President Nixon met with Pittsburgh Pirates players Dave Giusti and Stephen Blass, alongside team executive Daniel M. Galbreath and aide Richard A. Moore, to discuss the creation of a memorial fund for Roberto Clemente, who recently died in a tragic plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The President expressed strong support for the initiative, suggesting that the fund should be used to build schools or baseball facilities to honor Clemente’s humanitarian legacy and commitment to children. Nixon advised the group on organizational strategies, including incorporating the fund for tax-deductibility and soliciting contributions from the public and professional sports figures to ensure broad participation.
On January 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Daniel M. Galbreath, Dave Giusti, Stephen Blass, Richard A. Moore, Oliver F. ("Ollie") Atkins, and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:43 pm and 4:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 832-004 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 832-4
Date: January 3, 1973
Time: Unknown between 3:43 pm and 4:02 pm
Location: Oval Office
The President met with Daniel M. Galbreath, Dave Giusti, Stephen Blass, and Richard A.
Moore; The White House photographer and members of the press were present near the end of
the meeting.
Introductions
The President's interest in baseball
-1971 World Series
-Baltimore Orioles
-1960 World Series
-William Maxeroski's home run
Roberto W. Clemente
-Death
-Humanitarian work
-Articles
-New York Times
-Washington Post
-Washington Star
-Work with children
-1971 World Series
Henry L. (“Hank”) Aaron
-Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, New York Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers
-Record as baseball player
-Publicity
Clemente
-1971 World Series
-4-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Oct.-08)
Conversation No. 832-4 (cont’d)
-Memorial
-Nicaragua
-Poverty
-The President’s trip 1955
-Managua
-Earthquake
Clemente memorial fund
-Eisenhower's Medical Center
-Television [TV] advertisements
-Golf tournaments
-Leslie T. (“Bob”) Hope
-Sports fans’ generosity
-Red Cross
-Aid to Nicaragua
-Home construction
-Orphanages
-Schools
-Baseball parks
-The President's contribution
-Other potential contributors
-Robert Reynolds
-Gene Autry
-Other baseball owners
-Public
-Roberto Clemente School
-Roberto Clemente Baseball Park
-The President's support
Stephen B. Bull entered at an unknown time after 3:43 pm.
-Press photographs
Bull left at an unknown time before 4:02 pm.
Clemente memorial fund
-Incorporation
-Moore
-Tax deductibility
-Lawyer
-5-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Oct.-08)
Conversation No. 832-4 (cont’d)
-Johnnie M.Walters
-Accountant
-Fundraising
-Publicity
Members of the press entered at an unknown time after 3:43 pm.
Photograph session
-Arrangements
[General conversation]
Clemente memorial fund
-Advantages
Puerto Rico
-San Juan
World Series
-Victory
-Statement in Spanish
Gifts
-Golf balls
Clemente memorial fund
-Connection with Puerto Rican children
-Possible US government aid
-Department of Health, Education, and Welfare [HEW] grant
-Willie Stargell
1972 World Series
-Stargell's performance
The President's attendance at All-Star games
-Pittsburgh
Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding
The President's wishes for coming year
-6-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Oct.-08)
Conversation No. 832-4 (cont’d)
-World Series
-The President's schedule
Galbreath, et al., left at 4:02 pm.This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.