(LOT 176)
1972 Topps #309 Signed Roberto Clemente PSA 7 NM AUTO GRADE
Total Autographed Pop: 6; Total "Unsigned" Pop: 5,396; Var.% (Signed vs. Unsigned Pop): 0.11%
Who could have possibly realized that when the great Roberto Clemente roped Jon Matlack's pitch into left-centerfield for his 3,000th hit on September 3, 1972, it would be the final regular season hit of his spectacular career. After the 1972 playoffs, Clemente would never again step on a baseball diamond for in one of baseball's saddest events, the great right-fielder would tragically die in a plane crash on December 31, 1972 at the tender age of 38, flying to Nicaragua to assist stricken earthquake victims.

Soon thereafter, Clemente would immediately be placed in baseball's Hall of Fame, becoming the first Latin American/Caribbean player to receive that distinguished honor. As a grand testament for his hallowed stature, presented here is one of the final cards that would ever be signed by the immortal Clemente, a super eye pleasing 1972 Topps #309 example that reveals a fine PSA 7 NM blue ink signature. One of only six autographed Clemente '72 Topps #309 subjects, the card exhibits superb mid-grade aesthetics, eluding any glaring blemishes while portraying bright hues. Most significantly, it proudly depicts the highly coveted "Roberto Clemente" signature that due to his untimely passing on the last day of 1972, stands as one of his final scripted Topps subjects!

MIN BID $2,500