In 1972 , while playing winter ball in Puerto Rico , Walker along with several other players helped Roberto Clemente load a plane carrying relief supplies to survivors of the Nicaragua earthquake after Christmas . He offered to accompany Clemente on the trip to the Central American nation , but the plane was full and Clemente told him to stay behind and enjoy his New Year 's Eve . A few hours later , Walker returned to his condo and saw the news reports that Clemente 's plane had crashed off the coast of Isla Verde , Puerto Rico
Nicaragua earthquake
1972 Nicaragua earthquake
Tom Walker (1970s pitcher)