PITTSBURGH -- As their planes descended into San Juan, they witnessed the devastation. The island Mike Gonzalez loves was littered with debris, its people without power and water. Frank Coonelly saw entire towns leveled. Joey Cora struggled to see Puerto Rico, his home, "so destroyed" by Hurricane Maria.
"It was difficult," Cora said. "I know what Puerto Rico is supposed to look like."
The Pirates' traveling party could only do so much, but they knew they could help. Last month, the Bucs collected hurricane relief supplies outside PNC Park and delivered them personally to Puerto Rico, an effort by Roberto Clemente's team that reflected his legacy, his spirit of giving, for his homeland.