Clemente's spirit alive in Puerto Rico's youth baseball programs

Few people gave more to the game of baseball and Puerto Rico than Roberto Clemente.

In 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Hall of Famer had 3,000 hits, won four batting titles, 12 Gold Gloves and an MVP (1966). He also won two World Series (1960 and '71) with the Pirates.

But for as much as he meant to baseball and the Island, his actions off the field and helping others meant the most to him. His giving nature led to MLB naming a day after him, and every year, an MLB player wins the Roberto Clemente Award, which goes to a player who “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”

• VOTE NOW: 2023 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One

Now, MLB continues to give back to Puerto Rico and runs multiple programs to help continue growing the game of baseball and softball. For Pepito Centeno, who has a scouting background, has been with MLB since 1991 and directs these events, Clemente’s impact extends far beyond the baseball field.

“That’s the most important player for me and all of my friends who played ball at 14 and 15 years old,” Centeno said. “We feel very proud of him. They know who Roberto Clemente is, his career and what they’ve seen what his life about trying to help the other person. That’s the most important message in the life of Roberto Clemente for me personally and the program.”

MLB began a year-round Elite Development Program in Puerto Rico in 2013. The program runs across four different regions: Bayamon, Caguas, Salinas and Mayaguez. Players in the program can participate for free in weekly practices that prioritize skill development.

Over 200 players from ages 12-18 have participated every year. Since the program’s inception 10 years ago, 44 have gone on to be drafted by an MLB team, 21 have played at Division-I College programs and 238 have played at Junior College programs.

The instructors from the Elite Development Program also run the MLB Junior Home Run Derby. The derby includes 14U and 16U in softball, along with 12U and 14U in baseball. The winners earn a spot in the National Finals, which take place during All-Star Week in July.

MLB also hosts an MLB Draft Eligible Showcase, which typically takes place in San Juan. The showcase happens every winter and is an opportunity for the top 100 draft-eligible players to play in front of MLB scouts.

MLB helped create the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School in 2003. Since the academy opened, it has produced more players than any high school across the nation. Among the players drafted out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy was Carlos Correa, the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 by the Houston Astros. He now plays shortstop for the Minnesota Twins after signing a 6-year $200 million deal this past offseason.

“MLB is very active in Puerto Rico with different initiatives,” Centeno said. “I feel good because it gives a chance to different kids who maybe can’t go to a baseball academy. We offer a good scenario to developing those kids.”

Players and teams from Puerto Rico have also become more integrated into events that are held in the States. Players from the Puerto Rico Baseball, MLB Development Program and RBI leagues have participated in the Breakthrough Series Tournament, which takes place every year at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla.

Other initiatives include MLB’s Pitch, Hit and Run, Play Ball Events, the MLB All-Star Commissioner’s Cup and the Youth Academy Network “Youth of the Year.”

For the “Youth of the Year,” 10 members from MLB Youth Academies across the USA and Puerto Rico were nominated by their coaches and administrators to represent them at Game 2 of the World Series. Players are selected because of their actions on and off the field and have “overcome challenges in their lives, or made a positive impact in their community.” Leonor Perez of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, was chosen this year.

MLB Pitch, Hit & Run gives players from ages 7-14 who play baseball and softball an opportunity to showcase their abilities through skills competitions. The winners also attend the World Series.

The Island of Puerto Rico has given so much to baseball. Now, MLB is doing its part to give kids every chance to develop and follow in the footsteps of players like Francisco Lindor, Javier Báez, Yadier Molina, and most importantly, Roberto Clemente to live out their dreams on the field and help others off of it.