Talkin' 21 Podcast with Danny Torres

As we once again remember “The Great One” on New Year’s Eve, The Talkin ’21Podcast welcomes Brooklyn native and a member of the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates Joshua Palacios. Although he made his MLB debut in 2021, Joshua’s impact with the Buccos, during the 2023 season, made a huge difference in that lineup. Joshua talked about his beloved parents, his brother Ritchie, and favorite uncle Ray who actually played for the Royals (1988-1990). But, what happened on Roberto Clemente Day, during the 2023 season, and having the opportunity to start in RF, was a unbelievable moment he’ll never forget (including what he proudly waved while running towards his position). Plus, his interaction and meeting for the first time a familiar Pittsburgh Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen.

Recorded live at the Paley Center for Media in NYC, Talkin’21 welcomed Paul Kutch Jr. (President of Clemente’s Clubhouse) and 1970 Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and New York native Fred Cambria. Both shared their earliest recollections on when they first heard about “The Great One” and how this legendary, Puerto Rican ballplayer impacted their lives. They also discussed Clemente’s legacy and how his humanitarian spirit transcended beyond the playing field.

These three words: character, charity and Clemente summarizes the life of this former Major League outfielder. Known as “CJ” to his immediate family and close friends, Curtis Granderson was a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner who played for seven teams including the N.Y. Yankees and N.Y. Mets. But, for this Chicago native, not only his impact on the field but winning the Roberto Clemente Award in 2016 was one the greatest highlights in his 16 seasons in the big leagues. As the founder of the Grand Kids Foundation and Board Chair of Players Alliance, Curtis’s philanthropic efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and needy children continue to benefit through educational programs, physical fitness and nutritional initiatives.

Talkin’21 welcomes former MLB player and current San Diego Padres analyst/broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr. Born into baseball royalty, Anthony “Tony” Jr. would eventually decide baseball would be his trajectory and continue in his father’s footsteps. Coincidentally, on July 19, 2006, he would collect his first Major League Baseball hit which fell on the exact date of Tony Gwynn Sr.’s first MLB hit in 1982. And both of those hits were a double to right field. He would play for eight seasons and eventually make the transition to the booth. He’s married and a proud father of four children (including his son Tony Gwynn III). But, the legacy of “Mr. Padre” continues to live on through his namesake - a proud husband/father who remembers the impact of his late dad who not only was a Baseball Hall of Famer but the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 1999.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Washington native and hyper-realistic artist Keegan Hall. In this episode, Keegan shared how he survived a near-death experience and during his early years gravitated to drawing on a daily basis. In college, he majored in art but after his graduation worked in sales/marketing for his favorite team - Seattle SuperSonics. After his beloved mother lost her battle to cancer and a note he received in the mail, Keegan’s life would change forever. Once again, he began to draw and today his extraordinary drawings of sports athletes (including Roberto Clemente) has benefited numerous charities. And as Leonardo DaVinci, one of his favorite Renaissance artists, once said, “Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.”

As a child in Puerto Rico, Edwin Rodríguez would meet Roberto Clemente and that brief interaction and handshake literally changed his life. Although he considered a career in engineering and accounting, it was baseball that impacted his life. Although he would eventually play in the big leagues it was managing that drove him incessantly. In 2010, he would become the first Puerto Rican manager in Major League Baseball history. Plus in 2013 and 2017, he would manage Team Puerto Rico in the WBC. Currently he’s the 2023 manager of the Acereros de Monclova in the Mexican League. In this episode, he shares his memories on his first-ever game with the Yankees, the on-field changes implemented by MLB, Edwin Díaz’s unfortunate injury plus his thoughts on the controversy about what was posted on social media during the 2023 WBC.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes former seven-time All-Star third baseman, two-time Gold Glove Award winner and Mets legend David Wright. Drafted in 2001 in the First Round by the N.Y. Mets, he made his MLB debut on July 21, 2004. And he was only 21. Although his phenomenal career was cut short due to spinal stenosis, he would play for 14 seasons. In this first episode of Season 3, he discussed his mlb debut, his Spring Training visit to Florida, future Met HOF’ers who impacted his career, the 2023 WBC, his childhood hero and his philanthropy in the spirit of Roberto Clemente.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes 1970 Pittsburgh Pittsburgh pitcher Fred Cambria. Born and raised in Cambria Heights, Queens, this New York native dreamed of playing in the big leagues. Although he hoped the N.Y. Mets, his childhood team, would have signed him it would be a total surprise the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him in 1969. And although his baseball career would be short-lived, his unforgettable memories playing with the Buccos and alongside future Baseball Hall of Famers nicknamed “Maz,” “Pops” and “The Great One” left an indelible mark on his life. He shares some memorable stories that he heard directly from his Pirates teammates, playing in Puerto Rico, his thoughts on MLB pitchers in today’s game and where he was when he heard about Clemente’s untimely death in 1972.

The Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton who in his first year as manager of the Buccos made history on September 9, 2020. Under the auspices of MLB, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Clemente Family, Derek strongly believed in wanting to see the annual Roberto Clemente Day celebration become a bit more meaningful and what occurred was groundbreaking. For the first time since 1972, the Pirates team honored “The Great One” by wearing his uniform number. HEAR the “behind the scenes” discussion leading up to the entire team wearing that iconic number, along with how Derek (who grew up a Orioles fan) learned the game from his father and how he impacted his life. Also being a part of the Yankees organization during his years as a Gulf Coast League manager including his “Boss” the legendary George Steinbrenner and his thoughts on Game 6 of the 2020 World Series and how the baseball world reacted to the manager’s decision to remove his starting pitcher. But he’ll also tell our listeners - Retire 21.

Season 2 kicks off with a familiar name within the sports panorama and this HOF announcer literally needs no introduction. In his 40 plus years in the business, Bob Costas, a 28 time Emmy Award winner and 2018 Ford C. Ford recipient is considered one of the greatest in the field of broadcasting. His name is synonymous with excellence and throughout his illustrious career in the booth, he has interviewed countless athletes, celebrities and sports personalities. Although the late Yankees’ Hall of Fame outfielder Mickey Mantle was his childhood hero, Costas also shared his admiration for another extraordinary ballplayer who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. And it’s why Costas said, “Roberto Clemente continues to be revered” around the world. And finally, he didn’t mince words on why he feels there should be a serious discussion on why Clemente’s iconic number should also join Jackie Robinson as the only uniform numbers to be retired throughout Major League Baseball.

This week, 1971 World Series champion Dave Cash, who in his 12 year career, was a three-time All-Star, a lifetime .283 infielder for the Pirates, Phillies, Expos and Padres. But he will forever be linked to that fabled ball club in Pittsburgh playing alongside three future Baseball Hall of Famers: Willie Stargell, Bill Mazeroski and “Robbie” Clemente. To Dave Cash and a few others on the team, he was Robbie. LISTEN to this “pod” and hear why “The Great One” impacted this team in so many areas.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Enrique Zorrilla, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico (School of Dental Medicine) who had an extraordinary relationship with “The Great One.” His late father Don Pedro Zorrilla (1905-1981) owner of the Santurce Crabbers team (a Puerto Rican Winter League team), signed this future “Rule 5 Draft” pick to his FIRST professional baseball contract on the island. But up-close, Zorrilla’s son saw another side of Clemente. He describes on two occasions not only the phenomenal Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder we’ve come to admire through vintage videos and sound bites but of a kindhearted, humble human being.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes former Dodgers’ executive Fred Claire who was the General Manager when his National League West team won the World Series in 1988. Thirty-two years later, he shares his excitement on seeing his former ballclub once again raise the Commissioner’s Trophy but most importantly what he looked for in creating a winning team. In baseball and life, it’s always about  character and this was especially true in the extraordinary lives of his dear friend Jackie Robinson and the legacy of Roberto Clemente. Sadly in 2015, Fred Claire would go on to face the biggest challenge of his post-baseball life - cancer. But, having the right team (his wife, family and close friends), the incredible doctors at City of Hope and his inspirational book entitled, “Extra Innings” allowed this humble man to not only say, “I feel great” but also, “I’m blessed.” And finally what are his thoughts on the retirement of Clemente’s iconic number.

This week, we have the distinct honor to welcome 2000 Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Pérez who joins us for an up-close look at his extraordinary 23-year career. This Cuban native not only was a two-time World Series Champion, a seven-time All-Star but also shared with our listeners his upbringing in Cuba, his baseball idols Martín Dihigo/Minnie Miñoso and those dramatic homers in the 1967 All-Star Game (an interesting tidbit he actually shared for the FIRST time ever) and the 1975 World Series. But for this important member of the “Big Red Machine,” it’s always been about family (specifically his beloved parents, wife and children) but also how Roberto Clemente impacted not only his life but his fellow Latino ballplayers throughout the league. Plus his personal thoughts on baseball analytics and the “Retire 21” movement. Finally upon hearing the sad news on the recent deaths of long-time members in the National Baseball Hall of Fame fraternity, Tony shared his own reflections about these phenomenal men who played the game of baseball.

This week, we’re joined by former pitcher Jamie Moyer who played for numerous teams and accomplished so much on the field. Yet, it was winning the 2003 Roberto Clemente Award that meant so much to this former 25 year veteran in big leagues. Hear about his upbringing, the importance of the minor leagues, future Baseball HOF’ers who were his idols and instrumental in his long career. But, most importantly remembering to give back in the spirit of “The Great One” and why “21” should be retired throughout the entire league.

Talkin' 21 chats with Pittsburgh, PA native Phil Dorsey about his relationship with the Clemente Family and Roberto Clemente being his dad's, "Best Friend."    Listen to Phil tell stories about his father's role in helping Roberto Clemente get acclimated to the city and about riding in the back of Clemente's Cadillac. 

As we wrap up Season 1, the Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Luis Rodríguez-Mayoral, one of Roberto Clemente’s closest friends. A Ponce native and 2013 Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Mayoral, who is also an accomplished author, historian and former Latino liaison with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, witnessed Clemente’s greatness up-close and shares some amazing stories. He was with “The Great One” during his final days leading up to Roberto’s untimely death in an airplane accident while en route on a humanitarian mission to Nicaragua.

This week, we are joined by former MLB pitcher Tom Walker and veteran infielder/2014 Silver Slugger Award winner Neil Walker. Not only were they both first round draft picks but their lives have been intertwined with “The Great One.” This father and son relationship will make listeners immediately think about the beauty of America’s Pastime, playing catch in the backyard and maybe even dream of one day playing in the big leagues. But there’s another heartfelt narrative in their story and it’s why Clemente impacted countless lives - including the Walker family.  They will tell us how both are forever indebted to this extraordinary ballplayer and humanitarian who left us too soon.

As MLB celebrates the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award winner, we have the distinct honor to welcome Luis Roberto Clemente. As the middle son of “The Great One” and Doña Vera C. Clemente, Luis’s last name is synonymous with baseball royalty around the globe. As the President of 21 in Right, the marketing/licensing company owned by his family, he has continued to promote the proud legacy of his parents. He shares what “Growing Up Clemente” has been like since his dad’s untimely passing in 1972, the recent loss of his beloved mom in 2019, a near-death experience in his immediate family, his father’s activism, his personal thoughts on the global pandemic, the voting process of the Roberto Clemente Award and the relaunch of the foundation. Finally what happened behind-the-scenes, the back and forth discussions with MLB leading up to this year’s Roberto Clemente Day in Pittsburgh. And the family’s position on the retirement of his father’s iconic number throughout Major League Baseball.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Pittsburgh native Robert Miller, who not only is a passionate Pittsburgh Pirates’ fan, but while growing up in the “City of Bridges” he gravitated to a Puerto Rican ballplayer on that team. His namesake captured the imagination of a young Robert who was in attendance for two significant milestones in Clemente’s illustrious career - Roberto Clemente Day in 1970 and of course “The Great One’s” historic 3,000th hit at Three Rivers Stadium. In one of Clemente’s final interviews he said, “I represent the common people of America.” Fittingly, Robert is one of those “common fans” Clemente spent quality time with throughout his lifetime. Years later, he would meet the Clemente Family and on a daily basis, Robert continues to live his life in that same spirit of humanitarianism.