Baseball legend Roberto Clemente, who died 50 years ago, unexpectedly went viral on Twitter Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Pirates right-fielder, a 15-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, died in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972. The Baseball Hall of Fame waived its eligibility rules to allow Clemente to be inducted in 1973.
On Aug. 6, 1973, Clemente joined the Hall of Fame, in the process becoming the first Latin player inducted.
Many in the baseball world recognized the 50th anniversary of that historic event Sunday. While Clemente’s heavy presence on Twitter came as a real surprise, it was well-deserved.
Fifty years ago today, Roberto Clemente became the first Latin American player inducted into the Hall of Fame. His legacy on and off the field remains an inspiration to millions. pic.twitter.com/AeaSNFFfKH
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) August 6, 2023
Clemente’s son, Roberto Clemente Jr., also pointed out the anniversary.
8/6/73 50 years ago , Dad was inducted into the @baseballhall. He was the first Latino enshrined in history. pic.twitter.com/YWdzUo2CUa
— Roberto Clemente Jr (@RClementejr21) August 7, 2023
Latin American players are a dominant force in baseball today. According to MLB.com, there were 288 Latino/Hispanic players on 2023 Opening Day rosters, representing 30.2% of all players.
Yet Clemente was the first Latin American superstar. In 18 seasons with the Pirates he collected 3,000 hits, won the 1966 NL MVP award and collected four batting titles.
And those are reasons people are still talking about Clemente today, 50 years after his death. Oh yes, he also had a charitable heart; he died in a plane crash while delivering supplies to earthquake victims in Central America.
MLB fans remembered Clemente on the anniversary of his historic day with video tributes, stats posts, personal stories from those who met him, and other tributes. There were also renewed calls to retire Clemente’s No. 21 throughout baseball.
#OTD in 1973, Roberto Clemente was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here’s my painting of the great man during the 1972 season, tragically his last. pic.twitter.com/XXXc89o471
— Graig Kreindler (@GraigKreindler) August 6, 2023
August 6, 1973 – His wife Vera Clemente accepts the honor as Roberto Clemente is posthumously enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame.#MLB #HOF #OTD #1970s #Pittsburgh #Pirates #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/TkrdcgEKQg
— JVAN (@VanderlansJim) August 6, 2023
https://twitter.com/SoCal515/status/1688023228013244416
Wille Mays made the “Greatest Catch” in baseball history but “Greatest Throw” honors go to Roberto Clemente. And this is it: https://t.co/M9psNVLbYM
— Scott Shepard (@shepardindc) August 6, 2023
50 years ago today, Roberto Clemente inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Elected just months after the tragic plane crash that took his life on NYE '72, the great Clemente goes in. So glad I can say I saw Roberto play a LOT in person at Wrigley. I display his card at home pic.twitter.com/fB2b2zuP8z
— Parker andTheMan (@parkerandtheman) August 7, 2023
Fifty years ago today Roberto Clemente became the first latino to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He paved the way for all Latinos with grace dignity and pride.
May we never forget his legacy and impact on the world and utilize his example as a way to live by! pic.twitter.com/r0xSHDgX4o— Jose Alvarez (@Jose_AAlv) August 6, 2023
Roberto Clemente’s #21 should be retired throughout baseball as an eternal tribute to a Hall of Famer who gave his life to help Earthquake victims. He is an inspiration to all of us to help others less fortunate. https://t.co/N43fLpxXEV
— Alan H.Cohn (@AlanHCohn1) August 7, 2023
