AL's top rookie Correa calls countryman Clemente 'idol for life'
As Carlos Correa addressed the crowd Saturday at the Baseball Writers' Association of America Awards in New York, miles away from his native Puerto Rico, the 21-year-old couldn't help but express his admiration for the most famous ballplayer the island ever produced: Roberto Clemente.
"Just reading about him and listening to stories from different people, he's my idol for life," Correa said as he accepted the 2015 American League Rookie of the Year award. "I look up to him a lot, try to play the game hard like he did, respect the game. But for me, the most important thing he did was create an impact, a positive impact in the community and society."
Clemente, who made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955, earned his place in baseball's annals not only with his exploits on the field, but also as a pioneer for Latin-born players known for his fierce ethnic pride and philanthropic endeavors. Lauded for his tremendous hitting ability and exceptional throwing arm, Clemente earned 15 All-Star appearances and a dozen Gold Glove awards across his decorated 18-year career, throughout which he also won four National League batting titles, an MVP award (1966), and helped the Pirates to a pair of World Series championships (1960, 1971).
Clemente's career stats (1955-1972)
| AVG | HITS | OPS | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| .317 | 3000 | .834 | 80.6 |
Though Correa made his MLB debut more than 43 years after Clemente famously died in a plane crash en route to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua, the Houston Astros' precocious shortstop expressed his desire to honor his countryman (and the first Latino player enshrined in Cooperstown) on the field one day.
"... Nothing would make me more proud than eventually wearing No. 21 on Roberto Clemente Day in my Astros uniform," said Correa. "For me, that will be something really special."
Clemente - whose eponymous award is given annually to the player that exemplifies, among other things, sportsmanship and community involvement - is commemorated across the major leagues on May 31, a yearly tradition since 2002.