1969 – A prodigious pre-season poke promises great things from Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente, seemingly recovered from last season’s right shoulder injury. “Clemente, who didn’t put on a uniform until last Monday,” writes Bill Christine in the Pittsburgh Press, “hit a 400-foot home run on his second plate appearance in the final intrasquad game.” Clemente drives a 3-and-2 pitch over the left field wall to lead his team to a 2 – 1 victory. “I’m glad to see his shoulder isn’t bothering him this spring,’ says manager Larry Shepard of Clemente’s 400-foot drive.” But on March 14th, after his dramatic display of right shoulder recuperation, shoulder number two will fall prey to Clemente’s relentless pursuit of a Boston batter’s foul pop in a meaningless exhibition contest.
On March 5, 1969 — 1969 – A prodigious pre-season poke promises great things from Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente, seemingly recovered from last season’s right shoulder injury. “Clemente, who didn’t put on a uniform until last Monday,” writes Bill Christine in the Pittsburgh Press, “hit a 400-foot home run on his second plate appearance in the final intrasquad game.” Clemente drives a 3-and-2 pitch over the left field wall to lead his team to a 2 – 1 victory. “I’m glad to see his shoulder isn’t bothering him this spring,’ says manager Larry Shepard of Clemente’s 400-foot drive.” But on March 14th, after his dramatic display of right shoulder recuperation, shoulder number two will fall prey to Clemente’s relentless pursuit of a Boston batter’s foul pop in a meaningless exhibition contest.
Sources –
Baseball Reference March 5
SABR Games Project
National Pastime March 5
Retro Sheet
Replay The Game