Roberto Clemente

One of the most complete ballplayers ever, Roberto Clemente earned four batting titles while compiling twelve straight Gold Glove awards. The 12-time All-Star turned in a phenomenal performance in the 1971 World Series — hitting .414 and being named World Series MVP following Pittsbugh’s seven-game triumph over Baltimore. Clemente smashed a double off the wall in left-center on the final day of the 1972 season for the 3000th hit of his big league career. Pittsburgh’s favorite son was a tremendous humanitarian as well, and not only organized relief supplies for an eathquake-ravaged Nicaragua later that year, but chose to accompany the air shipment to insure the much-needed items got to the people in need. Baseball suffered one of its most tragic losses when the plane crashed just off the Puerto Rican coast on December 31st, 1972. Clemente was voted into the Hall of Fame months later in 1973. Major League Baseball has (every year since 1971) given an annual award to the player who combines outstanding skills on the field with devoted work in the community. In 1973, the award was named in honor of Clemente, a lasting tribute to his selflessness and sacrifice.