Pittsburgh and professional sports go hand-in-hand. Many locals love to gloat when telling you one of Pittburgh's nicknames is the "City of Champions." There aren't many athletes that Yinzers like to brag more about than Roberto Clemente, the perennial All-Star outfielder for the Pirates. The city even named the Sixth Street Bridge after the Puerto Rican born slugger. To pay homage to the Hall of Famer, visit his namesake museum, which has been wonderfully curated and kept in relative secrecy in the Lawrenceville neighborhood.
Parking and public transport at the The Clemente Museum
There are two small lots located on the side of the old firehouse that houses the museum. They hold around 10-20 cars, but street parking is available as well. You can also take the P1 bus, which travels on the MLK busway from Downtown or the East End. Just exit at Herron Avenue and walk across the Herron Avenue bridge.
Best and worst time to go to The Clemente Museum
Since the museum is primarily viewed through appointment only, the best time to go is during one of the open houses. The museum puts these on generally on Fridays and Saturdays sporadically throughout the year, so check the museum's homepage. If there is not an open house in the time you want to visit, just schedule a tour with the museum on their website or by phone.
Admission to The Clemente Museum
Adults are $20-$25 and children are $10-$15, but children under 10 years old are not permitted, due to safety and comfort of all visitors. Students and military personnel with valid IDs are also $10-$15.
Must See/Do at The Clemente Museum
Marvel at the Pittsbrugh baseball memorabilia. Clemente's gold gloves, silver slugger, and World Series Championships rings are on display. The homeplate from the '71 World series clinching game, Clemente's final championship, is also there to be worshiped. Many of these articles could easily be in the Hall of Fame in New York, but you get a chance to view them in Pittsburgh.
Other places to visit near The Clemente Museum
Lawrenceville is arguably the best drinking destination in the city. Just a short walk away is long-time micro brewing power house Church Brew Works, which is located in an giant Northern Italian style church. Also just a half mile down Penn Avenue, is Arsenal Cider House, which makes dozens of artisanal hard ciders from apples, rhubarb, peaches, you name it. Then take a stroll among the civil war era canons in nearby Arsenal Park.
Insider tip for visitors to The Clemente Museum
Context is everything before visiting. Clemente is one of the greatest players of all time, but understanding his importance as one of the first Latino stars in Major League Baseball is monument. He paved the way for countless star players from the Caribbean and Central and South America. He was also a huge proponent of philanthropy and humanitarianism, which the museum goes into great detail about this part of his life.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.