(LOT 93)
1963 Topps #540 Roberto Clemente PSA 9 Mint - Only 2 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
It is virtually inconceivable that of the 2,800+ PSA encapsulated 1963 Topps Clemente, only two examples have managed to surpass this extraordinary PSA 9 Mint 1963 Topps #540 Clemente offering! The Hispanic baseball community will forever worship Roberto Clemente at a synonymous level that African Americans worshiped the immortal Jackie Robinson. In fact, both their iconic legacies extend far past their racial heritage since both players were, simply stated, two of the greatest performers Major League baseball has ever witnessed. The 1953 campaign would see Pittsburgh's star right fielder capture his third consecutive Gold Glove Award while batting a stellar .320. The incomparable Clemente would ultimately end his career with a sensational .317 lifetime batting average, 3,000 career hits, the 1966 regular season MVP award, four batting titles, and 12 consecutive gold glove awards.

He finally received the recognition he truly deserved in 1971, when he led the Pirates to a 7-game World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles, winning the Series MVP by virtually single handedly dominating Baltimore in both the batter's box and right field. Yet, as is the case with the immortal Lou Gehrig, he will best be remembered for his tragic death when, after the 1972 season, his plane crashed carrying supplies to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This breathtaking PSA 9 card merits its Mint assessment via the Clemente sparkling image, pristine colored hues including a sensational powder blue lower border revealing no blemishes, blinding white borders, razor sharp corner tips and flawless surfaces. Atypical for any 1963 card is the lack of any lower border etching/chipping that is the standard stigma for any 1963 Topps baseball subject and, while not perfect, the fine centering only reveals a modest partiality towards the right edge. If you are seeking the closest possible level of cardboard perfection for one of baseball's greatest players to ever grace a diamond, then this unfathomable 1963 Topps Clemente keepsake is the one for you; serving as the perfect testament for this immortal Cooperstown hero!

MIN BID $7,500
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