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What do you remember about Roberto Clemente?

Your Memories

Clemente was brilliant in that [1971] World Series. He batted .414, he got a hit in every game, he was terrific in right field, but it was more than any of that. Earl Weaver, the manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who were the favorites, said that there was one moment... that overwhelmed everything else and it wasn't a throw or a great hit. It was a dribbler that Clemente hit back to the Baltimore pitcher Mike Cuellar and Cuellar sort of nonchalantly picked up the ball and turned around and saw this guy running like he's running from the gates of hell to first base. And it was Clemente with his helmet flying off, and Cuellar was so discombobulated that he threw wildly to first base, Clemente got on, pretty soon Bob Robertson hits a three-run homer and the series is turned around and the Pirates go on to win the World Series.
David Maraniss
Washington, D.C.

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