To Pittsburghers, the story of Roberto Clemente’s life and tragic death is as familiar as any other bit of modern history.
But when Vince Mariotti told that story last week at a Bridgeville Area Historical Society event, it was almost like hearing it for the first time.
With the verve of a veteran raconteur, the Clemente Museum representative peppered his presentation with revealing facts about The Great One’s life, including:
- As a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve draftee, Clemente crushed the physical fitness test and quickly became a squad leader
- He turned down a chance for a cameo in The Odd Couple because he wouldn’t pretend to hit into a triple play
- Throughout his life, he had a premonition that he would die young.
Check out the entire presentation above.
The Clemente Museum is located at 3339 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Tours are by appointment only.
YouTube cover photo by Eric Beato / CC BY