Read this excerpt from the article "Clemente's Impact Wanes in Puerto Rico 40 Years after His Death." Three months before, we had been riveted by Clemente's pursuit of his 3,000th hit, a feat he accomplished on the last weekend of the 1972 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He became the 11th player and first Latino to reach the coveted mark, and the residents of this U. S. territory swelled with pride.

What can best be inferred from this excerpt?

A) The Pittsburgh Pirates had a winning season in 1972.
B) Roberto Clemente was his team’s best baseball player.
C) Roberto Clemente had a devoted fan following.
D) Many batters achieved 3,000 hits in 1972.