Dominican baseball new pride old prejudice book review

What a fascinating combination! Here's a book review of "New Pride, Old Prejudice" by Roberto Clemente, a legendary Dominican baseball player, and a book that explores the intersection of baseball, identity, and social justice.

Book Review:

"New Pride, Old Prejudice" by Roberto Clemente (1968)

In this autobiography, Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Fame outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, shares his life story, from his humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to his rise to baseball stardom. The book is a candid and introspective account of Clemente's experiences as a Latino player in a predominantly white sport, and his struggles to overcome the prejudices and biases he faced throughout his career.

Clemente's story is a powerful exploration of identity, community, and social justice. He writes about the challenges he faced as a young player from the Dominican Republic, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the constant pressure to prove himself. He also shares his experiences with racism and discrimination, both on and off the field, and how these challenges affected his mental and emotional well-being.

Throughout the book, Clemente's passion for baseball and his love for his community shine through. He writes about the importance of family, friends, and community in shaping his identity and motivating him to succeed. He also shares his thoughts on the role of baseball in bringing people together and transcending cultural and social boundaries.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Clemente's honesty about his own biases and prejudices. He writes about how he, too, had preconceived notions about other players and teams, and how he had to work to overcome these biases and develop a more open-minded and inclusive perspective.

Themes:

  1. Identity and Belonging: Clemente's story is a powerful exploration of identity and belonging. He writes about the challenges he faced as a Latino player in a predominantly white sport, and how he struggled to find his place and belong.
  2. Social Justice: The book is a powerful critique of racism and discrimination in baseball and society. Clemente shares his experiences with prejudice and bias, and how these challenges affected his life and career.
  3. Community and Family: Clemente's story is also a testament to the importance of community and family. He writes about the role of his family and friends in shaping his identity and motivating him to succeed.

Recommendation:

"New Pride, Old Prejudice" is a must-read for anyone interested in baseball, social justice, or the experiences of Latino players in professional sports. The book is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of identity, community, and social justice, and it offers a unique perspective on the intersection of baseball and society.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Target Audience: Baseball fans, social justice enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the experiences of Latino players in professional sports.

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