In late 1972, Roberto Clemente politely declined the generous offer of his good friend Tom Walker to help deliver disaster supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente, of course, would perish on his flight, along with one partner from the relief effort and three crew members.
Let's start there. And let's stick to facts.
In 1985, Tom and Carolyn Walker would give birth to Neil Walker, who'd grow up to be part of that groundbreaking group of Pirates who, for a brief but celebrated spell, revived passion for baseball in Pittsburgh.
On Saturday, the Pirates released Antonio Bastardo, the final remaining piece to show for the trading of Walker less than two years ago, because he pitched terribly.
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