50 years ago today, "The Great One" cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever step on a baseball field.
Roberto Clemente hit a double to left-center field for hit number 3,000 at Three Rivers Stadium in a 5-0 win against the Mets.
Unfortunately, it would be the last hit of his career. His life would be cut short a few months later on New Year's Eve, delivering much-needed supplies to Nicaragua, his plane crashed, killing the baseball and humanitarian superstar.
Clemente became the first Latin player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits and, at the time, was only the 11th person ever to do so. Today, 33 players have achieved that feat.
Pitcher Steve Blass and catcher Manny Sanguillen recently visited to watch the event that they were there for.
"He was the best," said Blass. "The great Clemente," added Sanguillen. "He wanted to do everything in Pittsburgh."
The Pittsburgh Pirates and city leaders gathers outside where home plate at Three Rivers Stadium was on Friday to celebrate the anniversary.
SABR, dedicated placed a marker where home plate stood as well as where second base stood. That's where Clemente stood and tipped his cap to the crowd at Three Rivers.
Since his death, Clemente as been recognized for his accomplishments on the field, but even more so for his tireless efforts to make the lives of those less fortunate better.
"If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don't do that, you are wasting your time on this earth," and "I am from the poor people; I represent the poor people. I like workers," are just some of the quotes he is known for.
Even today, Clemente is a hero to Latin players and on every Roberto Clemente Day, they get to wear the #21 on his back as well as Pirates players and former winners of the annual Robert Clemente Award.
It's time to retire #21 across baseball. Just like Jackie Robinson before him, Clemente's impact on the game of baseball is still being felt today.
