This spectacular Roberto Clemente single-signed baseball showcases as one of the finest we have offered with terrific provenance. As was his custom, Clemente has signed this Wilson "Official 63 League" baseball on a side panel. Clemente has written his name in green ink.
The date "18-3-72" (March 18, 1972) appears above Clemente's signature and denotes the day the ball was signed. This date marks an exhibition game played between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds in Caracas, Venezuela. This ball was signed at that game, and amazingly, two ticket stubs from the game accompany this ball. The Pirates swept the Reds in a three-game series. This would be the last time Clemente played in Venezuela.
The notation below his signature, written in an unknown hand, reads "Esta La Firma Del Extraordinario - Roberto Clemente - Caracas, Venezuela." The Spanish words translate to "is the signature of the extraordinary." This ball was obviously well kept and remained a tremendous keepsake and memory for the attendees of this game.
Because of his tragic death in 1972 (December 31) at the age of 38, Clemente single-signed balls are scarce and have always been highly prized by collectors. The ball has a few spots of light toning. In Excellent condition overall. The ticket stubs (each 4.75 x 2.75 inches) each have heavy creasing and ink notations on front. Total: 3 items (single-signed ball and two ticket stubs). Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).