Montreal Royals rookie outfielder Roberto Clemente hits his first North American home run “Hollywood style”

On July 25, 1954 — Montreal Royals rookie outfielder Roberto Clemente hits his first North American home run “Hollywood style” (as per Montreal sportswriter Lloyd McGowan, who also highlights the prodigious nature of this blast, launched “over the left field fence,” a feat “[f]ew players have achieved […] at Delorimier Stadium”). The 10th-inning, walk-off bomb off Havana reliever Bubba Harris guarantees Montreal at least a split of today’s twin bill; it also represents a distinct turning point in Clemente’s frustrating, increasingly bench-warming tenure with Brooklyn’s International League affiliate. It comes on Clemente’s first at-bat after having entered the game as a defensive replacement, and his first plate appearance in more than two weeks; in fact, prior to today’s action, Clemente had not played at all in 14 of the last 15 games, his sole appearance coming as a pinch-runner. From this point forward, he will be back in the starting lineup but strictly on a platoon basis: he will start every remaining game against southpaw starters and none against righties, raising his average from .207 at the start of today’s action to .257 by season’s end. In today’s nightcap, Clemente makes his first start since July 7th, helping Montreal secure a sweep with an RBI double.

 

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