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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.

Along with her sister Judith, Jannette Clemente Santana has continued to honor her Uncle Roberto “Tio Momen” who not only impacted the baseball world as an extraordinary athlete/ humanitarian but will continue to live in her heart forever. Their father Don Justino Clemente Walker, who is Roberto’s oldest brother shared countless stories with daughters about their favorite uncle. In this episode, Jannette shares her insights and heartfelt moments on who Roberto was as a family man and how her father admired his youngest brother.

Although Willie Randolph praised Gene Baker, his first MLB coach with the Pirates, who taught him the fundamentals of the game, but he also shared a powerful message from his teammate and mentor Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. And the joy of being around his roommate Dock Ellis. Our guest interacted with a number of Baseball Hall of Famers who passed away but it was the late Bob Gibson and Joe Morgan who impacted his life on how to compete and play the game the right way. This Brooklyn native (who actually enjoys doing impersonations) talked about hearing from a message from Buck O’Neil and even another voicemail left by “The Boss” George Steinbrenner. As the former Mets manager, Willie’s recollections of the 2006 Mets season and if he were asked to come back to manage could he navigate today’s players, coaches and his team in the world of baseball analytics?

Although he was born in South Carolina, Willie Randolph’s childhood was deeply rooted in New York City. This Yankees all-star infielder played 18 seasons and in 2004, he received “The Call” to become the first African-American manager for the N.Y. Mets. This was an extraordinary moment considering the Mets were the team he actually rooted for while playing sandlot ball as a kid in Brooklyn. In 1972, before his high school graduation, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was at Pirate City, the Pirates’ Spring Training complex in Florida, where he would catch a glimpse of “The Great One” taking batting practice. He never forgot that moment and although he didn’t meet Roberto Clemente, he enjoyed his brief career playing with the organization and playing alongside Clemente’s teammates. But before eventually becoming a World Series champion, he shared a heartfelt story about his mom and dad who provided unwavering support to their son and he even talked about a former Negro League player who made a huge impact in his playing career.

In Part II of his conversation with Danny Torres, Adam Wainwright spoke passionately about his unwavering faith, on his close relationship with Yadier Molina and how in their 14 years playing with the St. Louis Cardinals watching how their brotherhood evolved into a true friendship. Waino’s thoughts on receiving “The Call” that he won the Roberto Clemente Award and the phenomenal work of Big League Impact, his foundation that was founded in 2013. And finally, this Episode 3 guest shared his personal thoughts on the true meaning of what Clemente continues to be for millions of fans around the world. 

As fans slowly return to the ballparks for the 2021 season, it was 21 years ago, Adam Wainwright was drafted by the Atlanta Braves, his hometown team. Along with an extraordinary career that includes a World Series Championship title in 2006, this all-star pitcher will be forever linked to the St. Louis Cardinals. But of all the baseball highlights including a memorable 2006 NLCS Game 7 against the N.Y. Mets, “Waino” smiles with immense pride on winning the Roberto Clemente Award in 2020. Along with receiving that prestigious honor, he is proud of the tireless work of his foundation - Big League Impact and the millions raised for the less-fortunate. A devout Christian, Wainwright shares heartfelt stories about learning the game of baseball from his older brother, his battery-mate Yadier Molina and in the spirit of Roberto Clemente he’s adamant in his convictions on wanting everyone to always give back to the needy within their respective communities.

The Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton who in his first year as manager of the Buccos made history on September 9, 2020. Under the auspices of MLB, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Clemente Family, Derek strongly believed in wanting to see the annual Roberto Clemente Day celebration become a bit more meaningful and what occurred was groundbreaking. For the first time since 1972, the Pirates team honored “The Great One” by wearing his uniform number. HEAR the “behind the scenes” discussion leading up to the entire team wearing that iconic number, along with how Derek (who grew up a Orioles fan) learned the game from his father and how he impacted his life. Also being a part of the Yankees organization during his years as a Gulf Coast League manager including his “Boss” the legendary George Steinbrenner and his thoughts on Game 6 of the 2020 World Series and how the baseball world reacted to the manager’s decision to remove his starting pitcher. But he’ll also tell our listeners - Retire 21.

Season 2 kicks off with a familiar name within the sports panorama and this HOF announcer literally needs no introduction. In his 40 plus years in the business, Bob Costas, a 28 time Emmy Award winner and 2018 Ford C. Ford recipient is considered one of the greatest in the field of broadcasting. His name is synonymous with excellence and throughout his illustrious career in the booth, he has interviewed countless athletes, celebrities and sports personalities. Although the late Yankees’ Hall of Fame outfielder Mickey Mantle was his childhood hero, Costas also shared his admiration for another extraordinary ballplayer who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. And it’s why Costas said, “Roberto Clemente continues to be revered” around the world. And finally, he didn’t mince words on why he feels there should be a serious discussion on why Clemente’s iconic number should also join Jackie Robinson as the only uniform numbers to be retired throughout Major League Baseball.

As we wrap up Season 1, the Talkin’21 podcast welcomes Luis Rodríguez-Mayoral, one of Roberto Clemente’s closest friends. A Ponce native and 2013 Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Mayoral, who is also an accomplished author, historian and former Latino liaison with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, witnessed Clemente’s greatness up-close and shares some amazing stories. He was with “The Great One” during his final days leading up to Roberto’s untimely death in an airplane accident while en route on a humanitarian mission to Nicaragua.

This week, we are joined by former MLB pitcher Tom Walker and veteran infielder/2014 Silver Slugger Award winner Neil Walker. Not only were they both first round draft picks but their lives have been intertwined with “The Great One.” This father and son relationship will make listeners immediately think about the beauty of America’s Pastime, playing catch in the backyard and maybe even dream of one day playing in the big leagues. But there’s another heartfelt narrative in their story and it’s why Clemente impacted countless lives - including the Walker family.  They will tell us how both are forever indebted to this extraordinary ballplayer and humanitarian who left us too soon.

As MLB celebrates the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award winner, we have the distinct honor to welcome Luis Roberto Clemente. As the middle son of “The Great One” and Doña Vera C. Clemente, Luis’s last name is synonymous with baseball royalty around the globe. As the President of 21 in Right, the marketing/licensing company owned by his family, he has continued to promote the proud legacy of his parents. He shares what “Growing Up Clemente” has been like since his dad’s untimely passing in 1972, the recent loss of his beloved mom in 2019, a near-death experience in his immediate family, his father’s activism, his personal thoughts on the global pandemic, the voting process of the Roberto Clemente Award and the relaunch of the foundation. Finally what happened behind-the-scenes, the back and forth discussions with MLB leading up to this year’s Roberto Clemente Day in Pittsburgh. And the family’s position on the retirement of his father’s iconic number throughout Major League Baseball.