Originally Posted on April 5, 2016
Mets second baseman Neil Walker has a lasting connection to baseball legend, Roberto Clemente. In a report from Otis Livingston of CBS New York, he took a look at the link between Walker and the Pittsburgh icon.
Walker’s father and Clemente were great friends who worked together to help supply countries in need of supplies during catastrophes. On New Years Eve in 1972, Tom Walker, a relief pitcher who spent most of his time with the Montreal Expos, was helping Clemente pack supplies on a plane bound for Nicaragua. The country that had just been rocked and devastated by a massive earthquake that took more than 6,000 lives and left over a quarter million people homeless.
“The relationship that my dad had with him was very strong. When he talks about it, he gets choked up about it,” Walker said.
The elder Walker wanted to join Clemente on the ill-fated flight that ended up taking his and four others’ lives. The plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Clemente urged Tom to stay behind and enjoy the holiday, and so Walker did not board that flight that day.
“It’s pretty amazing. It kind of gives you chills every time you think about it,” Neil said.
Clemente is an icon in Pittsburgh, as Neil Walker knows better than anyone else. He grew up in the steel city and says there was never a greater Pirate than Roberto, a player who inspired so many other players and fans alike.
“You saw his picture everywhere… the right field wall was 21 feet high and his number was out there and I always tried to give a hat tip when I ran out to second base,” Walker said.
A man he never met. Clemente has had a profound impact on him. Walker understands that he would not be here without him and so he makes sure to thank members of the Clemente family each time he sees them.
“Every time I see Vera Clemente and the boys I always try to thank them for essentially saving my life. It sounds crazy, but it’s true,” Walker said.
What an incredible and inspiring story.
