(LOT 87)
1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie PSA 7 NM
CLEMENTE ROOKIE!!! The 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente rookie subject stands tall as one of the hobby's undisputed cornerstone issues! The inaugural Topps baseball 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. This spectacular PSA 7 exalted keepsake depicts a sparkling Clemente portrait image that literally jumps off the card, and most significantly, it reveals the virtually impossible-to-find near-perfect centering. 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, 3,000 career hits, the 1966 regular season MVP award, four batting titles, and an astonishing 12 consecutive Gold Glove awards. It would be the 1971 World Series that would be his ultimate shining star when he dominated the Baltimore Orioles via his stellar hitting and fielding prowess, earning the MVP for his supernatural accomplishments. 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 carrying supplies to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

That said, this rookie card offering is a grand testament to the star right fielder, and the card's superb attributes certainly don't disappoint its viewers. Sparkling green and red-orange hues grace the obverse side, with the classic portrait and batting images portraying near-perfect contrast and clarity. As previously stated, the highlight is the outstanding centering, and as most enthusiasts surely realize, locating an extremely well-centered Clemente rookie is synonymous with finding a needle in a haystack. Right-angled corners, relatively clean surfaces, and the lack of any glaring flaws are additional superlatives justifying the splendid PSA 7 assessment. If a high-grade Clemente Rookie has eluded your esteemed collection, this bona fide keeper is truly the one to fill that painstaking void!

MIN BID $5,000
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