Indians Pay Tribute to Roberto Clemente on May 31

May 31, 2016 - The Indianapolis Indians have long been a proud Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates in how both franchises carry themselves on and off the field. On May 31 the Indians will express their pride in a new way when they recognize Roberto Clemente Day at Victory Field in a celebration of the iconic Pirates outfielder for his positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

Clemente played his entire 18-year Major League Baseball career with Pittsburgh starting in 1955. He played in two World Series, batting .310 in 1960 and .414 in 1971. He was the National League Batting Champion four times, was awarded 12 Gold Gloves, selected National League MVP in 1966 and was chosen as the MVP in the 1971 World Series.

Then, suddenly and tragically on New Year's Eve in 1972, Clemente and four others boarded a plane to deliver relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua. Shortly after takeoff the plane exploded and crashed in the Atlantic Ocean. There were no survivors.

Clemente's death shocked the world. The Baseball Writers Association of America held a special election and the mandatory five year waiting period for the Hall of Fame was waived. On August 6, 1973, Clemente, who had a lifetime .317 average with 240 homers and 1,305 RBI, was inducted into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. He became the first Hispanic player ever elected to the shrine.

Since 1972, Major League Baseball annually has presented an award (originally known as The Commissioner's Award) which recognizes the player at the MLB level who best exemplifies the game, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.

In 1973, following the death of Clemente, the award was re-named the Roberto Clemente Award to honor the man whose spirit and goodwill always will be remembered. The award recognizes those individuals who truly understand the value of helping others. That year the Pirates also retired Clemente's No. 21.

Former Indianapolis Indian (2007-2009) and All-Star Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen was named the 2015 award winner.

In the spirit of the award and in conjunction with the organization's commitment to community service, each season Indianapolis Indians players participate in a variety of community outreach causes, activities and events which also are part of the Pittsburgh Pirates Community Commitment Program where players are encouraged to engage and serve in the communities of the Pirates affiliated Minor League teams. Indians players serve and participate at places such as local children's hospitals, not-for-profit organizations, little leagues and community events.

On Tuesday May 31, 2016, and in partnership with Radio Latina 107.1 FM, the Indians will honor Clemente in a pregame ceremony featuring several commemorative videos. In addition to the pregame celebration, it is no coincidence that the Tribe is hosting a Youth Clinic on Roberto Clemente Day, encouraging young Tribe fans to not only hone in on their baseball skills, but also embody the caring nature of the legend.