Sadly, on the late night of Saturday November 16, 2019, Vera Clemente, widow of Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente, passed away. Vera was a goodwill ambassador for Major League Baseball. Vera decided to take place in baseball operations after Roberto’s tragic untimely death in 1972. As many of you are aware, after the 1972 baseball season was over, Roberto tried to help hurricane victims in Nicaragua. Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash on his way to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Vera Clemente continued to carry on Roberto Clemente’s legacy after his tragic passing. She started organizations in his name to help Hispanic families in desperate need of food and shelter.MLB also took part in remembering Roberto by starting the Roberto Clemente Award. This award is given to the player that does the most charity work throughout the year.

Pirates Owner, Bob Nutting, made an official statement on Vera Clemente.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vera Clemente, the widow of the great Roberto Clemente and a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball family. Vera epitomized grace, dignity and strength in the wake of heartbreaking tragedy and loss. Following Roberto’s passing, Vera raised their three sons into outstanding men, while also working tirelessly to ensure her and her husband’s shared vision of compassion, service and love of others lived on forever. Vera was an amazing ambassador for the Pirates organization, our city, the game of baseball and their beloved Puerto Rico. It is with very heavy hearts that we send our condolences to Roberto Jr., Luis, Enrique and the entire Clemente family. May they find comfort in knowing that Vera and Roberto are together once again.”