The Great One’s call to the Hall

The incomparable Roberto Clemente is elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame 51 years ago today by the voting writers who waive the normal five-year waiting period after a player’s retirement.

The waiver comes after Clemente’s life abruptly ends on New Year’s Eve 1972, when he dies in a plane crash while carrying relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ right fielder finishes with exactly 3,000 hits during an 18-year career in the majors that starts in 1955.

Clemente is 38 when he dies.

Want to know more about this magnificent player and even better person? Read David Maraniss’ terrific 2007 biography on Clemente, The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero.