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Cast: Jamie Nieto, Marilinda Rivera
"Baseball's Last Hero: The Roberto Clemente Story," a film on Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente, is the unauthorized chronicle of a great humanitarian, a man of grace and power. As a boy growing up in Pittsburgh, the writer-director of this film, Richard Rossi played hookie and sat in the right field bleachers watching Roberto, the greatest baseball player of all time. He was devastated when Clemente perished in a plane crash, bringing food and medical supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
I was just 11-years-old when the plane went down that was carrying that Roberto Clemente was on. It was taking medical supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. I admit I did not get to see Roberto play as much as much as some older folks but the time I did get to see him left a lasting impression on me not only as a player but as a person as well. This is a man that gave his life trying to help others, there is no greater sacrifice. "Baseball's Last Hero: The Roberto Clemente Story" is a labor of love from Writer/Director, Richard Rossi who is also a local boy who grew up watching the great one play. The film plays out in 21 segments or chapters, 21 being not only the number Roberto Wore but the number of letters in his full name as well.
I loved everything about the film but what I found amazing was that I learned things I never knew about the man. The love Vera and Roberto shared was endless, such a beautiful and ultimately tragic end to such a strong romance. You cannot write romance like this. The there were the struggles Roberto had playing the game not only from injuries he got from a car accident but from racist reporters who were always out to knock him down. Luckily for us nothing could break to his spirit and pride, all it did was make him more determined to prove just how great he was.
The story is tragic and sad one but it is also one of triumph and joy, This was a man that poured his heart and soul into everything he did. I remember that day well when the news broke that his plane went down and I remember crying on that as well. I also cried watching this film and reliving those moments from my childhood. "Baseball's Last Hero: The Roberto Clemente Story" is a film every sports fan should see, this is an incredible story that is made better by excellent performances in the film from Jamie Nieto who played Roberto with deserving passion. The rest of the supporting cast all did a fantastic job as well.
You can order a DVD Screener of the film for a limited time HERE as Director Rossi attempts to raise money so he can give the film a well-deserved world wide release. You can also visit the film's Facebook page located HERE to find out how you can donate to help the film out. "Baseball's Last Hero: The Roberto Clemente Story" hits it out of the park as it tells the story of one of baseball's greatest players and humanitarians. I was left with a tear or two but I was also filled with love and admiration for a man taken from us too soon. There has been numerous films on the career of Roberto Clemente but none have given a story as complete as this. Congrats to Director Rossi and his cast and crew and I want to personally thank him for sending me a copy of the film for my review.
***** Out Of *****