Today mark's the 47th Anniversary of Roberto Clemente's tragic death while trying to help Nicaragua Earthquake victim's.
Coincidentally, I had lunch with my Brother in Law and his Father, both of which are of Puerto Rican Decent. We got in a funny discussion.
I never saw Clemente play, but I do know his reputation of having a ridiculously strong arm and of being a guy who did just about anything to avoid a walk (which became a stereotype of latin american players). When you look at Clemente's there are other things that stand out:
1) Actually, he had an almost 6% walk rate. Low, but not incredibly low, so my statement and perception is really incorrect.
2) Has any other player ever had 6 straight years of double digit 2B, 3B and HR. Yes, if you go back before WW2 it was somewhat common, but it is very unusual since (Ricky Henderson never had more than 7 triples [Right Handed])
3) Clemente won 1 MVP, and honestly it was in the wrong season. He had many better seasons.
4) To have a .475 slugging while only averaging about 13 HRs per year is pretty impressive. Having a lifetime average of .317 helps. I am guessing Clemente is a guy that just hit a ton of line drives (I never saw him)
5) Clemente was one of only 2 players to be given and exemption for the 5 year wait to get into the HOF (I think). It was completely justified and while Baseball's management makes many mistakes with the game this was an intelligent moment.
There is so much written about professional athletes who do harm, think they above the law, clearly are just "bad" people it is a shame that people forget all the athletes that not only tried to help people but even today are considered examples of how to live by a part of our culture.