Young athletes from Cayey honor Clemente on 3,000th hit anniversary
By THE STAR STAFF
Cayey Mayor Rolando Ortiz Velázquez recognized young athletes from the Eugenio María de Hostos School, who commemorated Roberto Clemente Walker Day last Wednesday, Sept. 30.
“On that day, the sports world celebrates the anniversary of that historic 3,000th hit, which forever defined the career of our eternal number 21,” the mayor said.
As a sports-loving city and home to ‘Los Toritos,’ Roberto Clemente means much more to us than just a great athlete,” Ortiz Velázquez noted. “He was a human being who taught us that achievements hold special value when we use them to sow hope, help others, and leave a positive mark.”
Likewise, Karla Bernand, coordinator of the municipal Escuela Al Día (School Up-to-Date) program, recognized the teachers and the principal of Eugenio María de Hostos School, Pablo Ortiz Feliciano, for making the commemoration possible and providing students with a space to share and keep Roberto Clemente’s legacy alive.
Special Education teacher Michelle Soliván shared a message with the students, reminding them that we are all winners “when we participate, when we give our best, when we respect our peers, when we help those in need, and when we are able to enjoy things together.”
“Beyond who runs the fastest or who finishes first, what truly matters are the smiles, the camaraderie, and the memories we build as a school family,” she said.
On Sept. 30, 1972, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Clemente recorded his 3,000th hit as a major leaguer against New York Mets pitcher Jon Matlack. With the double to left-center field, he became the first Latin American player to reach the prestigious milestone of 3,000 hits in Major League Baseball (MLB). It was also the final regular-season hit of his professional career.
Although MLB officially celebrates Roberto Clemente Day on Sept. 15 each year to highlight his philanthropic work, Sept. 30th marks the anniversary of his iconic hit -- an occasion remembered with special emotion, just as the children of Cayey did.
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