IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Movie Of Baseball Great Roberto Clemente In The Works

Image: Roberto Clemente, Danny Murtaugh
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1971, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates' Roberto Clemente, left, talks with manager Danny Murtaugh as the team takes the field for a workout in Baltimore. Murtaugh is among the former managers who will be on the ballot when the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee votes next month. (AP Photo/File)AP
By TJ Henry

A baseball legend who is fondly remembered by fans the world over is getting his own biopic.

The late Roberto Clemente, a 12-season All-Star baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 1955 and 1972, will have his life story told in the big screen, The Hollywood Reporter first reported.

Legendary Pictures gained the life rights from Clemente’s family and the movie rights to Clemente’s biography “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Life Hero” by best-selling author David Maraniss. This deal was made two years after Jackie Robinson’s biopic, "42,' was found to be a big success in the box office.

The movie is being produced by upcoming boxing drama “Hands of Stone” producers Ben Silverman and Jay Weisleder, Legendary Pictures, Giselle Fernandez and Sandra Condito.

Clemente died in an airplane crash during turbulent weather on December 31, 1972. He was on his way to Nicaragua to take supplies after a devastating earthquake.

Legendary, which is releasing Jurassic World and Crimson Peak, is located at Universal Studios.

IN-DEPTH:

TJ Henry

TJ Henry is an intern for NBCNews.com. He started in May 2015 and attends Rutgers University. He studies Communication and French with a focus on mediated communication.