To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s iconic 3,000th hit, the Clemente Museum will host an open house on Friday, Sept. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. with a special exhibit in honor of the longtime Pittsburgh Pirates legend.
Friday has been proclaimed “Roberto Clemente Day” in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh. An event to commemorate the occasion will include remarks and remembrances, the unveiling of the Three Rivers Stadium home plate marker, and the playing of the 3,000th hit call by legendary announcer Bob Prince. That will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Gold Lot 1A, 792 W. General Robinson St., North Shore.
Museum Assistant Director CJ Strauss says an entire museum wall will commemorate Clemente’s 3,000th hit with several original photographs — including Clemente tipping his cap at second base — three bats and the 1972 uniform that the Hall of Fame player wore.
“Robert Clemente was the 11th player, and first Latino in Major League Baseball history to reach 3,000 hits, long considered the greatest measure of superior bat handling and often described as a guarantee of eventual entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame,” says Strauss. “To this day, only 33 players have reached 3,000 hits; Clemente is the only player to have exactly 3,000.”
The Clemente Museum will screen a film from the day Clemente achieved his 3,000th hit. Strauss says the film was recorded by a Pirates fan who was there and has never been shown to the public.
The open house also will feature traditional Puerto Rican food from Secretos de mis Abuelos and wine from Engine House 25 in the parking lot.
Among the photos and artifacts, the museum’s collection includes Clemente’ Silver Slugger Award, several Gold Gloves, game-worn uniforms and game bats.
Ticket prices vary – $21 for adults and $10 for kids – and 21% of all ticket and merchandise sales will be donated to Hurricane Fiona disaster relief in Puerto Rico.
“Clemente dedicated his 3,000th hit to the Pittsburgh fans and people of Puerto Rico,” says Strauss. “We are honored to be part of Pittsburgh’s dedication to him. Some will come to remember. Some will come to learn. All will leave inspired.”
