45 Years of Award Winners
Last September marked the 45th anniversary of Roberto’s 3,000th hit. One of baseball’s most triumphant moments, the crown jewel of baseball’s most beloved player. But for Roberto it wasn’t all about the records broken and games won. It was about his service to humanity. He once said that he wanted “to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give.” His statement wasn’t speci fic to baseball. Roberto considered himself, rst and foremost, a servant to humanity. It was about his service to humanity.
Last September marked the 45th anniversary of Roberto’s 3,000th hit. One of baseball’s most triumphant moments, the crown jewel of baseball’s most beloved player. But for Roberto it wasn’t all about the records broken and games won.
To right: Susan Wagner Roberto Clemente sculpture
Photo: Jean Fruth / National Baseball Hall of Fame
Celebration of the
World Changers
In 1971, Willie Mays received the award as well as Brooks Robinson in 1972, which was then called the Commissioner’s Award. In 1973, the award was given to Al Kaline as the Roberto Clemente Award for its humanitarian qualities.
Thankfully, over 40 of the Clemente award winners are still with us today. Many retired, but still active and doing good work for their communities. We hope to have as many of them present as possible for the Clemente Hall of Fame dedication ceremony in November. Our Hall of Fame is a celebration of these humanitarian efforts. Our hope is that we can help cultivate the next generation of world-changers.
Left: Kids at historic Santurce Cangrejeros dugout.
Photo: Jean Fruth / National Baseball Hall of Fame
Kept in a Place of Honor
The Roberto Clemente Award has been given out for nearly 50 years. What makes this award stand out among the many awards the MLB honors its players is its humanity. Award winners embody Roberto’s values on the diamond and in the community. The Roberto Clemente Award has established itself as one of baseball’s most prestigious humanitarian awards. Award winner Albert Pujols’s Roberto Clemente Award occupies a place of honor in his home away from his many other awards. In 2017, Anthony Rizzo was similarly honored and stated, “It’s the greatest award you can win…
Right: Statue at the Roberto Clemente Stadium in Carolina.
Photo: Jean Fruth / National Baseball Hall of Fame
