Roberto Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player born on August 18, 1934, in Carolina, Puerto Rico. He played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates primarily as a right fielder. Clemente was renowned for his exceptional hitting ability, strong throwing arm, and outstanding fielding skills, winning 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards. He won four National League batting titles, the 1966 NL Most Valuable Player Award, and was a 15-time All-Star. Clemente helped the Pirates win two World Series championships, earning the World Series MVP in 1971. Clemente was also known for his humanitarian efforts. Tragically, he died at age 38 on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973 and honors such as the Roberto Clemente Award were established in his memory to recognize players exemplifying sportsmanship and community service. His legacy endures both as a baseball icon and a humanitarian figure.
