Talkin' 21 Podcast with 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. 

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 (including what he proudly waved while running towards his position). Plus, his interaction and meeting for the first time a familiar Pittsburgh Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen.

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.

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 efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and needy children continue to benefit through educational programs, physical fitness and nutritional initiatives.

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 his son Tony Gwynn III). But, the legacy of “Mr. Padre” continues to live on through his namesake - a proud husband/father who remembers the impact of his late dad who not only was a Baseball Hall of Famer but the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 1999.