Here is the inspirational story of Major League Baseball player Roberto Clementenot Bobwho endured years of racism and discrimination to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

School Library Journal, starred review
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
Publishers Weekly, starred review
The Horn Book, starred review

Roberto Clemente always loved baseball. Growing up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, he swung tree branches (since he didnt have a bat) and hit tin cans. He was always batting, pitching, running, sliding. His dedication paid off when, at the age of 19, he was tapped for a major league team. First stop: chilly Montreal . . . where he warmed the bench and himself, longing to play baseball. Months later, he finally got his chance with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clementehad an instant impacton the fieldhitting the ball and making it to first base and finally home. Many Pittsburgh fans loved his bold style on the field, but not everyone was quick to embrace a Black man from Puerto Rico who spoke espaol.

This nonfiction picture book by MLB.comjournalistNathalie Alonso and award-winning illustrator Rudy Gutierrez shows the emotional highs and lows of Roberto Clementes career as he fought racismfrom fans, reporters, and other figures in the sportto become one of the greatest baseball players of all time. With English and Spanish words intermingled in the text, this book will inspire young readers as they learn about Clementes contributions to Black, Latino, and American history.