PITTSBURGH -- The world has adopted Roberto Clemente. But he has always belonged to Pittsburgh. This is where he left footprints in the grass before sprouting angel's wings, so Clemente Day isn't a formality in this city; it's a sacred rite.
So this is where, on Wednesday night, you found his widow, Vera, and sons Roberto Jr., Ricky and Luis mark the occasion in PNC Park.
As touching as Vera Clemente was in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Jaff Decker, the pregame ceremony's headliner was Andrew McCutchen, the Bucs' nominee for the 45th annual Clemente Award.