FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Angel Cruz D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/cruz

Cruz urges Congress to annually honor Roberto Clemente

Phila. lawmaker says federal government should designate a day in Clemente's honor

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced today that he has introduced a resolution urging Congress to designate a day each year honoring the service and lifetime achievements of Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame baseball player and humanitarian.

Cruz introduced the resolution because he said it is important for Americans to recognize the important contributions Clemente made to the Hispanic community in America and to all of humanity through his tireless service to mankind.

"Roberto Clemente not only opened the door for many Latino players in Major League Baseball, but also gave up so much of himself to his fellow man," Cruz said. "He was a humanitarian first, and a star baseball player second, and his commitment to those less fortunate should be memorialized by our federal government. It is time that we remember and honor a man who gave up so much to help so many."

Clemente, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 until his death in 1972, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. Born in Puerto Rico, he won the 1966 National League MLB Most Valuable Player award and became the first Latin American to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He is the only inductee to have been granted a waiver on the mandatory five-year postretirement waiting period instituted in 1954.

Clemente’s career and life ended in 1972 while on a relief mission to Nicaragua. He was delivering supplies to victims of a devastating earthquake when his plane crashed, ending not only his baseball career but his outreach to millions across the world.

"Roberto Clemente is a hero to many Americans, Hispanic or not," Cruz added. "He was more than just a star athlete. He gave back to his community and to communities all across the word. By designating a day in his honor, we can remind those who knew of him about his selfless humanitarian work, and we can teach a whole new generation about a man who is a true role model and cultural icon."

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