PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Roberto Clemente Day kicked off in heartwarming fashion as members of the Pittsburgh Pirates brought joy to the Allegheny Health Networks Cancer Institute at the Allegheny General Hospital. With the Jolly Roger in hand, they lifted spirits and celebrated the enduring legacy of one of baseball’s greatest icons.
Pirates pitcher and Roberto Clemente Award nominee David Bednar, joined by Roberto Clemente Jr., took center stage in spreading cheer among patients and dedicated hospital staff. Their visit embodied the spirit of giving back to the community that supports them throughout the year.
Bednar expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are just so fortunate to be in the position that we are in. Any time you have the ability to pay it forward and give back and show support to the community that supports us all year is huge. Especially on Clemente Day, of course.”
This heartwarming gesture is just the beginning of the Pirates’ multi-faceted participation, both on and off the field, over the coming days. As part of their tribute to Roberto Clemente, they have planned several special events and giveaways during their three-game series with the New York Yankees this weekend.
The celebration of Roberto Clemente’s enduring legacy extends beyond Pittsburgh and across the entire MLB on this special day. Teams throughout the league pay tribute to his remarkable contributions, with players proudly donning his iconic number, 21.
Though Roberto Clemente tragically lost his life at the age of 38 while attempting to deliver emergency aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, his legacy of giving back and making a difference lives on. This legacy was evident at Allegheny General Hospital on Friday morning.
Roberto Clemente Jr. shared his appreciation, saying, “It is truly amazing. The extension of his legacy all throughout these years has been growing more and more every year, and 50 years later, people are talking about a fresh image of him on the field. But what he was doing off the field is what actually comes forth first. We are so excited that the community work comes first and baseball comes second here, and that’s the way it should be.”
As Roberto Clemente Day continues to inspire acts of kindness and community engagement, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the MLB honor not only a baseball legend but also a humanitarian who continues to impact lives for the better.
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