This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/4/2014
Every so often, maybe once in a generation, a famous athlete steps forward to promote a cause for the greater good of humanity. Now almost a half-century ago, that hero was Roberto Clemente. Clemente was the pride of Pittsburgh, but also carried upon his broad shoulders the hopes and dreams of an entire nation! When he took the field, his Puerto Rican countrymen chanted “Arriba,” a native cheer of approval equivalent to “Hooray!” Growing up in a poor home just outside of San Juan as the youngest of seven children, Clemente remembered all too well the plight of the less fortunate and worked with several charities in the off-season. And when the Nicaraguan capitol of Managua was devastated by a massive earthquake, Clemente immediately arranged for emergency flights to deliver supplies. However, when the first three flights were diverted by corrupt officials of the Somoza government, never reaching the victims, Clemente decided to accompany the 4th flight. On December 31st, New Year’s Eve of 1972, Clemente’s overloaded flight crashed shortly after takeoff. Gone at the age of 37, his 3,000 career hits will forever place him as the final member of baseball’s exclusive 3,000 hit club, a fitting tribute to a great baseball player and even greater humanitarian. Proudly presented is simply one the finest Roberto Clemente single-signed baseballs you will ever see! While the opportunity to acquire a single-signed baseball of Roberto Clemente is always cause for celebration, the featured item is an uncommonly spectacular piece for several reasons. First off, Clemente has graced this orb with his iconic signature on the sweet spot; a rare occurrence for the five-tool superstar outfielder who almost always opted for a personalized side panel signature. Secondly, the autograph is delivered in bold, black fiber-tip marker, not the usual ball-point pen signature most commonly associated with Clemente signed balls. The result is a smooth, textbook penning of "Arriba" that is delivered with a bold consistent flow rarely seen on other exemplars. The Spalding Official League ball has significant age toning which does not impede upon the signature. You would be hard-pressed to find a better example of a single-signed Roberto Clemente baseball! LOA from James Spence Authentication/JSA.