Roberto Clemente 3,000 Hits
The Great One: 3,000 hits, 15 All-Star selections, and a legacy of humanitarianism.
Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker (August 18, 1934 – December 31, 1972) was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, primarily as a right fielder. He had 3,000 hits during his major league career.
Quick Facts
- Player
- Roberto Clemente
- Team
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Date achieved
- September 30, 1972
- Opponent
- Chicago Cubs
- Venue
- Three Rivers Stadium
- Career hit count
- 3,000
Lore & Background
Clemente was an All-Star for 13 seasons, selected to 15 All-Star Games. He was the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1966, the NL batting leader in 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1967, and a Gold Glove Award winner for 12 consecutive seasons from 1961 through 1972. His batting average was over .300 for 13 seasons. He also was a two-time World Series champion. Clemente was the first player from the Caribbean and Latin America to win a World Series as a starting position player (1960), to receive an NL MVP Award (1966), and to receive a World Series MVP Award (1971).
Reader's Guide
Clemente's 3,000th hit occurred during the 1972 season.
Did You Know?
- Clemente was the first Latino and Caribbean player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, in 1973.
- He died in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, at age 38, while en route to deliver aid to victims of the Nicaragua earthquake.
- The Pittsburgh Pirates retired his uniform number 21 after his death.
- MLB renamed the Commissioner's Award to the Roberto Clemente Award in his honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Roberto Clemente record his 3,000th career hit?
He reached this milestone on September 30, 1972, while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Chicago Cubs at Three Rivers Stadium. This specific game capped off a regular season where he also earned his final National League MVP award.
How many players had achieved 3,000 hits before Clemente?
When he secured this hit, Clemente joined an exclusive group as the 18th player ever to reach that specific career total. Achieving such a high number demonstrates rare longevity and batting ability.
What award did Clemente win during the season he hit 3,000?
During the same campaign, Clemente was recognized with his last National League Most Valuable Player trophy. Winning both accolades in one year showcases his dominance on the field.
Where exactly did the 3,000th hit take place?
The historic moment occurred at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh during a home game for the Pirates. It remains one of the most celebrated events in the franchise's history.
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