Mariners notebook: Remembering Roberto Clemente

I am doing something a little different today. It’s Roberto Clemente Day and as such, I’ve gathered sound both on Clemente and the influence he has on players to this day for a piece for the pregame show. I only had 5 minutes for the piece and had far more sound that I hate to see go to waste, so I am sharing it here.

The Clemente story is one of the most incredible in the history of baseball. A hall of famer, a humanitarian, a hero and a player considered by many to be a pioneer, Clemente’s story is one of the most important in the game.

The first interview is with Angels broadcaster Jose Mota. He’s the son of Manny Mota, who was a teammate of Clemente in the late 1960s. Mota believes, and I agree, that Clemente’s number should be retired in baseball. Mota shares both stories his father told him and memories he had of Clemente.

Listen: Jose Mota on Roberto Clemente

The next interview is with Nelson Cruz. I went to Cruz in part knowing he would be familiar with the Clemente story but also because I had been tipped off by a national writer about some of the good Cruz is quietly doing in his community in the Dominican Republic. I was told that in his hometown, Cruz is often approached not because he is a baseball player but because he has helped save lives by donating much needed emergency vehicles. He talks about why this is important to him and how great a need there is for fire engines and ambulances where he comes from.

Listen: Nelson Cruz on Clemente Day

Robinson Cano is also doing good work in the Dominican Republic. The school that his foundation is building is close to completion and Cano talks about plans to build more.

Listen: Robinson Cano on Clemente

Dave Sims interviewed Angels hitting coach Don Baylor about Clemente as well. Baylor played against Clemente and it is clear he left a lifelong impression.

Listen: Don Baylor remembers Roberto Clemente

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