Roberto Clemente, Pittsburgh Pirates all-star outfielder and the country’s first Latin-American Hall of Famer, lost his life in a plane crash 38 years ago this month. To honor the life and legacy of this baseball legend, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is hosting the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit, “Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente.”
Clemente helped forge a path to the major leagues for the masses of Latino ballplayers who would follow him in a way similar to what Jackie Robinson did for black players a decade earlier. He addressed the issue of racism openly in the media, refusing to accept the status quo.
Throughout his life, he demonstrated extraordinary devotion to his community and homeland. His humanitarian work resulted in the founding of Sports City, an athletic complex near San Juan, Puerto Rico for disadvantaged youth. Despite his stardom, his advocacy for the rights and importance of the peoples of Latin America was strengthened by his cultural identification with them.
Tragically, Clemente lost his life in a plane crash while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. In his 38 years, he became a baseball legend in the United States and a national icon in his homeland.
“Beyond Baseball” was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The exhibit will be on display through Jan. 30, before continuing on a 20-city national tour.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors/students, $3 children ages 6-12. Call 266-8658.