(LOT 161)
1958 Topps #52 Signed Roberto Clemente "White Team Letters" w/a "Best Wishes" Inscription - PSA AUTHENTIC AUTO
Total Autographed Pop: 3; Total "Unsigned" Pop: 3,140; Var.% (Signed vs. Unsigned Pop): 0.1%
Most would agree that legendary Hall of Fame right fielder Roberto Clemente is worshiped by the Hispanic baseball community at a similar level that Jackie Robinson was to all African Americans. Both their iconic legacies extend far past their racial heritage since both players were two of our National Pastime's greatest performers. Presented here is one of Clemente's scarcest autographed cardboard issues, his highly coveted 1958 Topps #52 "White Team Letter" subject that stands as one of only three known examples! Indeed, locating a '58 Topps "White Letter" scripted Clemente is synonymous to finding a "needle in a haystack", with this super obscure offering representing a fractional 0.1% of the 3,100+ '58 Topps Clemente's that have been reviewed by PSA's card graders. The 1958 season would see Clemente fall somewhat short of the ,300 batting mark, with his very respectable .289 average a small "glimpse" this future Hall of Famer was about to embark on.

Although the bold "Best Wishes - Roberto Clemente" script, penned in imposing blue ink, has not been assessed a grade by PSA, it obviously portrays solid "8/9" strength. Furthermore, the extremely rare "Best Wishes" inscription, WITHOUT ANY PERSONALIZATION, is an added treat for the sophisticated enthusiast. The classic Clemente batting stance is superb, with its accompanying bright yellow setting both eluding any glaring flaws over the past 64 years. The surrounding borders do reveal some scattered areas of toning/soiling, and the corners exhibit "VG" wear. However, most significant is the imposing Roberto Clemente signature that along with its seldom surfacing inscription, places this offering as one of the boldest signed Clemente cards on the planet!

MIN BID $2,500