OT: Remembering Roberto on his 85th birthday
- Thread starter HOF Coach
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For those who never saw Clemente play, watch Game 6 of the 1971 World Series. His complete arsenal was on display (running, throwing and hitting)...
And doing it handicapped by the language barrier. What stands out to me to this day was hearing the National Media raving about Clemente's performance in the 1971 series. And remembering how I kept saying "but that's how he ALWAYS plays".
I was 4 years old when Clemente broke in. He was immediately my all time hero. The word magnificent just wasn't enough to describe him.
The last time I saw him live was in '72 against the Dodgers. A Dodger rookie [I believe it was Davey Lopes} was on second base when a batter hit a fly ball to the warning track in right. I immediately looked and saw Lopes tagging up and said to myself "no way he goes". Well he went. Hebner fielded Clemente's throw about 5 feet towards the second base bag and he had to wait a second for the runner to get to him. Lopes kind of looked up confused as to how Hebner already had the ball then he just dejectedly walked off the field.
Excellent point on the language barrier! Didn't even think of that important aspect.
We have been blessed in this town with great teams and great players but 3 athletes stand out
Clemente
Mario
Tony D
Simply because you couldn’t take your eye off of them. Not even for one play or one shift or one second. They were both great and mesmerizing at the same time. You felt if you ran to the bathroom or to get a beer at the concession stand you might miss a great play. You couldn’t take your eye off of them !
Clemente
Mario
Tony D
Simply because you couldn’t take your eye off of them. Not even for one play or one shift or one second. They were both great and mesmerizing at the same time. You felt if you ran to the bathroom or to get a beer at the concession stand you might miss a great play. You couldn’t take your eye off of them !
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