(LOT 63)
Roberto Clemente Handwritten Letter PSA/DNA LOA
Only good can be said about Roberto Clemente, a Puerto Rican baseball player who dedicated 18 seasons to the Pittsburgh Pirates, mainly as a right fielder. Tragically, he died in a plane crash in December 1972 while delivering emergency relief supplies to Nicaragua after a devastating earthquake. Following his death, the National Baseball Hall of Fame changed its eligibility rules, allowing players who had been deceased for at least six months to be inducted. In 1973, Clemente became the first player from the Caribbean and Latin America to be honored in the Hall of Fame. A 15-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, NL MVP, World Series MVP, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and four-time NL batting champion, Clemente achieved numerous accolades throughout his career.

In heartfelt broken English, Clemente wrote: "Dear Carol, I am very sorry that I could not find you after the game. I changed clothes and came out looking for you, but I imagine that the program made it hard to find anyone. I don't care if you are white or colored; you must know that you shouldn't care about who I am or most of the Latino countries. I recognize you are OK, but you look a little bigger. You're going to be a real nice-looking girl when you grow up. I'm sorry I didn't see you. I really wanted to talk to you, but maybe next time if I'm still here. You can find my home address on the back of the paper....Roberto" On the reverse, Clemente wrote his address in Puerto Rico and added, "Be good and take care of yourself." This letter is a remarkable testament to the character of one of the greatest players of all time, with a PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity included.

MIN BID $1,000
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