Bronx judge honors Roberto Clemente’s legacy in Hispanic Heritage Month presentation

A New York City Civil Court judge stepped out from behind the bench earlier this month to share a personal story shaped by one of baseball’s most revered figures. Hon. Eliezer Rodriguez presented on Oct. 9 “#21 Through My Eyes: A Bronx Latino Memoir of Vows, Miracles and the Bench” at the NYC Civil Court Ceremonial Courtroom in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The program paid tribute to Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican right fielder who became the first Hispanic player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The title refers to the No. 21 Clemente wore during his 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His career included 3,000 hits, 12 Gold Glove awards and two World Series championships. Clemente died on Dec. 31, 1972, in a plane crash while delivering relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame the following year, after the customary five-year waiting period was waived. Rodriguez, the founder of Project Club Clemente, also opened