Cangrejeros Team PortraitThe Clemente Museum
In 1952 Roberto is picked up by Cangrejeros de Santurce.
Cangrejeros Team PortraitThe Clemente Museum
And was moved to the starting lineup in 1953.
Roberto Clemente Cangrejeros PortraitThe Clemente Museum
He winds up that season batting .288 as the leadoff hitter.
Santurce Baseball Club ContractThe Clemente Museum
When Clemente was signed in 1952 he was only 18 years old.
Santurce Baseball Club ContractThe Clemente Museum
So young that his father, Melchor, had to cosign the papers.
Santurce Baseball Club ContractThe Clemente Museum
In the end, Clemente plays 5 years with the Cangrejeros.
Santurce Baseball Club ContractThe Clemente Museum
Well past his Major League debut.
1994 Roberto Clemente CalendarThe Clemente Museum
In 1954 Clemente is picked up by the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1954 Baseball Club Team PhotoThe Clemente Museum
From here he is moved to the Royals, the Dodger's farm team.
El Imparcial Clipping by El ImparcialThe Clemente Museum
In 1954 he returns to play Winter League in Puerto Rico
El Imparcial Clipping by El ImparcialThe Clemente Museum
Playing alongside Willie Mays they win the Caribbean Series.
Montreal Scout PhotoThe Clemente Museum
Later that year he is scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Roberto Clemente - Pirates RookieThe Clemente Museum
He joined the team shortly thereafter. Though he admits to not even knowing where Pittsburgh is.
Roberto Clemente Pirates RookieThe Clemente Museum
He starts with a $6,000 salary and $10,000 bonus.
Roberto Clemente Pirates RookieThe Clemente Museum
July 25, 1956 he hits walk-off, inside-the-park grand slam. The only documented in modern Major League Baseball play. Kicking off his storied career with an amazing achievement.
To MotherThe Clemente Museum
Now in the pros, he sends his mother his first MLB photo.
Writing "To mother with love. Roberto"
