I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....
In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.
Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.
My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.
19 consecutive losing seasons.
2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.
After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.
"My mom wants to talk to you."
We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.
She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.
Roberto Jr. translated.
"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."
She was staring right at me.
Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."
Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."
I said, "I hope I can keep it too."
I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.
The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.
On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.
And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.
The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.
Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.
@Pirates
> be Australia
> disarm citizens because “safety” and “civilized society”
> Hanukkah celebration
> should be peaceful
> terrorists have guns somehow
> kill a dozen people
> heroic man must disarm terrorist by hand
do you see the dysfunction yet?!
West Virginia is under attack, and enough is enough. President Biden's agencies have waged an all-out war on our state, shutting down our wildlife center, crippling our trout program, and stalling Corridor H construction. It’s got to stop. https://t.co/O61SBAOoit
So Joe Mauer was an Allstate basketball, football, AND baseball player in high school and Todd Helton was a d1 quarterback @Vol_Football ? Yeah we need to specialize in a sport at 12 to be successful and excel. #2024MLBHOF
Just be an athlete
As Steelers fans, we should all say a little I’m sorry to the universe for ever hating Todd Haley as much as we did. What I wouldn’t give to be able to score even 20 points again.