This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2017
During his 18-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Roberto Clemente's achievements were many: he was a 15-time All Star, a 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, the 1966 National League MVP, 3,000 Hits Club member and eventually a Hall of Famer. Even though his skills on the baseball diamond placed his name with the likes of Mays, Aaron, Mantle and other greats of his day, some would argue that his greatest achievements in life were the charitable contributions he made to those less fortunate. Clemente was killed too soon - on December 31, 1972, his plane crashed while flying relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This MacGregor Official 97C League baseball was signed on the sweet spot by Clemente in blue ink, with the inscription "Carinosamente", meaning "lovingly/affectionately" or "kindly" in his native Spanish. The signature is one of the strongest and boldest we have ever seen of Clemente's on a baseball, especially on the sweet spot! The ball is in fine condition with light toning throughout. Fully authenticated Clemente single-signed baseballs are always highly desired as his personal valet, Phil Dorsey, signed many items on his behalf during the last few years of his playing career, with Dorsey's signatures being quite difficult to differentiate from Clemente's. This ball is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.