As we once again remember “The Great One” on New Year’s Eve, The Talkin ’21Podcast welcomes Brooklyn native and a member of the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates Joshua Palacios. Although he made his MLB debut in 2021, Joshua’s impact with the Buccos, during the 2023 season, made a huge difference in that lineup. Joshua talked about his beloved parents, his brother Ritchie, and favorite uncle Ray who actually played for the Royals (1988-1990). But, what happened on Roberto Clemente Day, during the 2023 season, and having the opportunity to start in RF, was a unbelievable moment he’ll never forget (inclu ..read more

Recorded live at the Paley Center for Media in NYC, Talkin’21 welcomed Paul Kutch Jr. (President of Clemente’s Clubhouse) and 1970 Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and New York native Fred Cambria. Both shared their earliest recollections on when they first heard about “The Great One” and how this legendary, Puerto Rican ballplayer impacted their lives. They also discussed Clemente’s legacy and how his humanitarian spirit transcended beyond the playing field ..read more

These three words: character, charity and Clemente summarizes the life of this former Major League outfielder. Known as “CJ” to his immediate family and close friends, Curtis Granderson was a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner who played for seven teams including the N.Y. Yankees and N.Y. Mets. But, for this Chicago native, not only his impact on the field but winning the Roberto Clemente Award in 2016 was one the greatest highlights in his 16 seasons in the big leagues. As the founder of the Grand Kids Foundation and Board Chair of Players Alliance, Curtis’s philanthropic eff ..read more

Talkin’21 welcomes former MLB player and current San Diego Padres analyst/broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr. Born into baseball royalty, Anthony “Tony” Jr. would eventually decide baseball would be his trajectory and continue in his father’s footsteps. Coincidentally, on July 19, 2006, he would collect his first Major League Baseball hit which fell on the exact date of Tony Gwynn Sr.’s first MLB hit in 1982. And both of those hits were a double to right field. He would play for eight seasons and eventually make the transition to the booth. He’s married and a proud father of four children (including hi ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ch ..read more