Roberto Clemente Day was first celebrated on September 18, 2002. In the 8 years since Roberto Clemente Day was established, many Latin American baseball players and baseball fans have rejoiced in celebrating the life and contributions Roberto Clemente made to the sport of baseball.Roberto Clemente Day has been established to honor the memory of Roberto Clemente. In 2002, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said: It has been almost thirty years since Roberto Clementes untimely death... ...He will be remembered as a great baseball player and humanitarian. To honor his legacy, we have designated this special day to not only remember Roberto, but to honor those players who have contributed so much to their communities.The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball (MLB) player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team", as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media. It is named for Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente. Originally known as the Commissioner's Award, it has been presented by the MLB since 1971. In 1973, the award was renamed after Clemente following his death in a plane crash while delivering supplies to victims of the Nicaragua earthquake.
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