural voices and representation in literature.
“It is thanks to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation that I can truly focus on my degree and goals, as so much financial stress has been relieved thanks to the foundation's generous scholarship award,” he said. “Being a recipient of the award has also greatly improved my school experience, as I have additional opportunities to attend events, where I was able to personally thank many of the MCSF and RCF staff who've helped me.”
Daniel Miranda volunteers in his local community, plays piano at senior homes, helps with Meals on Wheels, and coaches local soccer. The Miranda family has a passion for baseball and Daniel was also involved in high school and club baseball. He is the son of Marine veteran Sgt. Roger J. Miranda.
“My father always instilled the importance of literature, and my mother instilled in me the importance of uplifting others,” he said.
Clemente enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve after the 1958 season and spent six months on active duty at Parris Island, South Carolina and Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. He served until 1964 and was inducted into the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2018, Clemente was inducted into the Puerto Rico Veteran’s Hall of Fame.
“The Roberto Clemente Memorial Scholarship is a tribute to his enduring legacy of selfless service and sacrifice,” said retired Marine Lt. Col. Ted Probert, current president and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. “Awarded annually beginning in 2023, this scholarship will ensure that more children of Marines have the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their academic aspirations.”
Clemente was the first Caribbean and Latin-American player to be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He often attributed his success on the field to the rigorous Marine Corps training that allowed him to wield a heavier bat and adopt a more aggressive approach, enhancing his on-field performance.
“While Roberto Clemente’s remarkable accomplishments as a baseball player and humanitarian are often mentioned, his proud military service is an important part of his legacy,” said Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr.
Roberto Clemente Day was recognized on Sept. 15.
“It’s exciting to see my father’s vision and dream go out into the world as we continue to develop the Clemente family tradition of giving and caring,” said Luis Clemente, chairperson and co-founder of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. “The military was an important part of his life and his pride as a Puerto Rican and an American.”
To learn more about the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.