(LOT 106)
1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente PSA 7 NM
CLEMENTE ROOKIE!!!... Highly coveted to say the least, the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente subject is an undisputed cornerstone issue! 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. Presented here is an outstanding PSA 7 NM example of this exalted keepsake, depicting a sparkling 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, 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 for the star right-fielder, and the card's superb attributes certainly don't disappoint its viewers.

Brilliant green and red-orange hues grace the obverse side, with the classic portrait and batting images portraying near-perfect contrast and clarity. The relatively well-centered image does modestly favor the upper left edges, with the somewhat off-positioning typical with a majority of Clemente rookie cards. No obtrusive blemishes are evident, with the square corners and vibrant surfaces standing as additional highlights. Its myriad of pack-fresh qualities truly substantiates the grade, with any PSA 7 Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps subject a bona fide keeper for the most sophisticated collections!

MIN BID $4,000
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