(LOT 39)
Spectacular Roberto Clemente Single Signed Baseball – PSA & JSA LOAs
In one of our National Pastime's saddest events, the legendary Roberto Clemente would tragically die in a plane crash on December 31, 1972 at the tender age of 38, flying to Nicaragua to assist earthquake victims. Joining other sports icons who lost their lives in plane crashes (such as Rocky Marciano and Knute Rockne), the Pirate's star right-fielder's remarkable legacy has actually been enhanced from his devastating fatality. Soon thereafter, Clemente would immediately be placed in baseball's Hall of Fame, becoming the first Latin American/Caribbean player to receive that honor. One of the greatest right-fielder's in baseball history, Clemente could hit, run, throw and field at a pinnacle level, becoming the 11th member of the elusive 3,000th hit club (at that point in time) when he roped a Jon Matlack pitch into left-centerfield for a double on September 30, 1972; the final regular season hit of his spectacular career.

One of the most sought-after Clemente collectibles continues to be super eye pleasing single signed baseballs that, due to his untimely passing, seldom surfaces for the taking. With that in mind, presented here is one of the most breathtaking single-signed Clemente horsehide spheres extant, an Eastern Airline's stamped ball portraying a "jaw-dropping" blue ink "Roberto Clemente" script on its sweet spot. Presenting itself in "8/9" strength, only a few negligible abrasions prevent the script from being a solid "Mint" autograph. While standard toning exists, it does not impede the sensational script that places this ball as one of the finest single-signed Clemente baseballs in the hobby.

Of interesting note is the Eastern Airlines logo affixed to the panel directly above Clemente's iconic signature. Clemente had served as an adamant spokesperson for the belittled Eastern Airlines, that was experiencing severe scrutiny from its numerous hi-jacked flights to Cuba (see JSA LOA for further details). Ironically, for all of his world-class achievements including 4 batting titles, a 3,000 "hit-club" member, 15 all-star appearances, 12 consecutive gold gloves, an N.L. MVP and 1971 World Series MVP award, synonymous with Lou Gehrig's legendary status, Clemente's legacy will forever be linked to his heroic death that stands as a defining testament for his eternal stature! PSA & JSA LOAs

MIN BID $3,500
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