The HISTORY® Channel will premiere the highly-anticipated, feature-length documentary “Clemente” on Tuesday, September 23 @ 8PM ET/PT. The film, executive produced by UNINTERRUPTED, the award-winning athlete storytelling brand within Fulwell Entertainment, Oscar® nominee Richard Linklater, Vinegar Hill, and Vantage Pictures in association with Cookie Jar & a Dream Studios and APX Content Ventures, received the 2024 Documentary Spotlight Award at SXSW and celebrates the life, career, and legacy of Roberto Clemente, a man who gave his all both on and off the field. From his childhood in Puerto Rico and early years of struggle with the Pittsburgh Pirates, to becoming one of baseball’s most beloved and iconic players, to his tragic, untimely death in 1972, “Clemente” provides a comprehensive look into the Puerto Rican Hall of Famer and societal changemaker.
“Roberto Clemente was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and we are excited to bring his story to The HISTORY Channel with the premiere of this inspiring documentary,” said Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for The HISTORY Channel. “With Hispanic Heritage Month coming up, we hope generations old and new will find motivation in Clemente’s legacy. Whether you’re picking up a baseball glove or lending a service hand in your neighborhood, we all can learn something from this selfless individual.”
“UNINTERRUPTED was founded to foster stories of empowerment and inspire audiences to recognize their own potential and power,” said Jamal Henderson, Head of Sports & Culture for UNINTERRUPTED. “No story fits the mark more than Roberto Clemente’s story of athletic greatness and social advocacy for Puerto Rico. We are grateful for partners like The HISTORY Channel, who not only understand but appreciate the importance of diverse and entertaining content in the marketplace.”
Roberto Clemente, born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, played eighteen seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With undeniable talent and impressive athletic prowess, Clemente’s name became cemented in Major League Baseball as one of the greatest who ever lived. Beyond the field, Clemente was known for his humanitarian efforts, dedicating his life to social justice and helping others, breaking barriers of race and culture, and inspiring generations of Hispanic players to change the sport of baseball and American society for the better.
The documentary features rare archival footage and family photography alongside stories from Clemente himself and thoughtful interviews from his sons, Roberto Clemente Jr., Luis Clemente, and Roberto Enrique Clemente, his friends, historians, and celebrities such as Rita Moreno, Michael Keaton, Francisco Lindor, Bob Costas, Tom Morello, and others. “Clemente” shines a light on the man whose accomplishments on the field made history but whose legacy extends far beyond sport.
“Clemente” is directed by David Altrogge and produced by Vinegar Hill, UNINTERRUPTED, and Vantage Pictures in association with Cookie Jar & a Dream Studios and APX Content Ventures. The film is executive produced by LeBron James and Richard Linklater with Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron serving as executive producers for UNINTERRUPTED. David Altrogge, Michael Hartnett, Mike Blizzard, Keith Ayers, Mary Sabol, Andrew Calvetti, and John Bennett Scanlon are producing. Duane Rieder, Steve Burman, Jim Evans, and Bradley Ragland serve as executive producers. Roberto Clemente, Jr., Luis Roberto Clemente, and Roberto Enrique Clemente are also executive producers. Eric Levin, Allie Dvorin, and John Turner serve as executive producers for APX Content Ventures. Jim Pasquarella serves as executive producer for The HISTORY Channel. Matt Rissmiller serves as co-executive producer for UNINTERRUPTED.