Talkin' 21 Podcast with Danny Torres Danny Torres

This week, 1971 World Series champion Dave Cash, who in his 12 year career, was a three-time All-Star, a lifetime .283 infielder for the Pirates, Phillies, Expos and Padres. But he will forever be linked to that fabled ball club in Pittsburgh playing alongside three future Baseball Hall of Famers: Willie Stargell, Bill Mazeroski and “Robbie” Clemente.
To Dave Cash and a few others on the team, he was Robbie. LISTEN to this “pod” and hear why “The Great One” impacted this team in so many areas.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Enrique Zorrilla, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico (School of Dental Medicine) who had an extraordinary relationship with “The Great One.” His late father Don Pedro Zorrilla (1905-1981) owner of the Santurce Crabbers team (a Puerto Rican Winter League team), signed this future “Rule 5 Draft” pick to his FIRST professional baseball contract on the island. But up-close, Zorrilla’s son saw another side of Clemente. He describes on two occasions not only the phenomenal Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder we’ve come to admire through vintage videos and sound bites but of a kindhearted, humble human being.

Talkin’21 podcast welcomes former Dodgers’ executive Fred Claire who was the General Manager when his National League West team won the World Series in 1988. Thirty-two years later, he shares his excitement on seeing his former ballclub once again raise the Commissioner’s Trophy but most importantly what he looked for in creating a winning team. In baseball and life, it’s always about  character and this was especially true in the extraordinary lives of his dear friend Jackie Robinson and the legacy of Roberto Clemente. Sadly in 2015, Fred Claire would go on to face the biggest challenge of his post-baseball life - cancer. But, having the right team (his wife, family and close friends), the incredible doctors at City of Hope and his inspirational book entitled, “Extra Innings” allowed this humble man to not only say, “I feel great” but also, “I’m blessed.” And finally what are his thoughts on the retirement of Clemente’s iconic number.

This week, we have the distinct honor to welcome 2000 Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Pérez who joins us for an up-close look at his extraordinary 23-year career.
This Cuban native not only was a two-time World Series Champion, a seven-time All-Star but also shared with our listeners his upbringing in Cuba, his baseball idols Martín Dihigo/Minnie Miñoso and those dramatic homers in the 1967 All-Star Game (an interesting tidbit he actually shared for the FIRST time ever) and the 1975 World Series. But for this important member of the “Big Red Machine,” it’s always been about family (specifically his beloved parents, wife and children) but also how Roberto Clemente impacted not only his life but his fellow Latino ballplayers throughout the league. Plus his personal thoughts on baseball analytics and the “Retire 21” movement. Finally upon hearing the sad news on the recent deaths of long-time members in the National Baseball Hall of Fame fraternity, Tony shared his own reflections about these phenomenal men who played the game of baseball.

This week, we’re joined by former pitcher Jamie Moyer who played for numerous teams and accomplished so much on the field. Yet, it was winning the 2003 Roberto Clemente Award that meant so much to this former 25 year veteran in big leagues.
Hear about his upbringing, the importance of the minor leagues, future Baseball HOF’ers who were his idols and instrumental in his long career. But, most importantly remembering to give back in the spirit of “The Great One” and why “21” should be retired throughout the entire league.

Talkin' 21 chats with Pittsburgh, PA native Phil Dorsey about his relationship with the Clemente Family and Roberto Clemente being his dad's, "Best Friend." 
 
Listen to Phil tell stories about his father's role in helping Roberto Clemente get acclimated to the city and about riding in the back of Clemente's Cadillac.