(LOT 177)
1972 Topps #310 "In-Action" Signed Roberto Clemente PSA 7 NM AUTO GRADE
Total Autographed Pop: 4; Total "Unsigned" Pop: 2,153; Var.% (Signed vs. Unsigned Pop): 0.19%
Fresh off the heels of his spectacular 1971 World Championship campaign when Roberto Clemente won the World Series MVP by dominating Baltimore in both the batter's box and right field, his final season would sadly be 1972. The Pirate's star right-fielder would suddenly lose his life in a tragic plane crash on December 31, 1972 in route to provide critical supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. As was the case with the immortal Lou Gehrig, his legacy will outlast eternity, with both these baseball icons' statures based on their remarkable playing feats and earth-shattering deaths.

Along with the previous signed 1972 Topps lot, this autographed 1972 Topps #310 "In-Action" Clemente gem resides as one of his final signed cards due to his untimely passing that obviously eliminated any opportunity for Clemente signing his 1973 Topps issue. The card itself reveals strong mid-grade aesthetics, highlighted by sparkling hues, relatively clean surfaces, bright white borders, and of course, the fine PSA 7 NM "Roberto Clemente" script. Extremely rare, its "Pop 4" status represents a microscopic 0.19% of the 2,150+ Unsigned examples handled by the prestigious PSA card graders, with its irrefutable rarity due to the short 6/7-month window Clemente had to sign his '72 Topps "In-Action" subject!

MIN BID $2,500