For the second year in a row, the late Roberto Clemente was commemorated in Colt Park for his work as a humanitarian and civil rights leader. Clemente, who died on December 31, 1972, was remembered yesterday with flowers, remarks, and a poem.
Pedro Bermudez, Jr., in his welcome message, described Clemente as “a person who was completely selfless.”
Participants were led in the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “La Borinqueña.”
Karina Rivera shared a message from Roberto Clemente, Jr.
City Councilperson Joel Cruz, Jr., and State Representative Edwin Vargas were just two of the politicians who appeared at and participated in the ceremony. State Rep. Angel Arce called Clemente a “great Puerto Rican.”
In the blessing, Deacon Ramon A. Rosado from La Iglesia San Agustin, described Clemente as “a gentle and humble man.”
Willie Matos’ poem “El Legado de Clemente” was read by several attendees.
Tuesday’s ceremony took place at the Roberto Clemente Field in Hartford’s Colt Park.
lobonick
wow.. a wonderful piece.. I would have checked it out if I had known.. a huge clemente fan.. too young to have seen him play.. but his story is legend..
one famous story about him.. apparently there was movie filming sometime when he was with Pittsburgh.. don’t know the name of the movie, but it must have a been a very old baseball movie…. the script called for him to ground out to 1st base or something like that.. when clemente found out.. he refused to be filmed with that script.. his quote was something like: “.. the great Roberto Clemente doesn’t appear in a movie and ground out to 1st base..” and as the story goes.. Roberto clemente was never in the movie.. greatness can come in all types of people..
Julio Concepcion
I believe the movie was “The Odd Couple”. Bill Mazeroski had to fill in for Roberto as he refused to hit into a double play in the movie. Great story!
Thanks for covering the event Kerri!
Herb Eichenlaub
Roberto Clemente was not just an awesome ballplayer, he was a tremendous person and father. His legend will live forever.
You are correct, it was the Odd Copule movie they asked Clementeto be in but it was to hit in a triple play not a double play. Maz agreed to do so for $1,000