The Latin American player doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Neither does the Negro player, unless he does something spectacular, like Willie Mays. We have self-satisfaction, yes. But after the season is over, nobody cares about us. Zoilo Versalles was the Most Valuable Player in the American League, but how many times has he been asked to make appearances at dinners or meetings during the winter? Juan Marichal is one of the greatest pitchers in the game, but does he get invited to banquets? … I am an American citizen … but some people act like they think I live in the jungle someplace. This is a matter of sports, of a man's ability and his accomplishments. What matters what language he speaks best?


As quoted in "Clemente Waves Banner for Spanish-Speaking Players: Don't Get Due Recognition" by Dick Couch (AP), in The Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Tuesday, August 23, 1966), p. 15

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Roberto Clemente Quotes

The Latin American player doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Neither does the Negro player, unless he does something spectacular, like Willie...

The Latin American player doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Neither does the Negro player, unless he does something spectacular, like Willie...

The Latin American player doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Neither does the Negro player, unless he does something spectacular, like Willie...

The Latin American player doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Neither does the Negro player, unless he does something spectacular, like Willie...