More than 50 years after the passing of Pittsburgh Pirates’ Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, his spirit is still being felt throughout the Major League Baseball (MLB) community, thanks in part to his two sons—Roberto Jr. and Luis.
On a steamy Saturday night in Southwest Florida, at the site of the Pirates’ spring training ballpark, The Roberto Clemente Foundation is well represented. Just beyond the main gate of LECOM Park, used throughout the spring and summer by the organization’s Single-A affiliate in the Florida State League, a tent houses a table and two chairs. Shaded by the blinding sun rays that are all too familiar this time of year, shortly, the Clemente brothers will appear. Just before the gate swings open for a night of minor league baseball, with the home team Bradenton Marauders hosting the Philadelphia Phillies’ FSL club—the Clearwater Threshers, Roberto Jr. and Luis make their way through the ballpark’s concourse and get seated.
