Puerto Rico Government prepares party for the 50th anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s 3000th hit
Roberto Clemente hit his 3,000th career hit in his penultimate game on September 30, 1972.
The legacy of Roberto Clemente to Puerto Rican baseball is unmatched by any player from the island territory who followed behind him and the Government of Puerto Rico has decided to commemorate that legacy by throwing a party on what will be the 50th anniversary of his 3,000th hit in Big Leagues. There will be an unveiling of a documentary and a museum dedicated to the Puerto Rican superstar, despite the recent $45 million lawsuit brought against the government by his children.
The documentary 3,000 Reasons will be broadcast on MLB Network, Telemundo and WIPR on September 30, which will be the 50th anniversary of Clemente’s unstoppable three thousandth. Likewise, it will be broadcast on the big screens of the Department of Recreation and Sports.
Pedro R. Pierlusi, Governor of Puerto Rico, declared, through a press release, that the documentary "shows what the life of Roberto Clemente Walker means for all Puerto Ricans".
The documentary of the legendary Pittsburgh Pirate will see the participation of Matino Clemente, Peruchín Cepeda, Iván Rodríguez, Carlos Delgado and Edwin Rodriguez paying homage to Clemente. The feature film had a budget of $880,000, which was provided by the American Rescue Plan, a fund established by the Biden administration intended to help small businesses stay afloat during the pandemic.
Clemente made his historic 3,000th hit in the penultimate game of his career, on September 30, 1972. ‘El Grande’ stroked a double to left field during the fifth inning of the Pirates’ victory over the New York Mets. He currently sits 33rd in the all-time hit list, and surely would have climbed higher, had his life not been tragically cut short only three months later when an airplane that he chartered to bring disaster relief to the earthquake-stricken Nicaragua went down into the Caribbean shortly after take off.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Fernando Tatis Jr joins a long list
Museum at the Convention Center
The Puerto Rican government, through the Convention District Authority, will establish a museum exhibition to honor Clemente’s life at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Once inside, fans can see memorabilia and articles related to the baseball player’s career in Major League Baseball.
Additionally, a 20-foot statue by the artist Richard Santiago will be unveiled and will remain on permanent display in the Convention Center.
The Roberto Clemente exhibition will be available at the Center from September 5 to October 15 and admission to the museum will be free.