Back to the Homeland with El Profe: Day Three
By Adrian Burgos
Day THREE: Puerto Rican Baseball Lives
A glimpse into the past and future of Puerto Rican Baseball was the theme of Day Three. This is the land of Clemente and we met with players who knew him from when he was Momen through when he blossomed into the Great One. We also met young Puerto Ricans aspiring to follow his path from Carolina to the big leagues.
The day started at Museo de Deportes in Guaynabo. Images of Roberto Clemente, Bernie Williams and other Puerto Rican sporting heroes greet visitors.
Inside we interviewed Puerto Rican legends including Max Oliveras and Marcial “Canenita” Allen. Interviewing Canenita was the highlight for me. He explained that he was treated like the fourth Clemente son at the insistence of Melchor Clemente, Roberto’s father.
After Guaynabo we headed back to Carolina to the National Baseball Academy. In its third year, the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria meant that they were without a field for over five months. But now they are back on their own field, practicing and learning, not just on the field but in school.
Another great day in the books. Check back tomorrow for updates from our trip to Caguas, the hometown of Álex Cora.
Featured Image: La Vida Baseball
Inset Images: La Vida Baseball