Roberto Clemente was a Major League Baseball (MLB) right fielder who played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and four-time National League (NL) batting champion. Clemente was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be enshrined. He was also the first Latin American to win a Gold Glove Award. So, how many gold gloves did Roberto Clemente win?
The Early Years
Roberto Clemente was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico on August 18th, 1934. He began playing baseball at the age of 16, and by the age of 18 he was playing professionally in the Puerto Rican winter league. In 1954, Clemente signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he made his major league debut in 1955.
Clemente’s Talented Defense
Clemente quickly established himself as one of the best defensive players in the game. He had a strong arm, quick reflexes, and a knack for making the right play. He was also known for his hustle, often running out ground balls and diving for catches. His defensive abilities earned him the nickname “The Great One”.
Clemente’s 12 Gold Gloves
Clemente won his first Gold Glove Award in 1961 and his last in 1972. In total, he won 12 Gold Gloves, making him the first Latin American to win the award. He won five consecutive awards from 1961-1965, and four consecutive awards from 1969-1972. He is also the only player in MLB history to have won the Gold Glove Award in four different decades.
Legacy
Clemente’s defensive abilities helped him become one of the most beloved players in baseball. He was known for his hustle and passion, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of Pirates fans and baseball fans around the world. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roberto Clemente won 12 Gold Glove Awards during his 18-year career in Major League baseball. He was the first Latin American player to win the award, and the only player in MLB history to have won it in four different decades. His defensive abilities, hustle, and passion for the game made him one of the most beloved players in baseball. He will always be remembered for his remarkable achievements on the field.