Pirates Honor Roberto Clemente By Giving Back To Local Kids
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was almost 40 years ago that Pittsburgh Pirates' great Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash.
He was working to deliver relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua at the time.
Now, the current Pirates are working to honor the Pittsburgh sports legend.
Most every member of the Pirates, including coaches, management and the Pirate Parrot, visited Dilworth Elementary Wednesday as part of Roberto Clemente Day.
"It's a great reminder of the pedestal we are put on with these kids, and you know, who better to represent that then Roberto Clemente; and just coming out here and honoring him and being able to give these kids something meaningful for a long time is really special," said Pirates' catcher Michael McKenry.
The Buccos came bearing gifts including basketballs, basketball hoops and every child received a gift bag complete with a book about Roberto Clemente.
"Over time I have gotten to know the legacy, the story, the history behind the man, the family behind the man - just a tremendous servant's heart," said Pirates' manager Clint Hurdle.
The kids were shown a video about clement the player and clement the humanitarian. The spirit of giving exhibited by No. 21 is still going strong - almost enough to wear out closer Joel Hanrahan.
"I brought in a couple of iPads, I'm feeling a little sore from that, so I figured I'd let the younger guys get all the big stuff," said Hanrahan. "I'm one of the older guys so I've got to take it easy."
There was lots to carry. All the players pitched in to unload the truck of some $25,000 worth of supplies for the school - including 30 iPad computers.
"A lot of these schools I have heard are going to the iPads and that's helpful with the learning and there's all kinds of different ways you can use the iPad; so hopefully that will help these kids out," Hanrahan added.
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