Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Garth Brooks opens up about Roberto Clemente inspiring his love for baseball

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Michael Dixon | Last updated 2/19/19

Country music legend Garth Brooks spent time in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates. On Tuesday, he shared a story about Roberto Clemente and when his connection with the franchise began.

Brooks opened up, telling a moving story about being a young child when Pirates legend Roberto Clemente died on New Year’s Eve in 1972 in a plane crash while attempting to bring aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Really cool insight into how Roberto Clemente inspired Garth Brooks as a kid. (via @BrinkPG) pic.twitter.com/GqE1qV3mPJ

— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) February 19, 2019

That’s a great story. While Clemente’s life was cut short, this shows what a tremendous impact he made in life and continues to make more than 46 years after his untimely passing. Brooks can only be commended for maintaining his commitment.

Brooks was taking part in spring training as a way to promote Teammates for kids, which is in its 20th year.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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