Former Pirates manager reveals promise he made to Roberto Clemente’s widow that altered history

In Pirates history, few players have seen the franchise heights like Roberto Clemente, and few managers have seen the doldrums like Clint Hurdle. As it turns out, a fateful meeting between Clemente’s widow and Hurdle sparked the Pirates’ miraculous 2013 run.

Hurdle took to X earlier this month to recall a conversation he had with the late Vera Zabala Clemente and Clemente’s three sons prior to the 2013 season. Hurdle was entering his third year as Pittsburgh’s skipper, and the Pirates had just concluded their 20th consecutive losing season. Vera had one request of Hurdle: there can’t be a 21st losing season. Citing Clemente’s iconic No. 21, she said (through Roberto Jr. as translator), “It would be a disgrace to his legacy.” Hurdle agreed.

A solemn promise between Clint Hurdle and Roberto Clemente’s widow, Vera, changed Pirates history

By the time that Roberto Clemente Day rolled around on September 15, 2013, the Pirates had secured a winning record, entering the day at 86-62. Vera greeted Hurdle with what he considered “one of the most meaningful hugs.” To ice the cake, Justin Morneau broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning with a pinch-hit RBI single to deliver the game-winning run. Promise kept and then some.

Not only did Hurdle deliver the winning season, a mere two weeks later, the team prepared to take the field at PNC Park for the NL Wild Card Game. The Pirates took it to the division-rival Reds, pummeling Cincinnati starter Johnny Cueto and claiming a 6-2 win. Though the Bucs dropped the ensuing NLDS to the eventual-champion Cardinals, Pittsburgh had effectively rewritten history.

The Pirates’ 20 consecutive losing seasons stand today as the longest such streak in major professional sports. At the time, it seemed like it would go on forever. Hurdle was the seventh manager to attempt to bring winning baseball to Pittsburgh, and countless players had come and gone.

In the end, it took the grit of the 2013 team, whom Hurdle credited in his post, and perhaps a little good luck from the family of a deceased franchise legend to change the fortunes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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