Fred Bowen's "The Score" column,
May 2, 2008, Washington Post

Roberto Clemente Is Worth a Look

"Looking for Roberto Clemente," a new musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, mixes magic, rock-and-roll and baseball history into a winning entertainment package for the whole family.

The play, which will be performed for the next six weekends, tells the story of Sam Kowalski, a baseball-crazy kid in the 1970s who loves the Pittsburgh Pirates and especially their star outfielder, Roberto Clemente.

Sam's life changes when the baseball from Clemente's 3,000th major league hit mysteriously crashes through his window.

The magic baseball transforms Sam from a neighborhood bench-warmer to the star pitcher of the Barracudas, the area's best Little League baseball team. It also allows Sam to talk to his hero, the great Clemente. During these talks, Sam learns there is more to Clemente than 3,000 hits.

Kids and their parents will enjoy the lively music and dancing. The actors make the stage come alive with baseball action without ever throwing a ball. And the play has a solid message that everyone -- not just the best players -- should get a chance to play.

Kids will enjoy the play more if they know something about Clemente before they go.

When Clemente arrived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1955 as a rookie from Puerto Rico, he was one of the first Hispanic players in Major League Baseball. Newspaper articles, and even his baseball card, referred to him as "Bob" instead of his Spanish name, Roberto.

Clemente won fans over with his dazzling skills. He was a 12-time all-star who led the National League in batting average four seasons. He helped lead the Pirates to World Series championships in 1960 and 1971 and was named the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1966. Clemente also was a great outfielder, with a legendary throwing arm, and he won 12 consecutive Gold Gloves.

Some film clips of Clemente shown during the Imagination Stage play give kids a glimpse of just how special he was.

But what made Clemente truly special was his work off the baseball diamond. He dedicated much of his time to helping others, especially those back in Puerto Rico. Clemente died in a plane crash in 1972 while taking supplies to the victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua.

Following his death, Clemente was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. Major League Baseball also honors his memory by giving the Roberto Clemente Award each year to a player who shows commitment to community and helping others.

Ballparks, bridges and other places are named after Clemente, including a school in Germantown.

So put "Looking for Roberto Clemente" on your list of sports things to do. Sports is not just playing or watching games. Sometimes it includes music or art or learning about someone who was really a hero.

Fred Bowen writes KidsPost's sports opinion column and is an author of sports novels for kids.

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