http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Sunday, February 21, 2010
CLEVELAND — Roberto Clemente's influence remains in Pittsburgh nearly 40 years following his death. And his story is about to be told by a man who has more in common with Clemente than you might think.
NBA star Carmelo Anthony is working on a documentary on the life of Pirates great Roberto Clemente.
The Associated Press
Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets superstar who surprised many with his highly regarded work as executive producer in a recent documentary depicting Mike Tyson's life, has developed a new passion. He is devoting much of his time to telling Clemente's story in his latest documentary, which is currently in the early stages.
"His story," Anthony said late Thursday night during an exclusive interview with the Tribune-Review, "is one that needs to be told so that (people) understand what he meant to Puerto Rico, to Pittsburgh and to everyone."
Anthony's late father, Carmelo Sr., was Puerto Rican, and the 25-year-old superstar feels a deep connection with that country.
"Because of my heritage in Puerto Rico," Anthony said, "to be taking part in this is really big for me."
That Anthony has taken such an interest in Clemente is interesting in that their careers have some parallels. Anthony is among the game's greats but is often overshadowed because he plays during the era of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Similarly, Clemente's career was often overshadowed by fellow outfielders Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
Anthony wants to tell every facet of Clemente's life — his uncommon generosity, his humanitarian work and his artistry on the baseball field.
"He broke down so many barriers and set such a high standard in so many different ways," Anthony said.
Anthony has received unprecedented access to conduct interviews with Clemente's wife, Vera, and his three sons, Roberto Jr., Enrique and Luis. In fact, Roberto Jr. and Luis Clemente are working closely with Anthony on the project.
While residents of Pittsburgh and Puerto Rico hardly need to be reminded of Clemente's fascinating life and heroic death, Anthony believes his documentary can educate a younger generation that knows little about the great right fielder.
Anthony's desire is to see Clemente seen in the same light nationally as Jackie Robinson. While Robinson was the first black player in Major League Baseball history, Clemente was its first Hispanic star.
"Everybody knows Jackie Robinson's story," Anthony said. "His story is very special. But Clemente's story is special, too."
Anthony's business partner, David Haines, and fiance, Alana "La La" Vazquez, are overseeing the day-to-day operations of the documentary during the basketball season. Anthony will have more time to spend on the project during the summer.
Of course, even during the season, he remains involved.
"It's something we're always working hard on," he said.
Most of the documentary will focus on Clemente's career with the Pirates, which spanned from 1955-72, but his childhood in Puerto Rico and shocking death in a plane crash will also be included."It's just going to be about his whole life," Anthony said. "And Pittsburgh's going to be a big part of it."
Anthony has only visited Pittsburgh once. During his only season at Syracuse, the Orange fell to Pitt at the Petersen Events Center, 73-60, on January 18, 2003.
He would like to visit the city again and didn't express surprise that, so long after his death, Clemente remains in many ways the very face of the Pirates.
"As he should be," Anthony said. "As he should be."
Less than an hour after a particularly exceptional night at work — Anthony scored 40 points, including a game-winning jumper over James in overtime Thursday — he channeled Clemente in a way, his mind clearly focused on more than just his sport. Like Clemente, Anthony seems to understand the big picture.
And he likes making big pictures, too.
"We have a long way to go," Anthony said of his film project. "But it's very important to me."
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