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 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 former MLB infielder Fernando González. Originally signed by the Seattle Pilots in 1968, González played six seasons in the big leagues. He shared who was responsible for introducing him to the game of baseball. Surprisingly, he credits himself. He listened to games on the radio, became a batboy and during a brief period in the minors finally made his MLB debut on with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1972. But during his brief period with the Pirates he had an unbelievable opportunity to see his baseball hero up-close: Roberto Clemente. In this podcast, Fernando will share intimate stories on playing alongside “The Great One,” and his recollections of seeing Clemente for the last time in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico on December 27, 1972. And on New Year’s Eve, Clemente would sadly embark on a humanitarian mission that wouldn’t be fulfilled. The plane crashed and although many island residents rushed to shoreline of the accident, Fernando actually did visit the site of where the tragedy occurred. Like so many others, he hoped and prayed his dear friend was still alive. Fifty years later, those memories are still vivid in his mind and this episode provides a first-person account of exactly what happened on December 31, 1972.

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.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes All-Star switch-hitter and 2009 World Series champion Nick Swisher. Known for his infectious personality and charisma, Swisher talks about his upbringing in Ohio, his father Steve, who played in the majors, his late grandmother and the impact of select teammates who would eventually become Baseball Hall of Famers. But in his post-playing career, Swisher is a devoted husband and father who wants to see baseball grow globally. His participation in various MLB initiatives is exactly what the game desperately needs today. Yet, his philanthropic efforts (especially for children inflicted with cancer) haven’t gone unnoticed and one can see why Roberto Clemente is one of his heroes. Swisher wants our listeners to smile and make a difference in the lives of others.

The Talkin’21 podcast welcomes South Central LA native and 2005 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Eric Davis. If you followed his phenomenal career, during the mid-1980s and 1990s, he literally DEFINED what a five-tool player is in Major League Baseball. He was phenom. And he listened and learned from some of the best ballplayers in the history of game. They mentored him on every facet of the sport. But unfortunately injuries and a bout with cancer slowed what truly would have been a HOF-bound career. But the baseball numbers didn’t define who “E.D.” or “Eric the Red” would eventually become. Today, he’s a teacher, not a coach in the Cincinnati Reds organization and he proudly tell our listeners WHY winning the Roberto Clemente Award in 1997 means so much to this 1990 World Series champion, 2 x All-Star, 2 x Silver Slugger Award and 3 x Gold Glove Award winner. He keeps it “real” and you’ll definitely laugh with this episode. Guaranteed.

The Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Minnesota Twins legend Tony Oliva. His stats speak volumes. Not only was he a lifetime .304 hitter, but this 1964 AL Rookie of the Year, 8-time All-Star and 3-time AL Batting Champion from Pinar del Cuba truly personified class on and off the field. In this podcast, he spoke about his love of Cuba, the extraordinary scout who signed him, a memorable 1965 All-Star Game and the Latino trailblazers who played in that game including Roberto Clemente. He spoke fondly of “The Great One” and shared where he was when Clemente tragically died in 1972. And he truly believes this Pittsburgh Pirates icon’s number should be retired throughout MLB.

The Talkin’21 podcast celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Pirates winning the 1971 World Series with a special episode dedicated to that historic franchise. On July 17, 2021, Talkin’21 host Danny Torres traveled to PNC Park in Pittsburgh to interview those players who played an important role in defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. HEAR their thoughts about a particular moment that made them feel a bit more confident in their team heading into the post-season. Danny also asked if they could share a funny moment with Roberto Clemente or another teammate (You’ll love what Al “Scoop” Oliver shared) that to this day still makes them laugh. Plus, it was 50 years ago, during a nationally-televised post-game interview a ballplayer spoke in Spanish to a live TV audience. It was truly a groundbreaking moment in MLB history. And who was this extraordinary player? LISTEN to this podcast.

"The Great One" slapped a double off Mets' All-Star pitcher Jon Matlack. It would be historic.  Hear the conversation with Jon and his son, Danny Matlack, on their special bond with baseball and the 3,000th hit.