Though this episode aired on January 31, 1973, filming was initially completed the previous December. As shot, the script contained several references to the rifle-armed but under-publicized Pittsburgh Pirate right fielder, Roberto Clemente; the 1971 World Series MVP, 1966 National League MVP, 4-time batting champion, perennial All-Star and outfield assist leader (and most recent entrant to the then quite exclusive 3,000-hit club, just the 11th big leaguer to reach that milestone). In the interim, however (New Years Day, 1973), Clemente had overnight generated more publicity than he ever could've imagined or wished for, simply by perishing at sea, late New Years Eve, on a hastily organized and ill-fated mission of mercy to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua (a shocking but not altogether surprising culmination of an even less publicized area - by his own preference - of Clemente's life: namely his ongoing efforts to help children, in particular; and the less fortunate, in general.
Not wishing to exploit the tragedy (nor be perceived as doing so), CBS quickly deleted said references and re-shot the scenes in question (see the attached external review on IMDb). In retrospect, however, all gestures of discretion notwithstanding, the episode's original title itself ("Night Cry") remains as a bittersweet reminder (even if the majority of RC's admirers - at least outside of his native Puerto Rico - were spared the agonizingly sleepless night, only to have hearts broken the following morning).
Not wishing to exploit the tragedy (nor be perceived as doing so), CBS quickly deleted said references and re-shot the scenes in question (see the attached external review on IMDb). In retrospect, however, all gestures of discretion notwithstanding, the episode's original title itself ("Night Cry") remains as a bittersweet reminder (even if the majority of RC's admirers - at least outside of his native Puerto Rico - were spared the agonizingly sleepless night, only to have hearts broken the following morning).