Clemente

Scouting Report
A Pulitzer winner retells the life of Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

Curveball
Clemente moonlighted as an unlicensed chiropractor.

Final Score
For once, a player is measured not by his stats but by the personal qualities and quirks that made him special. Maraniss’ bio is poetic (”To watch Clemente play was an aesthetic experience”), conveying the outfielder’s talent, drive, and love for his Puerto Rican homeland. No wonder he’s practically a saint in Latin America.