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Video Shows The Legendary Abilities Of Roberto Clemente
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Pittsburgh Pirates star outfielder Roberto Clemente was a legitimate five-tool player even before the term was actually coined.

He could hit for a high batting average: he was a lifetime .317 hitter and won four National League batting crowns.

He had considerable power, as his 240 career home runs can attest.

He had some speed, too.

With the glove, he was a magician: with a whopping 12 consecutive Gold Gloves in the outfield from 1961 to 1972, he was consistently in a tier of his own when it comes to defensive ability.

There is one tool remaining: throwing arm.

Believe it or not, it could have been his strongest tool.

Just look at this video.

Keep in mind that absolute bullet of a throw came when he was 37 years old, one year before dying tragically in an airplane crash.

Clemente could do it all on a baseball field, and that became evident ever since he made his MLB debut with the Bucs in 1955.

That rocket of an arm helped him get numerous outfield assists.

He was actually the MVP of that 1971 World Series, one that the Pirates eventually won.

It was one of the two Fall Classics he won as a major leaguer, the other one coming in 1960.

Despite his obvious talent to play baseball, Clemente became famous for his philanthropy and community work.

He liked to help people, and actually died doing it in late 1972.

He changed the game and the way MLB stars were perceived in the sixties and seventies.

He was a hero for his people, and remains a revered figure among fans.

This article first appeared on The Cold Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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