In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep. 15 - Oct. 15), today, Major League Baseball honors the late, great #21 Roberto Clemente.
One of the best things I've heard said about the Puerto Rican native was he wasn't just a well-rounded baseball player, but a well-rounded human being.
I first discovered the well-rounded greatness of Clemente after reading about him back in 2006 (Clemente Coincidence). His genuine love for family and country were so apparent, that anyone who met him felt the love and vibrancy of the peoples and place he came from; at least that's how I perceived it reading about him.
There is a push to retire the number twenty-one from all MLB in Clemente's honor. I don't think a man like Clemente would want his jersey hanging on a wall collecting dust. He'd want it to be worn by some young rookie, inspired by footage of Clemente, chasing his own childhood dreams of being one of the best baseball players that ever lived. I'm sure he'd want his legacy to inspire others as opposed to having others bow-down to his greatness.
In honoring #21 on Roberto Clemente Day this year, we should all try to be great in whatever we do. And more importantly, try to help inspire others to be great at what they do; that's just what well-rounded human beings do. They build instead of tearing down, heal instead of hurt, love instead of hate, are truthful instead of deceiving, caring instead of careless, and grateful instead of ungrateful.
As the saying goes, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Be Like Clemente Today!
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