Gone 50 years, Clemente is remembered for charitable efforts for others as he’s profiled in a new book
The story of Roberto Clemente is a story that goes beyond baseball — and it’s why a new book series for children just launched from Hispanic Star has profiled the star and highlighted his life story for children of all ages, in both English and Spanish.
This year of 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Clemente’s death in 1972 — a year of enormous achievement for him but also one of great sadness for his family and friends after his untimely passing at the end of that year.
In 1972 the star right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates won his 12th Golden Glove and notched his 3,000th-career hit.
After a devastating earthquake hit Nicaragua that year, Clemente — born in Puerto Rico — joined in on relief efforts to help people in need, according to many reports.
From growing up in Puerto Rico to playing 18 seasons in the MLB, Roberto Clemente remains an inspiration for Latinx athletes. Be inspired by @claudiagonzalez brand-new Hispanic Star series now: https://t.co/8BiRSPvhi5 pic.twitter.com/vIyVjxzizr
— MacKids Books (@MacKidsBooks) September 12, 2022
Clemente boarded a plane on New Year’s Eve to help ensure that supplies would reach the recipients for which those supplies were intended.
However, according to multiple reports, the aircraft he chartered crashed shortly after taking off from Puerto Rico on Dec. 31, 1972. Clemente and four others perished in the crash.
He was only 38 years old.
He gave back to others in a way that many people didn’t realize or appreciate during his lifetime.
Clemente was the youngest of seven children — and as an adult, he gave back to others in a way that many people didn’t realize or appreciate during his lifetime.
Among the points made in his obituary: He was born to Don Melchor Clemente and Luisa Walker on August 18, 1934.
“He loved spending time with his kids and playing baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates … Survivors include Mother Luisa Walker, Father Don Melchor Clemente Brothers Andres Clemente, Justino Clemente and Osvaldo Clemente, Sisters Rosa Oquendo and Anairis Clemente. Wife Vera Cristina Zabala and Children Roberto Clemente Jr., Roberto Enrique Walker and Luis Roberto Walker.”
His life story and that of many others is why Claudia Romo Edelman, creator of Hispanic Star, said in a recent telephone interview with Fox News Digital that America is made of stars — and “we Hispanics are among them.”
Edelman is a humanitarian leader of Hispanic heritage who lived and worked for 25 years in Europe before moving to the U.S. eight years ago with her two children.
She is on a mission now to set the record straight about Americans of Latino background — and to showcase their contributions to the U.S.
Born in Mexico City, Mexico, and today based in New York City, Romo Edelman founded the We Are All Human (WAAH) foundation. The group aims to “reveal, elevate and celebrate the best of humanity,” according to the organization’s website.
To coincide with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15 (which runs through Oct. 15), the book series from Hispanic Star will shine a spotlight on the contributions and accomplishments of Americans of Hispanic heritage.
Roberto Clemente hits in the 1960 World Series pic.twitter.com/BfmfSpfZml
— Baseball In Pics (@baseballinpix) September 13, 2022
Published by Roaring Brook Press as part of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, the series opens a window into the lives of a range of Americans who have made contributions to our nation in many fields, including philanthropy, sports, the arts and more.
“Hispanic Star: Roberto Clemente,” coauthored with Sara Echenique and illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez, was just published on Sept. 6, 2022.
Said Romo Edelman, “I want the Hispanic Star series to be a source of inspiration and pride for the next generation — and for Hispanics to be recognized for their incredible contributions to this country,” she added.
Six initial books comprise the series.
“By the end of next year, there will be a boxed set — a collection of books to give as gifts to children, to schools, to libraries — ideally allowing every Latino child to have access to their heroes,” said Romo Edelman.
