Pittsburgh Pirates Roberto Clemente Makes Debut

Roberto Clemente is still a legend and hero for the Pittsburgh Pirates and in his native Puerto Rico. A great humanitarian and player, he made his debut in the majors on this day in 1955.

Roberto Clemente will always be synonymous with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent his entire 18 year major league career in Pittsburgh, becoming one of the greatest players in baseball history. Yet, he was not originally a member of the Pirates – the Brooklyn Dodgers had signed him as an amateur free agent before he was selected by the Pirates in the Rule V draft following the 1954 season.

It was on this day, as part of a double header, that Clemente made his debut. In an interesting twist of fate, his first games came against the Dodgers, giving them the first chance to see what they missed out on.

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Clemente wasted no time in making his presence felt. In his very first at bat, Clemente hit a hot shot up the middle, hitting off of Pee Wee Reese‘s glove for a base hit. He also gave a sign of his impressive defense, making a leaping catch of Junior Gilliam’s hard hit fly ball to right. While it was an impressive debut, Clemente was not done.

In the nightcap, Clemente continued to impress. He doubled in the sixth inning, and in the eighth inning, he essentially gave the Pirates two runs due to his baserunning. With one out, Preston Ward walked, and Dick Smith entered the game as a pinch runner. Clemente followed by lifting a soft fly ball to center for a base hit. He aggressively rounded first, prompting a throw from Don Zimmer, who tried to get the out as Clemente scampered back to the bag. The throw hit Clemente in the leg, bouncing into the dugout, allowing him to advance to third. A base hit by Dick Cole scored Clemente for his first career run.

Next: Bob Feller pitches Opening Day no hitter

On this day in 1955, a Pittsburgh Pirates legend was born, as Roberto Clemente made an impressive debut.