Neil Walker Wouldn't Be Here Today If Not For Roberto Clemente

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Neil Walker will forever be linked to Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

CBS2's Otis Livingston reported Wednesday a life-altering decision made by Walker's father and the Pittsburgh Pirates legend over 43 years ago changed the course of the New York Mets second baseman's entire family.

On New Year's Eve in 1972, Tom Walker, Neil Walker's father, was helping his good friend Clemente pack food and supplies on a plane bound for Nicaragua where an earthquake killed nearly 6,000 people and left a quarter-million homeless.

Tom Walker wanted to join Clemente on the ill-fated plane and help deliver supplies, but Clemente told him no and to enjoy New Year's Eve instead.

Clemente and four others died after the plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the Puerto Rico coast.

If Tom Walker had gotten onto the plane, Neil Walker would not be here today.

"It's pretty amazing. It kind of gives you chills every time you think about it," the Mets infielder told CBS2.

Walker said that his father still gets choked up thinking about the relationship he had with Clemente.

"The relationship that my dad had with him was very strong. When he talks about it, he gets choked up about it," Walker said.

Even though Walker wasn't alive when Clemente was, he still saw the presence of the Pirates legend every day, being born and raised in Pittsburgh and getting drafted by his hometown team.

"You saw his picture everywhere, he had a quote before we went into the dugout, the right field wall was 21 feet high and his number was out there and I always tried to give a hat tip when I ran out to second base," Walker told CBS2.

Walker says he always thanks Clemente's family whenever he sees them.

"Every time I see Vera Clemente and the boys I always try to thank them for essentially saving my life. It sounds crazy, but it's true," Walker said.

Walker added that the best way to honor Clemente is through community service, being a good teammate, and playing the game the right way.

The Mets shipped left-hander Jon Niese to the Pirates in exchange for Walker over the offseason.