Clemente is the definitive documentary on the life, career, and enduring legacy of the late Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente. The film’s release came days before Major League Baseball celebrated Roberto Clemente Day on September 15, first celebrated in 2002.

The ballplayer’s career came to a tragic end on December 31, 1972, when his plane crashed in route to delivering aid in Nicaragua following a devastating earthquake. It resulted in the BBWAA and the National Baseball Hall of Fame waiving their five-year rule and allowed his posthumous induction in the summer following his death. There’s no telling what his final numbers could have been but he probably had a few good years left in him. His 4.8 WAR during the 1972 season was his lowest recorded since 4.0 in 1962, but he was still good enough to be selected for an All-Star Game, win a Gold Glove, and finish 13th in NL MVP voting.

Clemente’s career ended tragically on December 31, 1972, when his plane crashed en route to deliver earthquake relief in Nicaragua. In the wake of his death, the BBWAA and the Hall of Fame waived the five-year waiting period, leading to his posthumous induction that summer. There is no telling what his final career totals could have been, but he probably had a few strong seasons left in him. Even in 1972—his last year—he posted a 4.8 WAR, earned an All-Star nod, won a Gold Glove, and placed 13th in NL MVP voting.

Told through footage, never-before-heard recordings, and interviews, the film captures a man who lived by his own code. Seen as too Black for white America and too Latino for Black America, Clemente confronted racism head-on, refusing to be silenced. His determination carried him from poverty to superstardom, but he never lost sight of those society overlooked. More than a sports biography, the film portrays a figure who gave everything—to baseball and to others. It stands as a moving reminder that passion, courage, and empathy can leave a lasting mark on the world.

Filmmaker David Altrogge interviews Clemente’s family, teammates, friends, Puerto Rican ballplayers past and present, biographers, and of course, Bob Costas. Costas is to baseball documentaries what Leonard Maltin is to film history—an essential voice. Biographers David Maraniss and Bruce Markusen bring depth. Maraniss, who penned Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero, contributes a wealth of knowledge about the plane crash, calling it “the most devastating research” of his career.

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DIRECTOR: David Altrogge
FEATURING: Roberto Clemente, Vera Clemente, Roberto Clemente Jr., Luis Roberto Clemente, Enrique Clemente, Matino Clemente, Michael Keaton, Bob Costas, Rita Moreno, Francisco Lindor, Yadier Molina, Tom Morello, David Maraniss, Bruce Markusen, Mako Oliveras, Enrique Zorilla, José Santiago, Chi-Chi Rodríguez, Duane Rieder, Al Oliver, Gene Clines, Karen Kozak, Bob Trimble, Kathy Day, Harry Hayden, Curtis Granderson, Danny Torres, Carol Brezovec Bass, Jerry Morales, Luis Mayoral, Manny Sanguillén, Richie Hebner, Rob Robertson, Dave Cash, Al Oliver, Steve Blass, Bengie Molina, José Molina, Richard Linklater

Vinegar Hill and mTuckman Media released Clemente in theaters on September 12, 2025. Grade: 4/5

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