(LOT 187)
1967 Roberto Clemente Crosses Home In His Greatest Career Game on May 15, 1967 PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Cincinnati Enquirer Photo – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
Such was the motto of the immortal Roberto Clemente who gave his all every time he stepped onto a baseball diamond. For all of his legendary performances, his finest career day came on May 15, 1967 at Cincinnati's Crosley Field when the Hall of Fame right-fielder blasted 3 home runs and knocked in 7 runs! Indeed, on that particular day, the great Clemente "wore out" the Cincinnati Red's pitchers, blasting two 2-run homers off of formidable right-handed twirler Milt Pappas, and a solo-shot off of Gerry Arrigo in the ninth inning. Clemente would go 4-5 and knock in two additional runs via a 2-run double, capping his finest MLB performance. Although the Pirates would fall short by an 8-7 score in 10 innings, Clemente's momentous batting exploits on that May 15th day will forever stand as a fitting testament for this renowned star who stands on many historians list as one of our National Pastime's greatest all-time outfielders.

As an amazing heirloom for that incomparable batting achievement, presented here is a PSA Type 1 photo portraying Clemente crossing home plate after blasting his second round-tripper of the game in the fifth inning. He is being greeted by star teammate Maurey Wills who scored ahead of him, with Roberto's second dinger into the right-field stands putting Pittsburgh up at the time by a 4-0 score. Measuring approximately 8" x 10", the extremely well-centered image reveals outstanding resolution and fine contrast, with a few faint wrinkles barely visible to the naked eye. The verso includes the CINCINNATI INQUIRER credit stamp with the image taken by chief photographer Herb Heise. Also affixed to the flipside is a partially cut newspaper picture stamped TUE MAY 16, 1967 that reads as follows: "Bucs' Clemente congratulated by Wills No. (30) – Roberto's second of three homers in a 7 RBI night." Ironically, for all Roberto Clemente's world-class achievements including a sensational .317 lifetime batting average via 3,000 hits, 4 batting titles, 15 all-star appearances, 12 consecutive gold gloves, a 1966 N.L. MVP and 1971 World Series MVP awards, his legacy will forever be linked to his heroic death that stands as a defining testament for his immortal standing. In lieu of his beloved stature, we cannot imagine a finer photo to offer the collecting community than this ultra-rare masterpiece that truly represents Clemente's most prolific performance in his illustrious 18-year career!

MIN BID $300
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