Roberto Clemente played with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972, a time in which he won numerous awards, helped break baseballs racial barrier and demonstrated philanthropist values that have been the backbone of the region since the late 1800's. Number 21 is enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame and in front of PNC Park with a statue at the end of the 9th Street Bridge, also named after the Pittsburgh great.
The area directly on either side of the Roberto Clemente Bridge embodies Pittsburgh and the Pirates during the 1960's and 1970's when Clemente and his teammates were at their prime. A close knit, blue collar community built on the principals of hard work, philanthropy and civic enjoyment exemplified by the expansive park space along the North Shore and blend of new culture and old resilience along Penn Ave. and Liberty Avenue in the Cultural District. I consider this area "Roberto Clemente's Backyard" as it sits within eyesight of the bridge, statue and the North Shore where he played some of his greatest games.
I have photographed these stretches of Pittsburgh more than any others, but not with such a shallow depth of field and vivid optics. My favorite location to photograph in the city is the Roberto Clemente Bridge with its strong color, walkability, unique views and sense of culture. With a wide open aperture the bridge and its surroundings truly become the sole subject of my photographs, highlighting their aesthetic prominence.
(locations pictured below: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Gulf Tower,Koppers Building, USX Tower, EQT Plaza, K&L Gates Center, Fifth Ave Place, Rennaisance Hotel (dragon), holiday display at Horne's Dept Store, Agnes R. Katz Plaza fountain, view down 9th Street, Roberto Clemente + Andy Warhol + Rachel Carson Bridges)
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