By Rick Schneider

February 21, 2010

The late Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente once said, “I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give.”  He did just that; he gave his life.

When most sports fans hear the name Clemente, they remember the legacy of a professional baseball player who ranks among the greatest of all time.  Whether it was his 12 Gold Gloves,’ four National League batting titles, 12 All-Star Game selections, two World Series Championships or 3,000 hits Clemente changed the name of baseball forever.

Although Clemente gave all he had to baseball; his efforts extended much further than the outfield walls.  For this reason, the Elmhurst Historical Museum is offering spectators a chance to view the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente,” to get a glimpse into the life of Roberto Clemente as both a ballplayer and a humanitarian.    

“One important facet of the exhibit is they really delve into Clemente’s humanitarian efforts,” said Patrice Roche, Marketing and Communications specialist for the Elmhurst Historical Museum. “That is one of the stories that we really wanted to tell.  It is not just about how he was this remarkable athlete [but how] he was truly a legend as a humanitarian and a cultural icon.”

In 1947, Latinos and African Americans were denied entrance into MLB because of the color barrier.  However, in the years to follow with players like Jackie Robinson and Alfonso Carrasquel  of Venezuela, more people of color were found on MLB rosters.

Clemente signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers and then was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954.  In his 17- year career with the Pirates Clemente put together a Hall of Fame resume.

On the field, Clemente became known for his speed, his strong throwing arm and a consistent batting average.  But even more so Clemente was known for his ethnic pride.  Clemente became a cultural hero throughout his home country of Puerto Rico and all of Latin America.

Clemente felt it was his responsibility to use his career in baseball to help less fortunate Latin Americans.  Whether it was financial help or just holding a baseball clinic for kids of low-income families, Clemente’s goal was to help make life happier for countless individuals.

Clemente stayed true to his services up until the end of his life on Jan. 1, 1973.  He died in a tragic plane crash while delivering humanitarian relief to Nicaragua.
“When [Clemente] heard about the earthquake that happened in Nicaragua, he organized a mission bringing supplies to Nicaragua,” said Roche.

“Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente” was created by the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico with support from the Smithsonian Latino Center to capture both parts of Clemente’s life and act as a tribute to his life.

“We have a lot of interest and enthusiasm about baseball here in Elmhurst.  So this [exhibit] helps give a historical perspective to it,” Roche said.

The exhibit features a replication of Clemente’s scouting card, rare photographs of Clemente both on and off the field, quotes about Clemente’s life, a batting helmet worn by Clemente and two bats including a game used bat on loan from the Louisville Slugger Museum.

“He had an unusual style,” said Roche.  “He choked way down on the bat holding his hands at the very bottom.  So he would carve his bat in a special way.  That is an identifiable characteristic of a Clemente bat.”

The panels along the exhibit can be found in both English and Spanish.

“A bilingual exhibit is not necessarily typical for us,” Roche said.  “But this exhibit draws people who are interested in reading in both languages.”
Another feature of the exhibit includes a collector’s assembly of Clemente memorabilia including a giant bobble head and different baseball cards.

The exhibit will be at the Elmhurst Historical Museum until April 11 before it moves to its next destination.  The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.  Admission is free.  For more information visit ElmhurstHistory.org