On Roberto Clemente Day, I take a look back at Clemente's first pro season with the Montreal Royals and the legend's other Canadian links.
Remembering Roberto Clemente’s season in Montreal on Roberto Clemente Day
Remembering Roberto Clemente on the 50th anniversary of his death
When Roberto Clemente's plane carrying relief supplies to Nicaragua crashed 50 years ago today, down with it went the hearts and spirits of the thousands Clemente managed to touch during his short life.
Roberto Clemente started his pro career in Montreal
Roberto Clemente with the Montreal Royals in 1954. Photo: Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame September 15, 2022 By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada When historians talk about baseball legends with connections to Canada early in their career, they often mention Babe Ruth who hit his first professional regular season home run in Toronto or the... Continue Reading →
1954 Montreal Royals Team Photo . . . Joe Carbonaro
By Kevin Glew Cooperstowners in Canada You wouldn’t believe the stories this retired cabinetmaker can tell you. Like how he hated throwing batting practice to Roberto Clemente, because almost everything the free-swinging outfielder hit went right back “through the box.” Or about how he shared a spring training complex with Jackie Robinson. “Vero Beach (the... Continue Reading →
But What Do I Know? … Jeffrey Loria, Erik Bedard, Reed Johnson
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports): Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is often described as an art dealer. If he was the one who OK’d his team’s hideous new uniforms, I’d hate to see his art collection. Well, I was wrong about... Continue Reading →
Duke Snider: The Duke of Delorimier
Before he became the “Duke of Flatbush,” Duke Snider was Montreal's “Duke of Delorimier.” Signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a 17-year-old, Snider’s first contract included a $750 signing bonus and a $250 monthly salary. The power-hitting outfielder suited up for 131 games with Newport News of the Piedmont League (Class B) in 1944. After... Continue Reading →