Luis Clemente, son of the late baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, will speak at SUNY Canton this month as part of the college’s popular Living Writers Series.
He will discuss the life of his famous father, which is chronicled in the book “Clemente: The True Legacy of an Undying Hero,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center’s Kingston Theater. The event is free and open to the public.
Written by the Clemente family, the biography features exclusive, never-before-released photos of the baseball legend, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972. Luis, along with his mother, Vera, and two brothers, Ricky and Roberto Jr., share personal stories, and anecdotes from Clemente’s closest friends are also woven throughout the book.
“It’s a great opportunity for the Living Writers Series to host Luis Clemente, and we hope that many from the campus and community will join us for this special event,” said SUNY Canton Assistant Professor of English Phil K. LaMarche, who created the series. “Roberto Clemente’s contribution to the sport of baseball and our culture as a whole continues to provide a powerful message.”
Renowned for his charitable endeavors, Roberto Clemente Sr.’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a plane crash while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua.
In addition to the book, the family is continuing his legacy through their work with the Clemente Foundation, which helps at-risk youth. Vera Clemente is also an official Goodwill Ambassador for Major League Baseball.
The Clemente family has ties to SUNY Canton. Luis’ son, Bobby, plays infield for the SUNY Canton men’s baseball team. In 2016 The Clemente Foundation partnered with SUNY Canton to host the first Clemente Cup, an NCAA Division III baseball tournament held in Puerto Rico where 10 collegiate teams from across the U.S. competed for the title. Between games, the SUNY Canton team held clinics for Puerto Rican youth, and tournament concessions were donated to local little league organizations. Plans are under way for a second Clemente Cup in 2018.
“I am extremely proud of all that was accomplished in the first Clemente Cup,” Luis said. “The economic impact, cultural exchange, competition level, recruitment opportunities, clinics and charity donations are proof that this event can benefit everyone involved – from collegiate teams to local Puerto Rican communities and organizations.”
For more information about the Living Writers Series, visit www.canton.edu/writers.