Host
@Talkin21podcast
, Educator, Freelance sports journalist - “The Key to Immortality is First Living a Life Worth Remembering" - Bruce Lee (1940-1973)
26 years ago, my oldest daughter was born. And to think, this 6 lb 4 oz baby would dream about becoming a doctor. This morning, I sent her a HBD video and she replied with this heartfelt pic from the hospital. Next May, she graduates and we will officially welcome Dr. Torres. 🙏🏼
Today, the
#Mets
faithful have tears in their eyes. Not only was this original Met a 1969 World Series Champion but for all of us who grew up with this Bronx native, he was truly our Mr. Met. RIP Eddie Kranepool.
HEARTBROKEN: 20 years ago, I met Vida Blue at a Roberto Clemente charity event. We stayed friends. The last text I received from him was about being in the exclusive club known as the Black Aces. Enjoyed the banter between you and Dock. And what a pitcher he was. But a better man
REST IN PEACE: I shared some heartfelt words on the exact spot where Roberto Clemente passed away as he embarked on a humanitarian mission to Nicaragua on December 31,1972. Thank you
@JColonDelgado
#QDEP
Roberto y Doña Vera 🇵🇷
#PuertoRico
In Dec. 1972, Luis R. Mayoral, a dear friend of Roberto Clemente, asked “The Great One” who was the best SS in MLB. Without hesitation, Clemente replied, “Bud Harrelson.” I connected Luis with Bud and his reaction was heartfelt. He choked up and said, “Wow.” RIP Bud Harrelson. 🙏🏼
DINNER WITH A KING: In February, 1962, Roberto Clemente and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dined at Clemente’s restaurant El Carretero in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Here is an actual check slip from the restaurant. Just IMAGINE their conversation while eating pernil y arroz con gandules.
#RIP
The TRUE Meaning of Roberto Clemente: “His hands were large. I believe more than anything else his hands reflected his spirit. He gripped the bat with the strength of a tiger. When he saw a child and patted their head his hands were extremely gentle.” Luis R. Mayoral, 1973
Tonight at Citi Field, representing their hometown Naguabo, Puerto Rico,
@SugarDiaz39
and Martín “Machete” Maldonado are proudly holding the Puerto Rican flag. 🇵🇷
Here at Marlins Park and I asked
@cgrand3
his thoughts on being an “ambassador” to this young team in Miami. For eight seasons, New Yorkers enjoyed “The Grandy Man” on and off the field - especially those fans in Queens.
#LGM
Congratulations and Felicidades
@TheRealSangy35
on your induction into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. Twenty years ago, we met at a Roberto Clemente charity event in Puerto Rico and became dear friends. “The Great One” would be overjoyed. See ya in August.
2024 INDUCTION: Congratulations 2024
#Pirates
Hall of Famer Manuel De Jesus Sanguillén - Felicidades “Sangy” y Que Dios Te Bendiga
#RaiseIt
#LetsGoBucs
18 years ago, I purchased this original wire photo of Roberto Clemente with Doña Vera in front of their home in Puerto Rico. It’s believed to be their FINAL picture before the tragic accident on New Year’s Eve. And now, as we approach another anniversary, they are together.
#QDEP
Through music and Bomba dance, the island residents are slowly gathering at Piñones Beach (Loíza, Puerto Rico) to honor their native son Roberto Clemente Walker.
Such a beautiful, sunny day to remember “The Great One.”
Prior to tonight’s Subway Series finale, I spoke with 1969 WS champion, 1973 NL champion/All-Star outfielder Cleon Jones. Check out what he said about his teammate and dear friend Willie Mays. Plus his thoughts on Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente.
#LGM
Wishing my dear friend
@NeilWalker18
a Happy
#Yankees
Birthday. Fans: Let's all give this former
#Pirates
,
#Mets
, and
#Brewers
player, who continues to prove how invaluable he is on a team, the ultimate shout-out/best wishes. Simply, a class-act on and off the field.
Yesterday’s
#Mets
Old Timers’ Game was truly a nostalgic moment in Flushing. Not only for the organization, former players, fans but for the media as well.
I was only 7 years old, when I saw Jon Matlack and Félix Millan on TV. Today, I’m honored to call them my friends.
#LGM
I came across this photo of
#RobertoClemente
deep in thought. Not only his hands, but look at the eyes of this extraordinary man. He will forever be remembered not only as “The Great One” but most importantly a humanitarian who died wanting to do greater things for humanity.
While strolling in NYC, this beautiful 91-year-old actress caught my eye. She said, “How did you recognize me? I replied, “I believe there’s a hero in all of us.” What joy to take a selfie with Ms. Rosemary Harris aka Aunt May Parker/ Spider-Man. Powerful words to live by.
Carefully look at every post on social media, Luis Tiant embraced every fan. It was absolutely genuine. That was Luis Tiant. Besides being an All-Star pitcher and a RedSox legend, “El Tiante” was an All-Star human being. RIP and Que Descanse en Paz.
#OTD
Let’s pause and remember MLB Goodwill Ambassador Doña Vera C. Zabala (widow of
@Pirates
HOF’er Roberto Clemente) who was born 81 years ago today. Let’s continue to celebrate her legacy. ¡Sigamos celebrando su legado! 🇵🇷
Photo Credit:
@jeanfruth
¡QUE VIVA CLEMENTE! - What an amazing 2019 stadium giveaway by the
@Cardinals
. Yadier Molina, the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award winner and of course the man, the player, the legend, the humanitarian - “The Great One.” 🇵🇷
This Saturday, the
#Pirates
will honor one of the greatest ambassadors in their storied history. Congrats to my friend 1971 1979 WS champion Manny Sanguillén, Class of 2024. Head out to PNC Park and say “Thank you Sangy.”
WATCH: It’s official. After a year of planning, here’s what my family, close friends and a strong faith guided me to this decision. They said, “Danny...do it.” With the right team, anything is possible because it’s
#RobertoClementeDay
.
CLEMENTE IS HERE: I cannot put into words what this extraordinary moment meant to me. Pictured at
@baseballhall
is Don Matino Clemente, the oldest brother of “The Great One” who is visiting the museum for the FIRST time. It was truly an emotional moment.
#pirates
Twenty-five years ago, my oldest daughter was born. Besides having my A+ blood type (and now more hair), who would have thought I was holding not only a
#Mets
fan but a future doctor. Now in her third year in medical school, Happy Birthday Talia 🎂Te quiero mucho
On a rainy afternoon in the Bronx to visit my Mom, I stopped by Roberto Clemente Plaza. I thought about the earthquake he faced and now it’s COVID-19. He said, “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t you are wasting your time on Earth.”
Feliz Cumpleaños, Happy 90th birthday to 1957 WS champion and 1965 All-Star infielder Félix Mantilla. He was the first Puerto Rican to play for the 1962
#Mets
.
In 2019, he shared a hilarious story about the “Ol' Perfessor" Casey Stengel.
#OTD
, (1971) Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh presented his lineup card. Little did he know the names of Ellis, Sanguillén, Oliver, Stennett, Hernández, Cash, Stargell, Clines and Clemente would FOREVER be a part of history. “We got nine brothers here. Tenemos nueve hermanos aqui.”
NEVER FORGOTTEN: Here in Pittsburgh and stopped by Allegheny Cemetery to pay my respects to another “Great One” of the Negro and Latin-American Leagues. As we celebrate another
#HOFWKND
, let’s remember 1972
@baseballhall
Josh Gibson who was truly a legendary baseball player.
A fabulous day in the Bronx. I invited my good friend,
@NeilWalker18
of the
#Yankees
who stopped by my school and spoke to our students. He shared personal anecdotes on his life, Roberto Clemente, and most importantly being good citizens in the community.
WATCH: I asked former
#Mets
manager Willie Randolph to describe an individual who impacted his life in a similar fashion to how Roberto Clemente touched countless lives on and off the field.
#MetsOTD
#LGM
@OurEsquina
In 2016, I traveled to PNC Park to attend the pre-game ceremony honoring the ‘71
#Pirates
team. I also interviewed Jackie Hernández and just last month
@TheRealSangy35
spoke to me about how instrumental Roberto Clemente was to Jackie. May this 1971 WS champ Rest In Peace.
#QDEP
“That night on which Roberto Clemente left us physically, his immortality began.” - Elliot Castro
#RIP
#QDEP
Roberto Clemente Walker, Jerry C. Hill, Angel Lozano, Francisco Matias, Arthur S. Rivera
Congratulations to all of the inductees including Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente Walker.
Once again another fitting honor to “The Great One” ¡Felicidades!
@OurEsquina
With all the excitement behind the
#Mets
wearing black jerseys, I remember fondly my good friend
@_mcameron44
being honored as the team representative for the Roberto Clemente Award. And I’m also proud to own his signed jersey.
#BackinBlack
#LGM
WATCH: Prior to the
#Brewers
#Mets
Black Legacy Game, I sat down with 2019 Academy Award Winner Spike Lee. He spoke about the “Dream Team” All-Star outfield, MLB trailblazers, Jackie Robinson, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Well...Yesterday morning, I moved my oldest daughter from Toledo to Niles, Ohio as she prepares for her next hospital rotations in two weeks. I figured let me drive to Cleveland and hang out with some
#AllStarGame
legends and enjoy some drinks too...PRICELESS.
While visiting my oldest daughter in Ohio, I was TOTALLY shocked my other daughter packed the baseball mitts in the car. As we await to see if our
#Mets
will play in 2020, I truly enjoyed playing catch and for a brief moment Baseball is BACK...or was it? 🤔
@AthletesBrand
Noticed
@MetsVetDog
was a bit thirsty and this Mets All-Star provided some relief in the dugout. But I heard Shea actually likes ice cubes. I think Pete Alonso knows where to find a few.
@OurEsquina
#LGM
#OTD
in 1970, The
@Pirates
honored the “The Great One” with a “Roberto Clemente Night” tribute. At the pre-game ceremony, he received numerous awards. He spoke and even shed a tear. This poster was given to fans. They will NEVER forget what he did on and off the field. ¡VIVA 🇵🇷!
Finally arrived to see what remains of Hamtramck Stadium. Not only did I see up-close where the Detroit Stars once played (I’m wearing a Detroit Cubs Negro League cap), but meeting Joyce Stearnes-Thompson, the daughter of Baseball HOF’er Turkey Stearnes was truly amazing.
IT’S OFFICIAL: Designed by renowned sports artist/graphic designer
@ToddRadom
, the Josh Gibson Foundation unveiled their centennial logo to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues and to celebrate the legacy of this extraordinary catcher and 1972 Baseball HOF’er.
As we await the
#1969Weekend
festivities to begin at Citi Field, I thought I would share this singular moment captured of one of the greatest teams ever -1969 NY Mets Great interviews plus a truly historic moment. It was all about TEAM.
#LGM
Happy 86th birthday to 1957 WS Champion and All-Star infielder Félix “El Gato” Mantilla who was the FIRST Puerto Rican to play for the NY
#Mets
. LISTEN to this hilarious story.
It’s snowing in NYC but Santos Alomar Sr. brought a lot of warmth from Puerto Rico to the annual Firefighters Charitable Foundation banquet. Congrats to my dear friend on your award. Un abrazo 🇵🇷
GREAT NEWS: Proud to announce Dr. Torres, my oldest daughter, is officially a board-certified family physician. She passed her certification exam. How time flies…👏👏👏
WATCH: Here’s a special message in English from Cleveland
#Indians
coach
@sandyalomarjr
on how we should honor “The Great One” throughout MLB, USA, Puerto Rico and Latin-America on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 🇵🇷
#RobertoClementeDay
A MUST-READ: For fans of Roberto Clemente, you will truly enjoy reading this heartfelt story. A wonderfully written piece that takes the reader directly to Cooperstown.
WATCH: Mets infielder José “Candelita” Iglesias shared his thoughts on the “OMG” craze, his baseball mentors and how a .500 ballclub can clinch a playoff berth in 2024.
#LGM
Not only is it
#OpeningDay
but I gotta give a “shout-out” to Dr. Torres. Let’s never forget those extraordinary physicians in our life on
#HappyDoctorsDay
including my daughter. 👏👏👏
On his 87th Birthday: “By way of baseball, he became an international representative of God. Contributed to ALL nations and was a cultural bridge. He carried a torch of goodwill that he shared with me. I think of Roberto Clemente every day of my life.” Luis R. Mayoral (8-18-2021)
WATCH: Last year, I watched how Joey Votto spoke fluently in Spanish and wanted to hear HIS story. I asked him why it was important to learn another language. This
#Reds
legend didn’t disappoint. Congrats on a phenomenal career.
#ATOBTTR
#OTD
in 1997, I stood in the upper deck at Shea Stadium and took these photos. The
#Mets
, along with the Rachel Robinson, Bud Selig and President Bill Clinton celebrated the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s MLB debut. Let’s honor this American icon on
#JackieRobinsonDay
.
Every year my dear friend, who lives in Westchester County, always mails a rather unique Roberto Clemente- themed Christmas card. Like all of us, he’s a huge fan of “The Great One.” He even attached an original 1984 USPS 20-cent stamp.
#Boricua
🇵🇷
#QueVivaClemente
#Pirates
LISTEN: Wishing my friend Félix Mantilla, the first Puerto Rican to play for the 1962
#Mets
, a Happy 88th Birthday and Feliz Cumpleaños.
As the
@Mets
celebrate their 60th anniversary as a franchise, he shared a hilarious story about his former manager Casey Stengel.
#LGM
In 1932, my dear mother was born in Cupey Alto, Puerto Rico and raised five children in the South Bronx. OTD in 2023, she was welcomed into her new home.
Till we connect again. Wear your Mets jersey. And I’ll bring my glove. Que descanse en paz Mamá Teresa “Bella.”
SPECIAL THANKS to
@FlavaFraz21
who walked over to the students of
@CardinalHayes
and said if they answered his trivia questions correctly he had a surprise. The winners received a game-used bat and two batting gloves.
#LGM
THANK YOU
@TheCUTCH22
: On behalf of the Josh Gibson Foundation, here is the first in a series of Public Service Announcements celebrating the centennial of the Negro Leagues. We greatly appreciate your efforts in promoting this significant milestone.
#Phillies
#RingTheBell
SO SAD: RIP Doña Vera C. Clemente. To all of us, you were a second Mom and I will ALWAYS treasure our relationship. This photo was from our amazing 3-day weekend in Atlantic City when you were honored as a humanitarian in 2011. And you even asked my wife to do your hair/makeup.
As we celebrate
#robertoclementeday
, I wonder how Clemente would have handled the media in today’s world? Knowing his altruistic personality, he would certainly took a stance on immigration, world hunger, responsible citizenship and his beloved
#PuertoRico
. 🇵🇷
#OTD
in 1973, Bing Crosby who owned a 25% share of the
#Pirates
wrote this letter to the principal owner Dan Galbreath to convey his condolences on the passing of Roberto Clemente and their mutual passion of horses. This piece is a part of my personal collection.
@Pirates
I’m shocked. I’m saddened and simply can’t believe what we all witnessed. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 for our Boricua closer.
BUT…I’m also quite angry. Question: Where was the emergency medical staff for Edwin Díaz?
#MLB
should be ashamed.
Feliz Cumpleaños and Happy 80th Birthday to Manny Mota. One of the finest baseball men to ever play this extraordinary game. A Dodgers’ legend, a lifetime .304 hitter & one of the greatest pinch-hitters of all-time. Simplemente un gran ser humano 🇩🇴
Here’s a Baseball HOF’er who is quite happy to be inducted into the
#Pirates
HOF. Plus he’ll also be celebrating a birthday on September 5th as well.
Congrats to “Maz” on another special day in Pittsburgh. And early birthday wishes
@OurEsquina
Saddened to hear the news on the passing of a former
#Mets
pitcher and 1969 WS champion. In 2019, I met Jim McAndrew at card show in White Plains commemorating the 50th anniversary of the “Miracle Mets.” And for a brief moment, I wore his WS ring. What a feeling…RIP. 🙏🏼
Former 1957 WS Champion and All-Star Puerto Rican infielder Félix Mantilla LOVED his manager Casey Stengel when he played for the
#Mets
in 1962. BUT...he has a hilarious story about the “Ol’ Professor.” It’s the truth...WATCH. 😂
It’s OFFICIAL! I’m super excited for SEASON 2 and proud to announce our first
@Talkin21podcast
guest is a HOF announcer,
@MLBNetwork
host and a 28 time Emmy Award winner. And yes, coming soon is the REAL Bob Costas. LISTEN!
Her Virtual 🎓 has just concluded and now I can officially introduce to my followers/friends Dr. Talia Torres. Beyond proud and thankful to so many who helped guide my daughter throughout this medical journey. It wasn’t easy but now she can proudly add M.D. to her name. 👏❤️👏
An early Christmas gift. Received in the mail this customized Roberto Clemente holiday card (with an original USPS stamp) courtesy of a HUGE
@Talkin21podcast
listener. Wishing everyone a blessed holiday season.
EXCITED: I’m in Pittsburgh on
#RobertoClementeDay
and this was the perfect time to launch
@Talkin21podcast
- the official 10-episode podcast dedicated to the “The Great One.” Thanks to my co-creator/executive producer
@RasGuevara
, SenorBasil,
@ToddRadom
Enjoy this teaser video.
This cherished photo was taken during the 2018 All-Star Game FanFest weekend in Washington, D.C. and it would be the last time I was with Doña Vera Clemente. I will NEVER forget her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. Don Roberto y Doña Vera juntos en el cielo.
#QDEP
🙏
Happy Birthday/Feliz Cumpleaños to my friend
@TheRealSangy35
who truly impacted the game not only as a catcher but as a mentor to numerous Latino ballplayers. Roberto Clemente passed the torch of goodwill to his dear friend and he continues that mission throughout MLB.
#Pirates
Here are 2 impactful photos that were on display at the memorial service. Doña Vera was an extraordinary mother who impacted millions of fans. She shared stories about “The Great One” but it was also her unforgettable smile, laughter and goodwill that should NEVER be forgotten.
THEN and NOW: My oldest daughter was only 5 when she began this extraordinary journey. Now, I’m incredibly proud to report she MATCHED and we can officially welcome Dr. Talia Torres into the world of medicine. Stay Tuned: Friday, Pediatrics or Family Medicine.
#MatchDay2021
Wishing Tony Pérez “The Big Dog” and Baseball HOF’er (Class of 2000) a Happy 80th Birthday. Feliz Cumple Tany y muchas bendiciones de todos tus amigos en béisbol.
#ATOBTTR
Enjoy my friend.
🍎