Roberto Clemente Age at Key Life Milestones
Roberto Clemente was born on August 18, 1934, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and died on December 31, 1972, at age 38. He began his Major League career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955 at age 20 and played his final season in 1972, the year of his passing. The following table summarizes his age at important career and personal milestones.
| Milestone | Date | Age | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | August 18, 1934 | 0 | Birth certificate |
| MLB debut | April 17, 1955 | 20 | MLB records |
| First World Series title | 1960 | 26 | Team archives |
| 3,000th hit | September 30, 1972 | 38 | MLB box scores |
| Death | December 31, 1972 | 38 | Obituary records |
Career Timeline and Age Context
Clemente debuted in 1955 and quickly became one of the National League’s top outfielders. By age 26, he had won his first World Series and established himself as a Gold Glove defender. His age 38 season in 1972 was shortened by injury yet capped with his 3,000th hit in his final at-bat, making his career length and durability notable for any era.
Age-Related Performance Highlights
- Age 20–25: Established regular starter and led the NL in batting in 1961.
- Age 30–34: Won Gold Glove awards and maintained All-Star form.
- Age 36–38: Batted over .300 in 1971 and delivered a clutch 3,000th hit in 1972.
How Old Was Roberto Clemente When He Died?
Roberto Clemente was 38 years old at the time of his death on December 31, 1972. He died in a plane crash while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. His age at death aligns with a career that spanned 18 major league seasons, during which he accumulated 3,000 hits, 12 Gold Gloves, and a World Series championship as a core member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Comparative Context: Clemente’s Age vs. Career Milestones
Compared with peers who reached the 3,000-hit club later in life, Clemente achieved the milestone relatively young at 38, reflecting both an early career start and sustained excellence. His trajectory illustrates a blend of longevity and peak performance that remains a benchmark for outfielders.
Key Takeaways on Clemente’s Age
Roberto Clemente was born in 1934 and died at 38 in 1972. He debuted at 20, reached key career highs in his mid-to-late 20s, and concluded his career at 38 with a historic 3,000th hit. His age at each stage underscores a combination of early promise and durable excellence across more than a decade of Major League play.
Tags: roberto clemente, age at death, mlb career span, 3000th hit, baseball legacy