A Day of Fun: Successful Clemente Clinic Unites Youth

The Roberto Clemente Foundation, in collaboration with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and Major League Baseball's Play Ball program, hosted an exhilarating youth baseball clinic on September 16th at the historic West Field in Munhall, PA. West Field, known as the former home of the Homestead Grays of the Negro League, provided a fitting backdrop for our event. Additionally, the unwavering continuous support of the Pittsburgh Pirates and The Ghost Players was a seamless extension of the Roberto Clemente Day festivities that unfolded throughout the weekend.

Starting at 12 pm, the clinic welcomed boys and girls aged 6 to 12 who shared a passion for America's favorite pastime. An incredible lineup of coaches and instructors guided these young athletes throughout the day. Luis and Roberto Clemente Jr., the sons of the legendary Hall of Famer, Roberto Clemente, brought with them a legacy of excellence in baseball. They were committed to helping the next generation of players reach their full potential. Attendees were also privileged to have former MLB players (Adam Liberatore, Chris Peters, Jason Stanford, Salomon Torres, and Jeff Tabaka) on-hand to share their expertise and experience, making this clinic a unique opportunity for our young athletes. 

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But what made this event even more special was the incredible dedication and passion of the fans.  Over 600 participants and spectators were a part of the day's activities. Some traveled great distances from places like Washington, DC, Gettysburg, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts to learn "The Clemente Way." Their enthusiasm and commitment to the game of baseball and the legacy of Roberto Clemente added an extra layer of inspiration to the clinic, and truly made it a fun, family event.

The spirit of unity and passion for the game that was present during the clinic was reminiscent of the theme in the movie "Chasing 3000." Just like in the film, where the journey was about much more than just the game of baseball, our clinic was a celebration of community, camaraderie, and the timeless values that the Clemente Foundation and Clemente Family represents.  Also like the film, people were willing and motivated to travel great distances to be a part of something truly special. The clinic brought together individuals from various corners of the country who shared a common devotion to "The Clemente Way."  It is a testament to the enduring power of Roberto Clemente's legacy and the profound impact he continues to have on the baseball community... Uniting people of all ages in their love for the game and their admiration for a true baseball hero.

There were many other exciting activities and surprises throughout the day. Thanks to Victor Rivera and Tom Brasuell, they worked to develop partnerships and have been instrumental in organizing Clemente Clinics. These young athletes and their families stayed refreshed and energized throughout the clinic thanks to BodyArmour. Roberto Jr. and Luis Clemente graciously signed autographs and posed for photos with all of the participants while also being an active part of all of the day's stations.  

Baseball legend Ken Griffey Sr. heard that the clinic was being held and decided he wanted to stop by and provide some assistance.  He spoke to attendees and their families, sharing his wisdom and love for the game. There were plenty of opportunities to capture the memories with their favorite players and coaches.  

The exhibition game was a riot, filled with funny moments and unforgettable plays by the Ghost Players. They were led by Paul Scherrman and also traveled a great distance from Iowa to be there for the clinic.  The young athletes also got a taste of the Play Ball initiative by MLB, engaging in activities that brought the joy of baseball to life. 

Coach Ballgame provided a fun entertainment station that involved running the bases, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day.

It was a day filled with sports, enthusiasm, and pure fun. Whether your child was just starting their baseball journey or was already a seasoned player, our clinic offered something for everyone. It was a chance to hone skills, learn new techniques, and, most importantly, have a blast with fellow baseball enthusiasts. 

There were many volunteers who we would like to thank, including the Point Park College players and Coach Torres, Darren Lopez (who drove from Washington DC to show support), Seth Abrams and his staff and many others. We hope you had as much fun as we did during this incredible youth baseball clinic!

Thank you for joining us, we look forward to seeing you again soon! For more information about future events and to relive the highlights of this clinic, visit https://robertoclementefoundation.com/