Episode 8: Luis Roberto Clemente

[00:00:07] Speaker A: Welcome Bieng Benidos and thanks for joining me on the talking 21 podcast, the official podcast dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of the legendary 21 Proverto Clemente Walker. Today we have a special guest and a longtime friend who I met in 2002 in Puerto Rico. He is the middle son of the great one and he is our episode eight guests Luis Roelto Clemente as the second of three boys who was born in 1966, Luis's family name, Clemente has been synonymous with baseball royalty throughout the world. Although their adopted home of Pittsburgh played a huge part in their formative years, Luis's legendary father insisted his beloved children would be born in Puerto Rico. Although he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and played in their instructional league, an unfortunate shoulder injury would curtail Luis's brief baseball career. He decided he would go back to school and graduate from the University of Puerto Rico. While employed in the States in the airline industry 25 years ago, he decided to move back to Puerto Rico along with his family. He has committed himself to the family business as the president of 21 and right, the marketing licensing company owned by the family which retains the rights to the family name likeness of his father. Along with that position also came his responsibility to work side by side with his late mother on the challenging task and operating Roberto Clemente Sports City in Puerto Rico. To this day, his ambitious plans have not been easy. But with the same determination and tenacity of his late parents, he is committed to seeing his father's and mother's extraordinary project come to fruition. With the relaunch of Roberto Clemente Foundation, Luis along with his brothers Roberto Jr. Enrique, the board of directors, and a dedicated group of volunteers, Luis Roberto continues to travel the globe representing his late parents at commemorative tributes, ceremonies and annually at Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Award presentation during the World Series. Although this year's 2020 recipient will be announced virtually on December 7, the Proud winner, Shuli, will be honored to receive this prestigious award, knowing his philanthropic efforts are being recognized. And as Luis Roberto proudly said at last year's Roberto Clemente Award presentation press conference, I am very proud to be Roberto's son, but I am extremely fortunate to be Vera's son as well. Well, firstly, Luis, thank you so very much on being a part of this talking 21 podcast. And as you know, this isn't episode 21, although that would have been pretty cool. But yet this is already episode eight and there was no question, Luisa, in my mind, you were going to be a guest. You're a Clemente, and of course you're the second child of Roberto and Donya Vera. Luis, we've known each other for close to 20 years, and I mean, absolutely no one. I mean, Pete, no one knows what it's like to walk in your shoes. But my first question, and I'll use this acronym and I just came up with it, actually. GUC growing up Clemente, can you please share with our talking 21 listeners what has that been like for Luis Rovelto. [00:03:56] Speaker B: Clemente well, Danny, great to be a part of the podcast and everything, and it's quite a life to live when you have both of your parents to be so incredible, to do such amazing things, and you grow up learning what is true love for humanity, for people. And then the big shocker that takes a long time for you to realize and truly digest what happened, given the fact that that was during his seasons, right? He was in the states and he was so proud of being puerto rican. He wanted to make sure that mom would give birth to us, all three of us here in. So I was born and raised, and with time, I was used to not seeing that all throughout the year. But then after things happened, you start missing and then realizing what's your role in this family, in this very special family? Whatever you decide to do, it's not an obligation because I always say people have choices on how to live and how to want to be engaged. If you think of other baseball families, I don't think that many have done what we've done. It's been an interesting life. I wouldn't change it for anything. But I think the balance, the most important thing is how we've kept the balance between the greatness, being the son of the great one, and then having that much more humbleness to kind of like balance it out and not let it get to your head and not think that you're it and not think you walk on water, even though you see the reaction of people when they approach you and they want to hug you and they shake your hand and you see how they choke and you see how tears come down their eyes and they want to speak, but they can't. That powerful is the legacy that left us. So then how do you handle it? What do you do with know? [00:06:27] Speaker A: Luis, you mentioned a couple of words there, but I want to kind of piggyback on the nickname that your father had, which was the great one. But you also were talking about embracing the greatness of that legacy and what your role, Luis Oriento Clemente's role now in 2020 and for so many people. Luis that are drawn to you because of your connection to your father. But I like to always say the connection of a father and a mother to have both parents. But Luis was there ever, and I'm sure there has been, where times throughout all of these years, since your dad's untimely death, where someone who knew your dad very close, that he would say, luis, Luisito, this is exactly what your father would have done. This is exactly what your father would have said. [00:07:19] Speaker B: All throughout my childhood, even mom would say, you know what? That's exactly how your father approached things. You have the same character. My writing is even very close to his. I would see something and I would immediately recognize it. And I remember when we were in the all star game, when you told me, hey, Luis, you can't leave until I give something to you. This was the all star game at City Field, I believe it was like 2013, 2013. And I remember we spoke several times, and then you told me, hey, I have something I have to give you. You can't leave without seeing me, because I need to give you this. And when you handed me, it was on a transparent film, right? And it was a document handwritten by dad. And immediately I recognized his handwriting. When I started reading what it was, my hair stood on end because it was dad organizing an awards, a sports awards ceremony. And within what he had, I was already working exactly on the same project without knowing he ever had that idea. So that's why I say I don't do things to continue, necessarily to continue what he started. I do what I feel I need to do, and I get confirmations later on down the road, down the line. And to give you another idea of how things happen, I was watching 62. [00:09:04] Speaker A: Was it Mickey mall and Roger Maris? [00:09:07] Speaker B: Yeah. There was a scene I was watching, and all of a sudden, I don't know why, I break and I start crying, but I'm telling you, crying deeply, with sorrow, and I'm like, what is going on? I stood up, I went to the bathroom, washed my face, I looked myself in the mirror, but I realized the way I was crying was how I used to cry when I was just a little kid and realized I would never see dad again. And I truly, truly missed him. I truly wanted to see him. And I went upstairs to my home office, sat down from a to z. It's when it was given to me this concept of the tour that I am actually executing now. It was given to me that day, and I don't even question it. It's like, okay, I understand this is what it is. And it may take a long time, it may take years or whatever, but this is what I need to focus on, and this is what I'm doing, pretty much. So there's many ways that I have that connection. And once again, I'm not doing things. I'm doing what I feel I need to do and picked up, obviously, the projects that they had started and everything, but doing it the way I understand is the right way to do it. [00:10:33] Speaker A: Louise, you talked about crying, and certainly both of us are parents. Both of us love our children. I have two daughters, 26 years of age. I can't even believe it. 24 years of age, respectively. And you have three boys, interesting enough that your parents actually had three boys as well. And their names are Luis Jr. Robbie and Bobby. And I'm sure our listeners are not surprised at all that those are the names of your children. But as a father, we have literally lived our lives for our children. They are an extension of our lives between your wife, my wife, but something Luis and I bet there was a lot of tears, and I could not even want to be in your shoes at that moment about what happened to Luis Roberto Clemente, Jr. A number of years ago that you shared with me and for our talking 21 listeners, a traumatic experience. But I really would appreciate, Luis, if you could kind of put us in your shoes just for a moment, because we obviously know it ended on a positive note. But please, Luis, if you could share with our listeners. [00:11:48] Speaker B: Well, imagine Luis Jr. Was born. The 7 January is the day after three Kings day. We were celebrating Bobby's birthday, and we were at the beach. Luis was 17, and he had just turned 17 in the previous month. Two days later, I found myself taking him to the hospital. I saw how his health deteriorated really quick. When they were bringing him, they had no idea what he had. After he was on the evaluation room and whatnot, the nurse that was assisting him was a guy. He stood him up and he said, dad, but why do you want to move me? I don't feel well. And when they stood him up, he took two steps. He literally threw up on the guy, the nurse. But then I saw him kind of, like, had a seizure, so his head went, like, backwards and kind of, like, flipping. And I grabbed him before he hit the ground. I carried him and I put him on the stretcher, and then I opened his eye with my fingers, and I saw that he was all white. And I said, louise, tell me what's going on, what's happening? And he said, the beaches, remember? It was at the, like, the beaches that are showing. I like La Posita, which is like the pond. And boom, that was it. He went out, totally knocked out. And then when he came back, it was on him, and he was just like, having all this jerky movement. Mind you, imagine how many children's hospitals we visit. We talk to the parents, we thank the doctors, we thank the hospital for what they do. And now I become one of those parents who has their son in a situation that they were not securing him. They would not say, finally, when they found out what it was, it was the worst type of meningitis, and it was due to a bacteria in the water, in the ocean and whatnot. Fortunately enough, every single day that I would go see him, they had to tie him to the bed, his feet in both hands, and he had really bad tremors. So every time I would be there, I would have my hand to his chest. And I'm telling you, for those who are listening, the power of the love that a parent transmit to a son or daughter is so, I mean, there's nothing that compares the prayers and everything, but in particular, what you transmit to your sons by touching, by having them understand that you're there, even though if they're unconscious, it don't matter. Every time he would start trembling, I would apply more pressure to his chest. And I would always tell him, Luis, I'm always here. And I would tell him what was happening. I would tell him, you have a really bad case of meningitis. Your body is shaking because it's fighting it. You have to be strong. And I would always suffer. If you wake up from this and you don't see me, it's because I had to step out. But I'm always here. I'll be back. And we were playing. I remember, Marley, don't worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be all right. Wow. Man. Those times were just the thought of the chance of losing one of my sons is unbearable. I can't even explain that feeling. It's no parent. You have to go through that. No parent. And finally one day, the nurse says, oh, I remember him kind of like coming back. And all of a sudden, he kind of looks at his hands, he's all tied up, and he wanted to say something he couldn't. And boom, he goes back, knocked out again. My biggest concern was the time that went by without him receiving any medication, because they didn't know what it was, so they could not provide any medication. And then I was worried and concerned about the damage he would have the permanent damage. And the doctors said, you know what? From this, people have become deaf, mute, blind, they've lost extremities, extremities. And they have even died. Right now, any of the above is possible. So that's not a good thing to hear from a doctor. But finally, thank God, with all the prayers and everything, he came out of it. I took him to a neurologist. He says, you brought it to me once, you don't have to bring it again. Thank God you moved quickly. You brought him when you needed to, and he did not penetrate the brain membrane, so he's good. So thank God. But that was quite a moment. I have to thank San Jorge Children's Hospital always for that. Mom was a board member till her last day of San Jorge children's. But that experience, I'll never forget it. I tell them, we have to thank God all along, all the time, because it was a very close know. [00:17:46] Speaker A: Luis, as a parent, I'm looking at your face right now. I'm hearing it in your voice. And certainly I immediately thought, Luis, that here it is in 2020, and so many, so many lives have been lost now, Luis, because of this coronavirus, that here it is. Luis, you were touching your son. But the millions who cannot enter a hospital to be there with their loved ones. So, Luis, you did something rather interesting that I am not on Facebook, but someone told me, Danny, you got to see what Luis posted on Facebook. So here it know, the United States, Puerto Rico, and literally our entire planet has been affected in so many ways, from global warming to civil know, bickering between politicians, and of course, this global pandemic that has affected and killed millions. Now, at the height of the pandemic, Luis, you shared some powerful words, and I want to provide for our listeners and give an opportunity for our listeners to hear an excerpt, if I may. And these were your words. These are moments that have arrived with little warning and without reason. I thought that all this would have a prompt solution. Curiously, the planet recovers as we come into balance. We do not generate pollutants that cause other species to remain distant. We already started to think about calculating our acts in the courtyards and the spaces that we start to sow. Take advantage of this time. Thank the blessings that these moments gives us. Luis, please share from your own recollections of when you went on that computer and you typed and posted on Facebook. And that's just an excerpt. And I'm sure if anyone that follows you is one of our listeners. But anybody wants to go to Luis's page. I'm certain they could see the entire post. So please, Luis, for our listeners, how did that come to be? [00:19:54] Speaker B: I was truly evaluating the circumstances and I saw how quickly mother nature recovered by us not being outside. I became inspired and said, you know what? We need to kind of like, look at things in a different perspective. And the fact that we are here, the fact that we are experiencing this totally different and harsh moments. Right. But still historical in his own right moment, this is going to be spoken about for the rest of the eternity. And we had the opportunity to be here and live it and live through it. Unfortunately, a lot of people have died and more will because it hasn't been really taken the right perspective. And I feel that here's what I truly, Danny, I truly believe, truly after this whole experience. And this is why I became inspired in writing this, I said, imagine if, the same way there's deductions from salaries that are done for different things, right? Imagine if part of the salaries are deducted to account for one month worth of pay. One month. And yearly we take that one month united, everyone, the same month could be the same month and do this exactly the same lockdown. But it's to recoup, to not digress and not to have the stress to wake up early in the morning. You have to go to your job to do all this. And for you to have that month that is already secured, is already paid for. But for you to stay in and give nature a chance to recover from us and then at the same time, we'll have that month to take that break. It's not vacation. It's not a vacation, literally is a month to recoup from the stress, from all these different things that cause so many diseases and whatnot. You're at home and you're secure because psychologically you're not going to be affected because your pay is there, it's already accounted for. But imagine how great we talk about the global warming and all that. Well, hey, I think that will be an incredible solution to give modern nation a break. You saw Venice. How quickly did that clear? The waters cleared. You saw fish coming through Venice. And then you have all the different in know the skies, you were able to know China, you were able to see, know all the pollutants, everything. [00:23:05] Speaker A: And interesting, Luis, that was documented by satellite shots to say that here it is, that car travel is not in this particular area of the world. And you're seeing that we're literally doing exactly what you're telling us to do to let Mother Nature reenergize. Luis, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Roberto Clemente day in Pittsburgh at Three River Stadium. And our last guest, Robert Miller, shared with us his recollections of being there and experience it as a ten year old from how he was able to describe and recall your dad, the emotion, the cheering from the crowd. Can you share with our listeners, Luis, because certainly you were there with your brothers, with your grandparents and your mom. Could you share with the listeners any particular recollections or memories from that know. [00:23:58] Speaker B: I remember many things from a very young age. And I remember being there and looking at the table full of trophies and plaques and many different things. And I also remember being very impressed by the statue that was there. [00:24:18] Speaker A: Yeah, there was a life size statue of your dad. [00:24:22] Speaker B: Exactly. I will get confused at times looking at. Wait. And I remember, if you see pictures of that time, you will see. I always had a very serious look, very intense, like my frowning and just looking. Sometimes Ricky, Roberta will know, a normal know. But I was always looking around. And I felt, fortunately, when mom passed and I started looking at some pictures, I realized, I said, you know what? I didn't have a child, but I was always looking out for the family. I was always looking out what's happening in the surroundings. And I realized that by looking at the pictures. And that day, I remember. I remember when Roberto Jr. Went and kissed the picture. [00:25:15] Speaker A: I've always looked at that moment, Luis, of that image, almost like when JFK was saluting his father at the funeral procession. So seeing that picture of Roberto Jr. Kissing the image of your dad, it was a powerful moment. And one of those. I would love to have had the opportunity to speak to the photographer who took that shot. [00:25:37] Speaker B: Yeah, everyone says the same exact thing. It reminds him of exactly that, what you described, John F. Kennedy Jr. Saluting his father. There are so many instances where we participated in ceremonies, events. [00:25:59] Speaker A: Let's go now to my home turf, New York City, Shea Stadium, which, interesting enough, Luis, even for the Mets to have allowed it. A Roberto Clemente day that was sponsored by a station that still exists, Radioado. There is actually even a button that says Roberto Clemente Day. Radioado, September of 1971, which I love anniversaries. We're coming up on that 50th anniversary. You're there with your mom. I believe your grandparents were there as well. You're there in the box seats by the first baseline. So please, if there's any recollections of that day as well, because that's the following year, any recollections of that day with your dad and that pregame ceremony. [00:26:44] Speaker B: Well, I mean, the same. I remember just staring and looking and taking in everything and trying to make sense of a lot of the stuff that I was seeing and looking at. One of my favorite pictures is the one with all three of us with dad in uniform, where he's carrying Ricky on his left. Beautiful picture. Beautiful picture. And he's got me on his right hand. To me, that has a very powerful meaning that I'm on his right arm. There's, I guess, a series of several pictures of that particular pose. And the one he's looking and smiling is looking at me. There's one who's looking straightforward, but then there's one where he's just looking at me and smiling. That is my favorite picture because of what it represents, his right arm. So I feel that I have kept things moving, going, listening to him in interviews, you have no idea the effect it has had on me. Where all of a sudden you hear your father saying, I want for my kids, when they grow up, to not be rich or millionaires, I want them to suffer. I want them to understand the true meaning of life. Imagine that. And he's not there to explain what he meant by that. But then you're growing up and you hear his words and you're saying, oh, my God, wait a second. What type of parent would want for their sons to suffer? So you're dealing with all of that and you're trying to make sense out of it, but then again, you have the utmost respect that anything that he desired, then you try to abide by. And that's a period in my life where I remember telling mom, you know what? I want to work like everyone else. I want for people not to be able to say, oh, he doesn't know what hard work is. He doesn't know what doing this after having to wake up early or working to late hours or whatever. And I have my good share of hard work. At one point, if you were coming through the airport here locally in Puerto Rico, and you were going through customs, more than likely I would take your bag when you left the area after you were checked and I would put it in the conveyor belt going to your next trip. And then I did things I experienced. About the only thing I didn't do for the airlines was fly the plane or become a flight attendant. Everything else, a ramp, fis, baggage. I did it all. I did it all. And very interesting. I'm going to tell you. I'm going to share this with you. I don't think I've shared this with a lot of people. We had started 21 and right in Pittsburgh in 94. And the first foundational. So the one that was the regional foundation for Pittsburgh. And at the time, I was already working with the airline, American Airlines. There were people there that thought I was an undercover agent. It's like, why would Clementa sun be working here? Right? And I remember people in Espanol had just started. So people in Espanol had just started. And they interviewed, you know, the magazine comes out, and the co workers all of a sudden start calling me and say, hey, are you embarrassed of what you say? What are you talking says, yeah, because here, this article says that this is an article about your brother, but it says that you're a top executive here in Miami of the airline. I said, what? I was livid. I was furious. I called Roberto. I said, listen, are you embarrassed of what you know? And he no, no. [00:31:02] Speaker A: It was them. [00:31:03] Speaker B: I told know what you did. But they said, no, it doesn't sound too know. Let's say he's an executive. I said, you know what? I'm doing things for a reason that people don't understand, and people need to respect that. And I got to tell you, if you have an issue with that, we have a problem. Because I am too real not to do what I feel I need to do. And what I'm doing is I'm preparing myself. So when I do what I'm doing today, I do it knowing I do it. Appreciating people and appreciating the efforts that everyone puts in day in, day out. I had a really nice apartment, no furniture. I slept on an air mat on the floor, on the ground for a year. I had a car here in Puerto Rico. I didn't bring it up to Miami. I left it here in Puerto Rico. I was walking to places people have no idea, so they could not figure it out. And it's all doing part of that interview that where dad says, I want my sons to suffer. I want my sons to know what hard work is. Well, hey, I did my part. [00:32:12] Speaker A: And for those that are not familiar with that interview, that would have been October of 1972 with the late Sam Nova. And definitely for fans and anyone that wants to see that interview on YouTube, please just google Roberto Clemente. Sam Nova interview. It's powerful stuff. Powerful stuff. Luis, we had episode. One person you're familiar with, and that is Phil Dorsey, and that is not the Phil Dorsey who knew your father who passed away. I believe in 2002. I know it was October 9. I believe it was 2002 when he passed away. But Phil Dorsey, the namesake, who lives in Maryland, and I've known Phil for over 15 years, he talked about your dad being a second father. So here it is. Luis, I really thought immediately when you said about that photograph that you were on your dad's right side. So guess what, Luis? You were Clementes, Roberto Clemente's right hand man. And he was already setting the stage that he quite possibly knew. I got Roberto Jr. My oldest. I have Ricky. But the guy that right now, I'm going to now start maybe sending you emojis, Luis, with a serious face. That guy is my right hand man. That's the guy that I'm seeing something at a very young age. So I want to ask you, Luis, and I'm sure Roberto, excuse me, Luis, I'm sure Phil Dorsey would love to hear your thoughts on your recollections, your memories of his father, Phil Dorsey, who was your dad's best friend in Pittsburgh. [00:33:51] Speaker B: Well, I mean, obviously, when dad got to Pittsburgh, Phil, they assigned Phil to him to kind of, like, take care of him and make sure he know, have what he needed and kind of get him adjusted there. And that made imagine that was his friend from the very beginning when he got there, when he didn't know much about anything that was going on. And I feel that he became his brother pretty much. He got him the place where he would stay with the Garlands, and those became another set of grandparents. I always say that we grew up in the United nations because he had friends that were. He made family from all different nationalities. But Phil, I remember going to Phil's house even afterwards, and remember Phil's daughter Patty, Joe, and being at their place. And he always took great care of us. And memories with Phil were very know. Obviously, we grew up with him being part of it, of our family, and he protected us a lot. He would always have us coming to the clubhouse at the pirate games, and we wouldn't be hanging out there with the pirates. We grew up with that true family, not the ones from the 80s, but from early on and then later on, but certainly with Phil, it was being at home. It was being at home. But Phil remember having conversations, suggestions he gave us, and we spoke a lot. We spoke a lot. I remember when I left the pirates, also back in 87, that I drove to Pittsburgh. And certain years after that, and whatever happened with him and everything we spoke, I mean, I had the almost respect for Phil. I believe that it was someone who helped dad a whole lot. And when I came to find out more about it, the more I appreciated. I saw pictures of him at the house here in Puerto Rico with that. But honestly, there's a time where I went blank. There's a time that I really disconnected myself everything to be able to do what I'm doing. So I drew a blank on a lot of stuff for quite some time. But Phil was definitely part of the family. He was truly welcome. He knew everyone, my grandparents, my uncles here in Puerto Rico. It was a must to see him whenever we would be in Pittsburgh, whenever we come for vacations or something, it was always a must to visit. And it brought many memories, being in the area where dad used to know close by and everything always brought incredible know. [00:37:14] Speaker A: Your dad's activism, Luis, is well known. Was there one particular incident, luis, that to this day, when he stated his position stood firmly and wasn't budging. Something that in all your reading and stories that people have shared with you about your dad's activism, what would you say was that moment in history where you're just so proud, so proud of. [00:37:39] Speaker B: Your father, when he would stood up and not accept the fact that he needed to wait for others to eat, for them to be brought the food afterwards, whenever they were done? That act of racism, prejudice, he could not put up with any of that. The fact that he was not prepped for it, that he spoke his mind, that he knew early on, since his very beginnings as a major league baseball player, what his mission was, that he certainly would defend. Every time he would see injustice against anyone. It didn't matter which race you were, white, black, chinese, it didn't matter. He did not tolerate injustice and racism and all of that. So I think the moment that. It was a very private moment for me. I found a telegram where he was being granted an opportunity, and it was establishing a precedent, because no other ball player had been allowed to participate in these type of meetings. And at any given moment, they said that he could be interrupted, and that was going to be the last of his participation. Just reading it, you will say, whoa. And then later on, I come to find out that that was a co founder of Major League Baseball Players association. And this had to be a telegram attached to the first meeting allowing him. He was the first players rep. He represented all players, not latino players, all major league baseball players. And the first meetings took place here in Puerto Rico. So imagine to have that happen, what type of courage and how much you would demand justice that even that he had happened and not a lot of people know that. [00:39:51] Speaker A: That really is an amazing story, Luis, because that just tells you already. Your father felt very comfortable to speak his mind, and he wasn't going to turn away from that position. So, Luis, 2002, we're almost approaching almost 20 years, was the first time that I actually met you in Puerto Rico. And it was at the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the life and legacy of your father through artifacts, through murals, a video. And that was the first time that I met your mother, not at the museum, but at Sports City. And I won't share the details of that story, but I always say this because it's actually funny. And you have a smile on your face because it's the truth. Within maybe 2 hours, in your mother's office, I had gave her a gift. It was an original photograph of when your dad's uniform was retired. And she was shocked that I gave it to us, an actual eight by ten. And I says, no, this is yours. It needs to come back to the family. So within maybe an hour or so, I always remember her favorite drink was sprite. So I remember that's the first drink she served me. And immediately I'm like, well, I'm not in my side. I'm not really a sprite drinker, but of course, this is Mrs. Clemente giving it to me. So, oh, man, thank you. My favorite drink. So here it is. She says, danny, are you hungry? And I said, anybody that knows Danny. [00:41:13] Speaker B: Torres loves to eat. [00:41:14] Speaker A: And I'm like, nudging Paul. And Paul's like, Mrs. Clemente, I bring a Puerto Rican to the island, and I've known you already eight years, and now we're going to your house for the first time. I don't understand that. And she laughed. And we get over there, and within an hour, she cooks a steak, rice and beans. And I remember while she was preparing it, I said, Mrs. Clemente? And I said, as I always have said, donavira, your son said, he's going to take us to eat. And she looked and she smirked. Remember, it's the first time I'm meeting your mother. First time I met you. And she says, what time did he tell you? I said, koalase by 06:00. And she said, what time is it now? I said, 05:00 you don't know my son. If he told you 06:00 he'll be here at nine. Well, lo and behold, Louise, a mother knows your son. You arrived at 845. She looks at me and she says in Spanish, gayotari, what did I tell you? And you were like all natural, like, oh, mom cooked and we ate, but then we went out afterwards. So, Luis, I have that story that I've shared for years. Luis, what is that moment that you could literally say, thank God I had Donia Vera, Mrs. Bera Critina Clemente as. [00:42:31] Speaker B: My mother every day, every single day since dad passed. The way she continued immediately to pick up where that left things. And you have to understand, dad used to tell her that he knew he was going to die young and that he was a gorgeous woman, that she was going to redo her life, he was going to find someone. The mom will tell him. First of all, don't talk about sad things. Second of all, I assure you, I guarantee you, if that happens, I will never ever look at another man. And that's exactly how it happened. Mind you, they only spent eight years of their lives together. In my case, about 30. It was only eight years of that marriage. So imagine after only eight years, how huge of a love that had to be for mom not to ever looped at another man in the hospital her last days as a mom. She couldn't speak at the time. As a mom, do me a favor. When you see dad, remember telling you you won the bet. I had so many laughters with her. I had the best times. You have no idea the way she was. We could go into a doctor's appointment and then I would go to listen to the doctor and see what he had to say. And all of a sudden she would excuse herself not to come back into the office and we're waiting on his. But where? I said, you know what? I have a clue of what's going on. Sure enough, she will be outside in the hallway, furious. Why are you taking so long? Do you understand? There's a lot of people here in the waiting room, we're taking their time. I said, mom, if I asked you, you waited as well. If I asked you, what did the doctor have to say? Do you know? Do you remember? She would not even pay attention because her concern was she was consuming too much time for those people that were in the waiting room. That's how incredible she was. And I tell you, and I almost get tears because people don't understand the love for the fellow man that she had. It was so genuine and so sincere that I had an issue with that. I said, mom, we are matter, you know, we exist and we need to occupy some space. We will be standing somewhere in the lobby of a hotel or she will be constantly, oh, move out of the way, move out of the way or whatever. So I said, mom, please. I said, dad should be. I don't know, I think it must be some sort of psychological thing or illness or something attached to this. But it's not human, impossibly, that you don't want to be. So others can be. It's something you have no idea. And then the funniest things. I always used to tell you that we laughed. If there would have ever been a reality show, people would have just. I mean, you could not script the things that went on, the things that happened. And he always wanted to tip. Like the drivers when we were picked up at the airport or brought to the hotel or whatever. And I saw a meme the other day where they have a grandma, kind of like handing money backwards. And they said something like, when you visit grandma or whatever. And I said, that's mom. You know, she would always have the money in her hand, and he and she would. Very nonchalant, kind of like throw her hand back and they'd start moving it and hitting me with it. So I would take it and I would ignore her totally. I said, why? You started trafficking already? She used to get so mad. But it's amazing. Mom was an incredible person. [00:47:25] Speaker A: I would have to agree 100%, Luis. You know, Luis, since 1973, when the award was renamed the Roberto Clemente Award, there has been some memorable recipients who have received this prestigious award. Can you share with our listeners the actual voting? Because on December 7, they will be announcing who this year's recipient of the award will be. So can you put us in the shoes of a family member and the committee itself, how that process goes, receiving the names of the team candidates to the announcement of the actual winner? And secondly, Luis, is there a particular recipient from previous award ceremonies that sticks out to Luis Clemente to this day? So the process and a particular winner. [00:48:11] Speaker B: It is a very thorough process. It's not an easy task for a player to be nominated. First of all, we don't nominate them. The team chooses their nominee based on the work they've know throughout the season. And that's first step. I remember always Jorge Ponzada's mother. Kind of like giving me grief because he says, do you know how much Jorge does? And this? And do I do? But the process is the team has to nominate him. And then he goes into the next step, which is there's 30 nominees. Each team nominates a player. And then mom used to be. Okay, so it was mom, the commissioner. If there was a sponsor for the award, then the CEO of the company would also be another vote. You have the know mom received a binder with all the write ups of each individual play with her know team. And then what he did, and I remember mom was saying, louise, please help me. I said, that's all you. That's all you. So she would go through it and she would get yellow stickies and she would write notes and she would stick those to the pages. It was a very serious ordeal. She would really focus on how much not only did they gave, but what was their involvement in doing. So. It was very important for her to see not just money being donated to a cause, but their engagement in the goodwill. So after all that is done, she has to submit the vote, who she shows 1st, second and third place. That is being compared amongst all of the voters. And then that's when the announcement is made. Such and such. If there's a tide or whatever, then you have to see how many were totally nominated. It started evolving where now the fans also have a vote, but the total of the fans vote becomes one vote. That then is also added to the rest. This year, after mom passing the three brothers, for the first time ever, all three of us voted as well. That was a nice touch. When we were asking, so how logistics from this point on? And they said, hey, it would be great if all three of you vote. I said, wow, we were not expecting that. So that was very nice. [00:51:22] Speaker A: Anyone in particular that's memorable? Luis? Anyone that's memorable? [00:51:28] Speaker B: I got to tell you, Danny, all of them, they tell us. I remember Kurt shilling. I remember, I David Moyer, I remember all of know, they say, obviously, which are not that many that have, you know, all of those, but they always. How usually not even just the players, because the player can tell you, but when the wives and the parents approach you and say, you have no idea what this means for my son, all right. He was not able to sleep last night. That's how emotional about it he is. He truly, truly says this is the best thing ever that could have happened to him. I always do one thing after we do the press conference and we're on the on field presentation, we go up to the suites and I see that they're out there watching the game from there for a little bit, and then they come back in and they watch it on tv inside the suite. How is it? What do you feel about this view? And they say, well, it's kind of weird. I says, okay, so never forget. Never forget. This is the perspective of many fans from the distance of what the game is. And they come and pay to watch you guys play. That's why dad was always so appreciative of the fans that when the 1960 World Series ended, he felt among celebrating with the fans, there was a particular play where someone here, like a grand slam, they were winning the game. So there were people that were upset and mad at it, at him because they said, if you were winning, that was not right. There's like an etiquette and whatnot. [00:53:49] Speaker A: Well, Fernando Tatis, Jr. Fernando Tatis Jr. [00:53:53] Speaker B: San Diego, when Victor Huberta, my budy and right hand as well, everything, he said, listen, there was a play in Chicago where your father ran into the wall and they were losing. So there was no point in doing that because the game was going to end. There was only two more outs or whatever, and he scraped himself, or he cut himself in Chicago against the wall. And when he was asked, roberto, how come that was not necessary, his answer was, you know what? Within the fans, I don't know who was at the game that will never probably have another opportunity to watch me play. So that's why I always give 100% for those that probably cannot afford to come back again. But at least when they saw me, I gave them all I had to give. [00:54:49] Speaker A: And that's why he was called a great one, man. That's why he was called a great one. Luis I want people to hear some great news, and that great news is the relaunch of the Roberto Clemente foundation. And certainly I was privileged to be at a few of your events and to see the impact that you've had throughout the United States, literally, and not even just the United States, Luis there in Puerto Rico, but certainly the foundation itself. Luis and I like for our listeners to really hold on to these words that I'm about to say, which is your mission statement, which is to build nations of good. So, Luis, if you could share with once again the listeners and who I'm sure are enjoying this conversation on talking 21 building nations of good, please, how did that come to be? What your plans are for 2021, for the Roberto Clemente foundation? [00:55:46] Speaker B: Remember the story I told you when I was crying and I went and went upstairs and wrote the whole plan for the tour and whatnot? The words were given to me, and I thought it was kind of like raw, building nations of good. But I said, I got to question it. That's our motto. That's our mission. And what it means is everywhere we go, we want to impact youngsters and everyone, but in particular youngsters, to activate the humanitarian side at a young age and to become. The concept is, everywhere we go, we want to have an extension of our foundation. And so far, 2019 was immensely positive for us because the places we went to, we left someone as a representative for our foundation. And the concept is, for instance, we visited different Clemente schools, and we want at times of, let's say, natural disasters for those students who go out in the community and for the schools who convert into aid collection centers. The students will go out in the community and help collect the necessary aid to be sent out and basically have them become ambassadors of their communities, Google ambassadors and everywhere. And then if you do good in your community, it has a trickle effect, and also you impact other people and also inspire them to do the good work that our father taught us. And that's what it's all about. We're creating nations of good everywhere we go. And it's been very positive so far. We're looking forward to year 2021, 2022, which is the 50th anniversary. And then afterwards, there will be also another 50th anniversary celebration of the induction at the hall of Fame and everything. So next three years are very key to continue our mission this year. [00:58:03] Speaker A: With everything that was happening around the world, major league Baseball was able to have a truncated season and pull it off. And certainly I had the opportunity to be at PNC park on September 9, which, interesting enough, was my mother's 80th birthday and was the actual date that I told the talking 21 team that I wanted to launch in Pittsburgh. Talking 21. And I did it right there in front of that bronze statue, which, Luis, I don't know if you know this, but that particular day, what are the chances when I just got off the plane, within a half hour, when I'm making that announcement, this promo video that your brother was there by the statue, and I'm looking and I'm seeing this guy that's facing the ballpark. And immediately, don't ask me why immediately I said, man, that guy looks like Doc Ellis. And when he turns around, it's your brother with a 21 mass. So he was shocked to see me. [00:59:03] Speaker B: Yeah, I was on the phone with him when he saw it. [00:59:05] Speaker A: So we had a few words, and then within five to ten minutes, the pirate team is coming out. And I said, roberto Clemente, your father, he talk about a sign. I said, are you basically giving me the blessings? And I truly believe he did. So I got an opportunity to thank Derek Shelton. I took a picture with Joey Cora and some of his players there, coaches, but certainly Luis. That was an unbelievable, extraordinary moment. Because that was the first time ever since your dad's passing, the entire team wore number 21. So, Luis, if you can, for our listeners, put us now behind the scenes what was happening leading up to that decision. And certainly Luis, most importantly, I was sitting in the press box at PNC park and I saw a video and I want our listeners to hear how that video came to be and certainly the players wearing 21. [01:00:01] Speaker B: I was talking to Roberta Jr. When he told me that Joey had called him because Derek Hilton wanted to speak to him. And when he told me that Derek expressed how important it was for him for us to know how important our family is for the team, that he wanted to make sure that we knew it came from him, that the petition for all the team to wear number 21 on Clemente day. When Roberto told me this immediately, I sent out an email to Melanie La Grande stating, from MLB, stating, pirates authorized to wear 21 on fermenting day. Like from our side, right? And she's like, oh, so you know, that's great. Yes, we're discussing it and so we'll let you know. And then the very next day, she says, good news has been approved. Yes, the Pirates are going to wear the 21. So everyone was very excited about it. But we already have submitted also a petition to MLB. So on Clemente day, the concept was three patches, right, with the same image, which is the comment, the award statue. And we wanted a bronze for all of the teams, a silver for the nominees, the 30 nominees, and then gold for the past recipients that are still playing. At the time, there was funds and we were talking about face masks that we wanted to give to the players. We're talking about t shirts and stuff like that. And at the time, then we were told that they were going to do this 21 patch that everyone was going to wear. I said, beautiful. More than happy. Something finally, that's great. We were very happy about it. But then save the concept that we sent you to be considered in the following seasons to see how we progress into it or whatever. So basically everything was fine until the press conference. Press conference with the Pirates came about. It was two different press conferences, one for the puerto rican press and then one for the US press. Immediately after, I get a call from Carlos Vaega and Carlos says, luisachos, the guys, meaning the puerto rican players, they all want to wear 21. And I said, well, Carlos, give me a few minutes. So I called Melanie and I asked Melanie, if the players were to wear 21, what would be the process? So she said, well, then we have to go through the clubhouses and she explained the whole thing. She said, but I don't think there's enough time. I said, okay. So I called the players association. The players want to do this. What do they need to do? Exactly the same thing. She says, well, they have to go to their individual clubbies and the clubbies, they will know the procedure of how to request and the whole thing. I said, okay. So at the time I called Carlos back and Carlos, is this what it is? Yeah, but we're going to need a letter because the clubbies are not going to said, all right. So we did a letter that was signed by all three of us, Roberta Jr. Ricky and I. Then the letter read that to all puerto rican in the mayors. To all puerto rican players in the mayors. Due to a few of your requests, I've done this. I consulted and we're authorizing anyone who wants to wear 21 to do so. But I was following this procedure and then I added another paragraph which was about the video, because here's what happened. I was approached. Mob also connected me with the diamondbacks and I was told that they wanted me to start this virtual first pitch from Puerto Rico, from here. And it was going to go to other different countries. And I said, so, any particular way? No. You can start it from your living room and just throw it to your left. I said, hold on a second. And this is going to go to Dominican Republic, Cuba, Venezuela, all these countries that you're telling me I can start it from my living room. I went to. [01:04:55] Speaker A: Moment, powerful moment, to show that El Moro. [01:04:59] Speaker B: Yeah. So I said, no, our country has to be represented. So I went to Elmoro and did it. My wife was the one recording me and little did you know, but at the time I did it and I said it to them. So cool. That was that. But then it hit me. I got inspired and I said, you know what? I'm going to call Ricky and I'm going to ask Ricky to call his son. I'm going to grab my sons and I called Roberto Jr. I said, roberto, I want you to go to PNC park and bring RC II. And I'm going to record a video here and it's going to represent our legacy. Okay? And it's like passing this ball will represent. I always have it with me. This ball will represent. Let me see if you can see it. It has mom's signature. I don't know if you can see it has mom signature. And then the Roberto Clemente cup. What about that? There you go. There you go. Okay, good for you, listeners. [01:06:16] Speaker A: I have that same baseball. [01:06:18] Speaker B: Yeah, this is the ball. The ball that was done for the first Roberto Clemente cup that I put together in 2016. And basically, we asked Rollins to put mom's signature on the sweet spot. So that ball represents so much. It's our legacy. It has both of our parents on. I did. I went to Wainavo and did it in Barrido Guanano just as a test. But then I said, no, we got to do this right. And I called Carmen Yulin, the mayor of San Juan, and asked for her permission to do this at the Beethorn. And I sent her the letter, sent it out, whatever she said, it will be an honor to receive you back at the Beethorn and whatnot. Spoke to Skip Fonto La Sen, connected me with skip, and two days later, there we were. Mind you, movie doesn't do anything at the very last minute. It has to be done with a lot of time. Okay. And at that time, I said, well, this is a video we're going to do honoring both of our parents. And I want this to be the opening of every single game. But I have not communicated as of yet. So we recorded. I remember Friday morning, Roberto did his part, and then we did ours. We got to the beach, turn around, 04:00 p.m. We did our part. And then I did the voiceover here at home with another microphone that my son has. The whole concept is my concept, pretty much. Skip did an incredible work putting the whole thing together. He added the other images of dad I sent him when we did a clinic for 500 kids at the Beethorn. So the overview shots that you see, that's from our clinic. [01:08:18] Speaker A: That drone shot Luis. That drone shot above the stadium. [01:08:22] Speaker B: Yes, those are my shots. So basically, we put the whole thing together and I sent him the voiceover. This was like overnight, really quick. But what happened when I send it to the pirates, I kind of mixed up because Roberto's part was just few know, was very short. Most of the whole video was done here in Puerto Rico. And we left a tale with the music so we would not be interrupted. So when they at Roberto's part, they would not. So the voiceover says, we'll never forget you, we'll always love you. We are your living legacy, and we'll never drop the ball. So it happens that when you see it starts with dad coming, you see the ocean, you see dad's kind of like, spirit coming out of the water. When you see the overflight of the beef and all that that's his spirit getting to where we are. Right. [01:09:29] Speaker A: It is amazing, Luis, that he actually played inside that ballpark. [01:09:35] Speaker B: Absolutely. So then you see an image of mom. So you see the ball on first base. All of a sudden, next frame, the ball is no longer there. But then you see an image of mom tossing the ball up and the ball's in the air. Next shot is Ricky. So that's when she's passing the legacy to us. Okay. Ricky picks up the ball at home plate and passes it to his son on third base. To the Ricky. Ricky. And then Ricky sends it to my younger son, Robbie from Antonio on shorestop. He looks at the ball, he's looking at mom's name. And that's when I say, we'll never forget you, Robbie, my second son, receives it, Roberto in second base. And then when he looks at the name, he smiles and know we'll always love you. So Luis Jr. In first. And then we are. You're leaving legacy. When he throws a ball, then you see that swinging, whatever. And then I receive it. And when I look at the ball and then I throw it, I'm throwing it outside of the b thorn to Roberto Jr. To receive it in TNC park. And I said, I told the Pirates, I want at that moment to have Bob Prince voice going 21, playing right field, Roberto Clemente. And that's when then Roberto Jr. Receives the ball. But then one thing that is missing that was not done, and I want to still add it was when he hands the ball to junior, to Roberto II leader Roberto. I wanted to voice over that saying, the more I think about it, I'm convinced gut wanted me to play baseball. So that was not included on the video, but on the letter, going back to the letter that we sent all players, I mentioned the video that we're doing, that we're putting together. And I want all of the teams to be able to use it as the opening. And then for every nominee of each team to pick the ball up on first base, where it's left by little Roberto. So imagine the same day, because literally the Pirates took their time putting together Roberto's part to the rest. That was already done and there was no time. So the day of the game is when, around 03:00 I get an email from Pat Kearney saying, yes, we've seen the video because obviously now, ethan, you know, Orliski sees the letter that we sent to a place, hey, what's going know? We heard about this and the whole thing and said, well, from our side, we're saying, if that is a procedure, then that we are authorizing that we're okay for them to wear the number as long as they follow the procedure. But that was not expected at all. That's what happened. It blew out totally out of proportion. I get a call from Cookie Carrasco saying, hey, Roberto, I know I'm not puerto rican, but I'm pitching on Wednesday. It will be quite an honor if I can wear number 21. I said, listen, cookie, you are the most recipient, the most recipient of the award we just won. Go right ahead and use it. So a little later, he sends me a text message where MLB actually approved him to do it as well. So nothing. That's what happened. It was so different this season, this year because of all that that took place. So we kind of like crumped it. What you saw happen. And I was very happy to see that video played as the opening because it would have been something else. It would have been whatever. But I felt that is a tribute that us as the sons were giving and the grandsons and mind you, there's a granddaughters, too. And I said, oh my God, you know what? I know I'm going to hear it from them because it was such a quick thought. Obviously, I feel really bad that we didn't include them, but I said, there's going to be a lot of things that are going to continue. And now we're also keeping mom's legacy alive, so they're going to be very present for the rest. Tough. It's tough to keep this legacy going. It's really tough. But at least I've done all I can to maintain it. [01:14:31] Speaker A: And Luis, I'm glad you did mention the granddaughters because let's be honest, Luis, and I know you've always held the matriarch of the family in such high esteem. Certainly the next legacy is not just the men, but certainly the women as know Luis, a topic that we don't talk about in all our years. We really don't necessarily talk about it, just kind of let it play out. And that is at this very moment. Luis, Roberto Clemente, do you, can you envision finally major league Baseball retiring 21 in the foreseeable future? [01:15:10] Speaker B: That always has been a subject that has been very controversial. Mom's position was for her it had more meaning that the fans were the ones pushing for it because of the love that dad had for the fans. He felt it was the fans doing back, paying respect, paying the favor back. The family had always been kind of like silent on it. [01:15:50] Speaker A: I would agree with that I would agree with that. [01:15:53] Speaker B: We've been silent. We've let it play it out, but I feel it's time for us to be involved. After mom's passing and everything else, I think there are ways that it can happen where it would enhance, I think, the prestige because for the reasons that is the right reasons to do it, but it's not doing it just to do it. Okay, so now the numbers retired and boom, what next? It has to be a meaning to it. There has to be a way where I call it the Miss Universe effect, where Miss Universe pageant winner is chosen and she gets to wear a crown for the next year. I think that the player that wins the award would have the unique distinction and prestige to wear some distinctive patch or whatever you want to call a cap. It could be something that identifies him as a recipient of the previous season and he gets to wear something for the next season. So it's not making it disappear altogether. It's just finding ways, many different ways. We're having many conversations with MLB, very friendly conversations. I think there's a lot that is going to happen in the next coming. [01:17:43] Speaker A: Years, especially, Louise, considering that we got some significant milestones coming up. Louise, I mean, let's be honest, it's almost like even as I'm thinking about it, Louise, if it were to happen, and I say foreseeable future, but if there was a time for it to happen, I would even say this, Luis, this is me personally speaking. I wouldn't say 2022. I would say 2023 the year, the 50th anniversary that he basically was enshrined posthumously. But in that particular year, 2023, that we will also as Major League Baseball, the family of Major League Baseball to retire Roberto Clemente's number. That's Danny Torres speaking. On a personal note, I kind of almost using the 50th with 2022, that it's the untimely death of your dad, the tragic death of your dad. Understandably so. But if it was to retire it 2023, that's me personally speaking, gives enough time to continue to implement even your suggestions. Maybe it's a slow implementation. 2022 it is, like you said, using your idea. I love the pageants of having someone wear 21 for the entire year. The previous recipient, something along those lines that again, you're listening to the family and granting their wish in this and again taking baby steps to where finally, yes, Luis, it's going to know. Luis, I wanted to follow up as we start to wrap things know rather interesting that we had the previous guest, Robert Miller, and my connection with Robert Miller. I have never met him personally. I know he was at the funeral, but Paul Kutch had said to me at the funeral past November, hey, there's Robert Miller. That's like saying, hey, Danny, there goes John Davis. And I'm like, okay, who's Robert Miller? Well, interesting enough, Carol Bass had spoke to Robert and said, you need to speak to Danny Torres. He has this podcast, and I think he would find your story with Clemente rather interesting. So I thought, why not have someone that your dad proudly connected with? And that is Luis, and he mentioned it in that Sam Nova interview, the common man. So here it is. Luis, 30 years ago, if I were to say you wanted to be amongst the common people, not the son of Roberto and Donya Vera, but simply Roberto Clemente, well, I could say Walker, but Luis, Roberto Clemente. But you wanted to just be Luis, an average Joe. And I really want to kind of. [01:20:28] Speaker B: Hear how we kind of heard that. [01:20:31] Speaker A: But how do you feel that almost puts you into the mindset of your father to say, you know what I need my sons to really realize? What is it to, quote unquote, suffer, to understand that concept that we're not bigger than someone else, but we are amongst the common man, the minority people. So Luis put me now and our listeners into that. Where, Luis, you understood I have to do this? [01:20:58] Speaker B: Well, like I said, that interview stuck with me all throughout my childhood. And then when I grew up, it came to the point where I said, you know what? I know what I need to do to be able to cope with the feeling I have. And that is, I did not identify myself with the name in such a way where I could be driving and I would see a Roberto Clemente Avenue sign. To me, it was the same as Franklin Delano Roosevelt Avenue. I did not relate to it, and it was not in a negative way. It was a process. It was a healing process for me to be able to do what I'm doing today. I got to tell you the experiences that I had. I remember at the airport, some friend of mine was driving a tractor. I used to love to work on the belly of the planes, stacking bags and stuff. That was my workout. But then what people don't know is, on the other hand, I had my phone, and I was already starting doing the 21 and right business side of things as well. But I was in good shape. Sweating. [01:22:20] Speaker A: You're still in good shape. Come on, Luis. You're still in good shape. [01:22:24] Speaker B: I'm working. I got to get back to it. But anyways, and I have a good story with Barry Bonds when it comes to that. But the thing is, this guy comes from Puerto Rico. He brings in this other guy, who I don't know who he is. And I'm all sweating, and I'm just getting out of the belly of the plane, and I come down the conveyor belt, and the guy is a dominican coworker that works in another area. And so say, oh, hi, come with us. And I stretch my hand. I give him my hand, and he kind of like, I don't even know if he actually shook my hand or not. His reaction was, ye, Bella. Is it true? Is what true? That you're fermented, son? I said, yeah. He says, do you understand what your father represents for all of us, and you're here tossing bags? I said, well, first of all, other than this, you don't know what else I do. First of all, you don't know why I am here, the reason I'm here. But if this is so bad, what are you doing here? So I put him in perspective. Why are you pointing at me when you're here doing the same thing? What gives you the right to judge anyone? It don't matter who you are. Absolutely nobody has the right to judge someone else. And to that point, when I speak, I tell the students, I tell the youngsters, you have to treat everyone equally. That used to say, I am not asking to be treated better. I am asking to be treated equally, which is a huge difference. Okay. And great experience with that was in Cooperstown. I remember sitting in the dinner where the players, the are, or inductees are in a room. And I sat on the table where this gentleman, who I didn't know who he was. And it happened to fast forward. It was Eugene Petrosky, Dale Petrosky's father. And without just having a casual conversation, I could have just grabbed my phone and started searching my phone, whatever, and totally ignored the person who was to my right. But I started talking to him, and I told him, well, on a curious note, probably you don't know that there's an error on my father's plan. And he says, really? What is that? And I told him, the last names are inverted. And in our culture, we utilize both of our parents last names. [01:25:15] Speaker A: Surnames. [01:25:17] Speaker B: Surnames, yeah, in honor of our mothers, as a creeper to our mothers. He says, really? So when I explained the cultural aspect of it, he says, well, I know someone that can help you with that. Then he said, it's my son. And I said, who's that it's Dale. I said, I know he's the new president of the hall of fame. So from that casual conversation, the plaque was corrected. They were going to destroy the one with the error. They decided to create a whole full program for students that would visit the hall of fame to explain the cultural aspect of it. They brought the plaque to Puerto Rico. We did a four day tour with it. We honored Eugene Petroski, the father of Dale, and Dale as well, for passing on the message to his son. And at the very end, dale says, luis, I can never thank you enough for this experience for my parents, the way they've been treated like royalty and the whole thing. They were given the key of the city of San Juan, Carolina, the whole thing. I don't know if there's ever could be anything I could know. And I just look and smile and say, will you become one of our board members? And he smiled and says, you got know. So he joined our board. So simply, that act of humbleness to talk to someone who you don't even know, and all that happened because of it. So that's a message I want to relate to everyone. Just treat everyone equally. [01:26:47] Speaker A: And, luis, one thing that, as we wrap things up, there are many people that do not know this, that, Luis, you are an accomplished musician. How did that come to be? How did that come to be? [01:27:01] Speaker B: From a very young know, dad had a Hammond organ. It was like a two deck double decker. And had the leslie, like the speaker that turns right, the spins, and he had the pedals as well. So my grandma, dad's mother would. She was Baptist, so she would sing me different songs for church. And I started following and doing the melody. I learned as much. You go to your left, the keys repeat, but as you go to the left, it sounds more. How should you say? Deeper, like bass. You have more bass to it. And to the right is more brilliant, right? So I learned that really quick, and I started doing a play by ear. So all my life, I did play by ear. Still, I never studied. I compose. Forget it. But music is my passion. There's a project right now as we speak. I'm just waiting. The proposal. And in 2000, what was six, the all star game in Pittsburgh. We did a tribute. I co produced a concert in Pittsburgh dedicated to that, and we dedicated the song. I sang the first verse of the Beatles song, let it be where instead of mother Mary comes to me, mother Vera comes to me. And we had mom standing on stage with. And we had a whole video, a whole production with it. I mean, incredible. [01:28:40] Speaker A: Luis. Luis. You still have some pipes that you could sing that lyric to us. You still have some pipes to sing for us. [01:28:47] Speaker B: Oh, man. I don't know right now, but for your return. [01:28:53] Speaker A: For your return. [01:28:54] Speaker B: There we go. Go ahead. When I find myself in times of trouble mother Vera comes to me speaking words speaking words of wisdom. Let it then. You know, you have Mike mills, rem, you have other great singers there and then there's know singing that piece. But we had mom right there at that moment. There's a picture of mean and the whole thing was recorded. It was awesome. I don't know, man. I'm telling you, I've been blessed with many Talents and that's why I say there's many things I could do, I could dedicate myself to. But in anything we're doing is helping others, helping new generations to understand what is declared legacy, how we will continue to live on, and how now it will be something where they can become a part of. With mom's passing, we're making sure that we forever honor her as well, the same way we honor dad. But at the same time, we want to be able to do things, like I said, my way as well. And I think really quick. In Milwaukee, we were given a clinic. A boy was bullied. The way I took immediate action on it. Later that evening, I'm talking to a couple at the hotel, and the guy knows of that, the wife doesn't. And the words he told me had an impact that will stay with me forever. And I understood what he said and says, I'm going to tell you this once. I know you're going to understand what I'm saying, but I think you're humble. You're way too humble to really accept it. But he says, for the work you're doing, because I showed them, there was a video of what happened. When they saw it, they were in tears. He says, listen, and I had said, I'm so tired, I'm not going to say any word. I'm not going to speak to anyone else all night. And then I was approaching a stool to sit and is anyone sitting here? No. And then all of a sudden the guy says, how great was your day today? I said, oh, my God, why do you ask me that? And then I explain it and show him. He says, for the work you're doing, and because of social media and everything else, he says, the work that you're doing is going to be so much bigger than your dad's. And he looked at me and says, you know what? Said, wow, I have different messengers that have come to me at different times. And one was here in Puerto Rico. He says, listen, I always see you. I was a regular in one of the places that I like to go to. And he says, you know, every, I've been watching you all these years, and every time you come here, no one has a negative thing to say about you. You shake hands with everyone and whatnot, but every time I listen to you, you're talking about your dad every single time. I'm sorry to tell you what I'm not about to tell you, but you know what? He says? Your father died a long time ago. Your father's dead. Are you living your life? And I hugged him. I said, you're a messenger. I know where this is coming from. I know who's sending you to give you that message. So that's why I tell you it's been tough. There's been many tough moments and everything, and I never give up. But sometimes I feel, wow, there's nothing that is going to let me down or is going to derail me from the mission of what I chose, not because it's my obligation, but because of what I have chosen to be my life, to be my family's, my family's wife's son's life, not because I'm the son of. And people are going to come to see that. I remember Roberto. You were telling me, luis, why don't you use said? Yeah, but my first name is Luis. It's not Roberto, it's my second name. So people are going to know me by Luis and they're going to understand my capabilities. As you know, definitely I am Roberto's son as well. But my first name is Luis. So nothing. That's what I've done. [01:33:35] Speaker A: And, Luis, as we start to wrap things up, an amazing conversation, Luis, but I want to pay also my respect to not your right hand man, but your right hand woman, and that is your lovely wife, Olga. So, Luis, what can you say for the talking 21 listeners who have heard everything about your father, have heard everything about your mother, your children, what could we say about your lovely wife? [01:34:08] Speaker B: Well, she also deserves an award. I think that having gone through so much and continue to stand by me, it's been all the traveling, all the nonsense that happens, and she'll be there. She's tough. She's a tough woman. Sometimes I joke with her and say, you know what? I think you're a direct line to send it from Joan of know. It's just all about the women power as know. I remember being in St. Augustine with know last Christmas. We had with her one of our friends from the ghost players from Iowa for the Philo Dreams program that we were running alongside with them, that we went to a part of his house that I said, hey, is it okay for my wife to come in? Because it was his man cave, which was outside of the house. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. She says, what? This is what? You have never heard of that concept? Yesterday, even we were talking about that, and she said, what do you mean, a man cave? That's so martial, that's so prejudiced. There shouldn't be a man's cave. Why does it have to be a separate place for the man? No, but my wife has been amazing. Incredible. We have our laughters. We had our tears. But she's right here. She's a go getter. Imagine. She's so proud that she never accepted to be Mrs. Clemente. She've always kept her last name honoring her father as well. Yeah. [01:36:20] Speaker A: Which I've noticed that. And interesting, luis, your mom didn't sign up for that either. When you think about it, in 1964, she knew he was a baseball player, but not knowing what came with the package, and certainly your wife certainly didn't know that as well, knew that you were the middle son. But as they say, what comes with the territory. [01:36:40] Speaker B: Exactly. Many things. And with the years, he would tell me things or how to feel about certain moments where there were events that all of a sudden they happened separately. And coping with all that is like, we didn't realize that the impact that that would have, the negative impact that that would have on them. And later, it was so natural for us to be the ones who have to sit in front and have to do whatever. But then later, when I heard it from her, I came to realize, wow, wait a second. Yeah. That's not right. That's not right. We've been doing it all of our lives. So all of a sudden, we need to understand that now we're not alone. And many different instances, but here she is 30 years later. [01:37:40] Speaker A: God bless Luis. God bless her. God bless her. God bless you, Luis. Roberto Clemente. And I can't thank you enough for being a part of the talking 21 podcast, episode eight. But, Luis, thank you so very much. [01:37:54] Speaker B: Absolutely. And thanks, everyone, for the fans for keeping that legacy alive as well. It's something that we always appreciate it. [01:38:02] Speaker A: What an honor to have the middle son of the great one appear on our podcast. I'm sure our listeners really enjoyed this particular conversation this pod was special and it was a lot of fun and I want to share with our listeners once again. Their official website is www.provertoclamentefoundation.com. Until our next episode, many thanks for listening and please be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram at talking 21 podcast for all the latest information about our episode drops. If you are enjoying the show, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts and a special mil gracias. Thank you to our executive producer Rasquevara and our co producer senol Basil. Tune in next time for our continued conversation about the great one. And as always, this is your host Danny Torres. And be sure to follow me on Twitter at Danny T 21. You.