Celebrating "The Great One": A Weekend With The Roberto Clemente Foundation & Family

As a former college baseball player at SUNY Canton, I have been fortunate enough to experience some incredibly unique opportunities that have been a part of my life journey so far.  This past weekend was filled with some of those very special times.

L→ R: Francesco Palumbo, Victor Rivera, Ken Griffey Sr., Luis Clemente, and Roberto Clemente Jr. during a clinic hosted by the Roberto Clemente Foundation in Munhall, PA. Photo by Zach Schrader (Instagram: @724.prodcutions)

This story begins in 2014.  At that time, SUNY Canton's Head Coach Joe Carbone and Assistant Coach Victor Rivera had been talking about going to Puerto Rico for our annual Spring Training trip.  My friend Bobby Clemente was also on the team, and our coaches were working with his father, Luis, to develop these plans.  

L→ R: Francesco Palumbo, Bobby Clemente, and Luis Clemente at the inaugural Clemente Cup tournament in 2016. Photo by Bobby Clemente. 

Luis is the second of Roberto and Vera Clemente's three sons. Roberto Clemente was the iconic Puerto Rican baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Roberto's reputation as one of the 20th century's greatest athletes and humanitarians is globally recognized. Tragically, he lost his life in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972. Following this devastating loss, Vera emerged as the driving force behind the establishment of numerous initiatives dedicated to carrying forward the family's humanitarian mission by impacting the lives of countless children and continuing to help those in need.  Luis and our coaches recognized that this tournament would be an opportunity to follow that mission. 

Members of the SUNY Canton Baseball team with Vera Clemente (center), and Luis Clemente (far right), in Puerto Rico.

As a Sports Management student, I was extremely fortunate that coaches Carbone and Rivera saw the potential advantages of my involvement in the planning of this tournament, extending beyond being a player on the baseball team.  Coach Rivera, a native of Puerto Rico himself, played a pivotal role in coordinating arrangements for all participating teams. Not only did he assist our team in securing accommodations, including lodging, food, and transportation, but he also dedicated months to extensive preparations across Puerto Rico in anticipation of the tournament.  He encouraged me to contribute to various projects during the lead-up to the trip.

L→ R: Francesco Palumbo with teammates Jeremy Baez and Axel Riviere and a couple of young baseball players during a SUNY Canton-Clemente Family baseball clinic in Puerto Rico in 2016. Photo by Fred Saburro

Finally, in March of 2016, we were heading to Puerto Rico for the first-ever NCAA baseball tournament on the island.  We successfully hosted the inaugural Clemente Cup, where ten teams from all across the United States traveled to the island and stayed for nearly two weeks. We played a lot of baseball, and we were thoroughly immersed in Puerto Rico's vibrant culture.  All ten teams worked closely with local communities and engaged in clinics for the youth. The impact was profound, contributing over $2.5 million to Puerto Rico's economy. Personally, it further motivated me to find a career path that aligned with what we had accomplished.  

Coverage of the 2016 Clemente Cup tournament was published by the St. Lawrence Plaindealer.

The following year, Hurricane Maria devastated the island. The Clemente Family and SUNY Canton remained connected in these efforts.  Students and staff led several fundraising initiatives and donation drives to assist Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.  An additional article can be found here.

SUNY Canton Student-Athletes and Puerto Rican natives Maurizio Paniconi, Erdous Lebron, Wilson Matos, Bobby Clemente, and Luis Torres during the Hurricane Maria relief efforts. Photo by SUNY Canton.

Through these two major experiences involving the Clemente Family and Foundation, I have had a firsthand look at what they are all about. Their actions and words truly embody the legacies of Roberto and Vera Clemente.  So, when I heard that the Foundation would be in Hartford for a clinic this summer, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to lend a hand.  

Over 200 attendees for a Clemente Clinic in Hartford, Conn. Photo by Francesco Palumbo

In Hartford, Coach Rivera and Luis Clemente led a family-friendly clinic for over 200 kids, with parents and siblings watching their young players hone their skills alongside former Major League players. Afterward, Luis and the pros stayed to sign autographs and take photos with each participant. This clinic's impact served as a reminder of baseball's unique ability to unite families and inspire future ballplayers.  To an even greater degree, it reflected the Roberto Clemente Foundation's core values of Faith, Character, Leadership, and Education, which extend beyond the game of baseball.

"If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this Earth." - ROBERTO CLEMENTE

After the clinic, Coach Rivera extended an invitation for me to join the Clemente Foundation and Family this September in Pittsburgh for Roberto Clemente Day.  This year held special significance as it marked the 50th Anniversary of Roberto Clemente's induction into the Hall of Fame.  It was also officially recognized as Roberto Clemente Day by the entire State of Pennsylvania for the first time, with proclamations declared by city, county, and state representatives. 

Several former Major League players and members of the Clemente Foundation following the clinic in Hartford, Conn.  Victor Rivera (far left), Luis Clemente (third from right), Roberto Clemente Foundation President Tom Brasuell (second from right), and Francesco Palumbo (far right).  

Traveling to Pittsburgh with Coach Rivera, I experienced a truly life-changing weekend. Pittsburgh, Clemente's home for nearly two decades, cherishes his memory deeply. Permanent landmarks in the city, including The Clemente Bridge, the Clemente Museum, and a 12-foot statue of him outside PNC Park, ensure that his impact remains an integral and interactive part of daily life for both Pittsburgh residents and visitors alike. 

At the Roberto Clemente statue outside of PNC Park in Pittsburgh. L→R: Pirates team president Travis Williams, State Rep. Aerion Abney, Roberto Clemente Jr., Luis Roberto Clemente, Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, State Senator Devlin Robinson, and Pittsburgh City Chief of Staff Jake Wheatley. Photo by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The weekend officially commenced on Thursday, September 14th with the Foundation's annual gala.  The event started with a cocktail reception and featured live music. Guests then took a seat in the ballroom and dinner was served while the Award Show highlighted the efforts of the Roberto Clemente Foundation and this year's award recipients. Honorees this year included the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA), Unlimited Potential (UPI), the Ghost Players from The Field of Dreams, and pioneer Hip Hop legend Richard "Crazy Legs" Colón. Each of the honorees has significantly focused efforts towards charitable causes. 

Francesco Palumbo with 2015 Roberto Clemente Award winner and 2023 Roberto Clemente Hall of Fame inductee Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates at the 2023 Clemente Foundation Gala in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by Zach Schrader

The Clemente Foundation also recognized Andrew McCutchen and Harold Reynolds for their continued support and efforts.  McCutchen was the 2015 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, and Reynolds received this distinction in 1991.  At the Gala, both were inducted into the Roberto Clemente Hall of Fame. 

L→ R: Luis Clemente, Victor Rivera, Frank Dardis, Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Derek Shelton, Curtis Mack, Paul Scherrman, and Francesco Palumbo during the Clemente Day of Service initiatives at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by Janice Johnson

Friday, with the New York Yankees in town, Roberto Clemente Day started with proclamations at the foot of the Clemente statue at PNC Park.  After that, dozens of volunteers and members of the Pittsburgh Pirates joined the Roberto Clemente Foundation during their annual Roberto Clemente Day of Service.  This included visits to a local hospital, a food drive, and the assembly of non-perishable items for service members overseas. 

Dozens of volunteers, including players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates, joined the Clemente Foundation during the Clemente Day of Service.  (Palumbo, front left kneeling; Rivera, far right standing; Luis, center standing with his nephew, Leo, in his arms). Photo by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

An hour before the gates opened for the Pirates-Yankees game, Roberto Jr. and Luis Clemente were part of a ceremony hosted by the Pirates. The Pirates then led us onto the field for pregame festivities.  Nearly 32,000 fans, who were mostly wearing Clemente jerseys, were in attendance as Roberto Jr. and Luis threw out the first pitches.  Roberto Jr.'s sons, Leo and Roberto III, got the game started when they announced, "PLAY BALL!"

L→ R: Luis and Olga Clemente, Pittsburgh Pirates owner Robert Nutting, Roberto Clemente Jr., Roberto Clemente III (standing, front), Leo (with ball), and Kailee Clemente on the field at PNC Park during the pregame festivities for Roberto Clemente Day 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by Francesco Palumbo

On Saturday, the Foundation organized yet another clinic, with valuable support from the Major League Baseball Alumni Association and the township of Munhall. This event drew a remarkable turnout of about 300 young players who all were given Clemente shirts and hats provided by the Foundation while also having a chance to play with nearly a dozen former pros. Adding to the clinic's significance, Ken Griffey Sr., a familiar and friendly presence throughout the weekend's events, surprised everyone by showing up to speak with the participants and their families. 

Hundreds of attendees circled around Ken Griffey while he spoke during the Clemente Foundation clinic on Saturday at West Field in Munhall, Pa. Photo by Francesco Palumbo

The Roberto Clemente Foundation's remarkable weekend celebration came to a heartwarming conclusion on Sunday with the Roberto Clemente 2.1K Charity Walk. After four days of festivities, the walk provided the perfect closing note to a weekend filled with purpose and camaraderie in Pittsburgh. Over those four days, I had a front-row seat to witness the Foundation's dedication. Roberto and Luis Clemente, in particular, not only keep their father's legacy alive but they consistently embody his qualities with incredible humility and selflessness. Despite their busy schedules, they greeted everyone with a smile and warmth, taking the time to interact, share stories, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. Their days started early and extended late into the evening, with many interviews scheduled in between, yet they remained gracious and giving at every moment.

L→ R: Luis Clemente, Francesco Palumbo, Janice Johnson, and Olga Clemente. Photo by Suzanne Brick 

These were the events we experienced together—a weekend filled with purpose, unity, and love.  I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this weekend truly unforgettable, especially Victor Rivera, and the Clemente Foundation and Family.  Everything that we were a part of proved that, even over 50 years after his death, Roberto Clemente's spirit is very much alive, and it is as influential as ever. 

Members of the Ghost Players from The Field of Dreams with the Clemente Foundation, are Tom Brasuell, Roberto Clemente Jr., Luis Clemente, Paul Scherrman, Janice Johnson, Victor Rivera, Suzanne Brick, and Francesco Palumbo.

Many thanks to Victor Rivera, Luis & Olga Clemente, Roberto Jr. and Kailee Clemente (Ro & Leo, too), and The Roberto Clemente Foundation: Tom Brasuell, Paul Scherrman, Suzanne Brick, Janice Johnson. Additional thanks to Frank Dardis, Curtis Mack, Henry Pagano, Zach Schrader, and many others who provided support.