We're thankful Roberto Clemente was drafted on this date in 1954

Twelve All-Star selections, a dozen Gold Gloves, 3,000 hits and two World Series rings. But Roberto Clemente's greatest achievements may have come off the field.

The Hall of Famer donated baseball equipment, food and other supplies to numerous places throughout his 18-year career, including his homeland of Puerto Rico.  One of his friends, Efren Bernier, called Clemente "a man from another century. Roberto thought very well of the Jibaros (Puerto Ricans). They give to each other. Roberto was like that."

Clemente's life was cut short in 1972 when his plane crashed during an earthquake relief trip to Nicaragua. He was just 38.

Thursday marked the anniversary of the day the Pirates drafted the right fielder out of the Brooklyn Dodgers' system.We thank Roberto for his courage, talent and incredible generosity.

-- Matt Monagan / MLB.com