Baseball's Last Hero: 21 Clemente Stories

Richard Rossi hits it of the park with his long-awaited passion project to bring his childhood hero to life. Richard grew up in Pittsburgh, playing hooky from school to sneak into the Pirates locker room and bask in the glory of his idol Roberto Clemente. He sat in the right field General Admission seats watching the Great One make magic. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported that Rossi wrote about Clemente for so many writing assignments at Saint Athanasius School in the West View section of Pittsburgh that the nuns there chastised him for his Clemente obsession. Now, forty years later, we are the beneficiaries of his Clemente stories. Rossi also appears in a supporting role as "Birddog," the scout who recruited Clemente for the Pirates. Olympian athlete and actor Jamie Nieto is stellar in bringing Clemente's physical mannerisms, accent, and overall grace to the big screen. Project Runway winner Marilinda Rivera is absolutely beautiful and believable as the love of his life, his wife Vera Clemente. Isaac Bar-jonah as Sangy and Charles Hoyes as Murtaugh bring strong support. I was in the audience at one of the initial theatrical screenings. The lines were around the block. I hadn't seen that for a film since "Star Wars." And it was the first time I've been in a theater in which the audience erupted in a standing ovation. Every baseball fan needs to see this movie. And even for those who don't follow baseball, the love story and the message of sacrificial love is presented in such a substantive way that people of all faiths and backgrounds will find it one of the richest presentations of the deeper spiritual and universal truths we share as humans. I bought 50 copies on Amazon to share with others and everyone who has watched it was touched as deeply as I was. This film isn't just a movie...it's a movement!

This is another proof that you don't need a lot of money to produce a good, meaningful and very accurate movie for all ages. The story of Roberto Clemente, one of the greatest baseball players of all times, is presented in a very unique way. Through 21 (yes 21!) simple and well acted segments, we fully understand and have a complete picture of who this man was and how much difference he made in the world. It is a bit of sadness, a bit of happiness and a lot to think about it. The movie is an instrument to learn about the good qualities and basic values sometimes missing in this world. The stories comprise many years and many places, from Puerto Rico to Pittsburgh, where we can see a Clemente growing as a player and as a human being. We see through his eyes the good and the bad in this world and how regardless of his experiences, he is always focused and very dedicated to his career and to others surrounding him. The way he left us is just an example of his whole life. Great job!

It's about his life, not in a documentary form but more like a narrative that sucks you in. Compassion and passion were some of Clemente's strong traits. The fact that he cared about the poor just added meat to his persona. He was a fighter when the chips were down and that's what made him such a warrior. I am glad I spent the time to learn about his life.

The exposition was clear and colorful. The camera's Point Of View gave the audience the advantage. I have seen Jamie Nieto in "The Encounter" "Redline" "Jerusalem Countdown" and "Blood Brothers" and I feel he is a creative and disciplined actor who in public interviews carries a positive outlook on life in general.

I don't normally watch sports movies but this one I felt had substance. It was brave on Rossi's part to follow his dream to make this movie, overcoming financial obstacles. He gives hope to others who might also feel they have a story to tell.

I first saw the movie at the premier showing in Pittsburgh. I especially enjoyed the live performance of the Clemente Theme Song by director and awesome guitarist, Richard Rossi (song now on YouTube at http://youtu.be/vgfSM8-C7xA ). Die-hard baseball fans will enjoy this film. I was an avid baseball card collector and faithful Pirate fan back in the 60's yet I didn't know most of the historical facts that were presented in this film. It's no wonder the audience at the Strand Theater erupted spontaneously in applause when the movie was over. They did a great job considering the fact that this was a low budget film. This DVD is a must-have collectors item for those of us who loved Clemente.

I do not need hundreds of words to describe this film. I loved this film so much I asked for a screening to be held in my hometown. People came out of the theater hugging me. They also came out in an array of tears and laughter while saying thank you.

People showed up wearing Clemente uniforms and Pirates hats. It was one of the most inspiring scenes I have ever seen.

There are not many movies that move people to want to change for the better. I have news for the world, this film is one of them that makes you want to do good things.

This movie is a must see.