Spring training — a time for baseball veterans to work out the kinks, for upstart prospects to challenge for a major league roster spot and for fans to dream of a pennant contender.

But 40 years ago, the bright Florida sun hanging over the Pittsburgh Pirates’ prep work was overshadowed by a player who was not on the field.

Less than three months before, the franchise had lost one of its all-time greats, Roberto Clemente, in a plane crash off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Pirate veterans, including Willie Stargell, Steve Blass and Manny Sanguillen arrived in the Sunshine State with the task of focusing on baseball while still mourning the loss of their teammate.

Imagine how surreal it must have been for Blass, who had become good friends with Clemente since the former joined the Pirates in the mid-1960s. He takes the mound and glances over his left shoulder to right field, where Clemente had provided so many incredible plays over the years. Only, “The Great One” was no longer there.

Though Clemente was nearing the end of his career — injuries had limited him to playing in just 102 games in 1972, his 18th season in the majors — all indications were that he planned on playing one, if not two, more years.

He never got the chance.

Following an earthquake in Nicaragua just before Christmas 1972, Clemente chose to accompany a relief effort to the country on a plane that included much-needed supplies.

Clemente had a reputation for helping those in need, but he would never get to fulfill this last act of charity.

The New Year’s Eve flight was less than two minutes old when the plane crashed into the ocean in 100 feet of water, killing all five on board. Clemente’s body was never found. He was 38 years old.

During his 18 seasons in a Pirates uniform, Clemente rose to legendary status for baseball fans in Pittsburgh. He won four National League batting titles (1961, 64-65, 67) and the N.L. MVP award in 1966 after hitting .317, which ended up being his career average.

As impressive as his offensive stats were, the facet of Clemente’s play many people remember most was his defense. No fly ball seemed out of his range and his right arm, described as a “howitzer” by former Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver, made many baserunners pay for trying for an extra 90 feet.

Many fans on the west coast and in American League cities had never actually seen Clemente play. The 1971 Fall Classic changed that.

He batted .414 (12-for-29), including a pair of home runs, and turned in several incredible plays from the outfield as the Pirates won their fourth championship. He was named World Series MVP for his efforts.

His play on the baseball diamond made Clemente a legend. His unselfish acts off of it made him a hero ... one who met his end far too soon.

Derek Pyda is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.