Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) shared he has been endorsed by the family of Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente in his District 12 re-election bid through a press release this week.
The Clemente family praised Rep. Bilirakis for his leadership in Washington and commitment to Puerto Rico in their support, including on health care funding, disaster recovery, and manufacturing jobs on the island. Roberto Clemente is Puerto Rican and considered one of the greatest baseball players and humanitarians in MLB history.
“Our father, Roberto Clemente, believed in serving others and opening doors for future generations. Gus Bilirakis shares that commitment to service and has worked to honor our father’s legacy," the Clemente family wrote. "Gus also advocates for funding for health care services, disaster recovery, and the creation of manufacturing jobs on our island. We are grateful for his friendship and his dedication to our Puerto Rican people.”
Clemente played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955-1972. A 15-time all-star and 12-time gold glove winner, Clemente amassed 3,000 hits and over a .300 career batting average while earning a National League MVP Award in 1966 and two World Series titles with the Pirates in 1960 and 1971, including World Series MVP in '71.
He was tragically killed in a plane crash while delivering humanitarian goods to earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972.
Rep. Bilirakis thanked the Clemente family for their endorsement.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of the Clemente family,” Bilirakis wrote. “Roberto Clemente’s legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire generations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help honor that legacy. The people of Puerto Rico deserve a strong voice in Washington, and I will continue working to improve access to health care, support disaster recovery, and create opportunities for manufacturing jobs on the island. I am thankful for the family’s friendship and trust as we continue this work.”
