(LOT 222)
1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie PSA 7 NM
CLEMENTE PSA 7 ROOKIE!!! The 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie is one of the hobby's undisputed cornerstone issues! The inaugural card of the iconic Clemente transcends time back to an era when this outstanding player was about to embark on a career for the ages, and this revered PSA 7 example portrays a brilliant Clemente portrait image that literally jumps off the card. Following his 1954 campaign with the Montreal Royals of the AAA International League, Clemente would be summoned by the Pirates to be their starting right fielder for the 1955 season. While he only posted a .255 batting average in his inaugural campaign, his flashes of brilliance captivated the Pittsburgh faithful, and in his second 1956 campaign, Clemente would bolster his batting average to .311. He would ultimately achieve a .317 lifetime batting average via 3,000 career hits while capturing 12 consecutive Gold Glove awards, with all of the above earning him a permanent home in Cooperstown, NY. Yet, as was the case for the immortal Lou Gehrig, he will always be best remembered for his tragic death when, after the 1972 season, his plane crashed into the Atlantic carrying supplies to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The card itself reveals brilliant green and red-orange hues, with the classic portrait and batting images portraying fine contrast and clarity. The classic image does favor the right edge; no glaring flaws are evident, and the corners have retained a majority of their original right-angled formations. Its pack-fresh qualities truly substantiate the grade, making this PSA 7 Clemente Rookie a bona fide keeper for any esteemed compilation!

MIN BID $4,000
_