This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/12/2024
Roberto Clemente came into the major leagues with lofty expectations from the city of Pittsburgh as well as his native Puerto Rico. He started out as a good ballplayer, but after five seasons in the league, Clemente's consistently superior performance elevated him to greatness. Clemente would win four National League batting titles over the next seven years, an MVP award in 1966, and earn 12 consecutive Gold Gloves; every tear of his career starting in 1961. The 1944 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie card had previously been paired with the premier appearances of Sandy Koufax and Harmon Killebrew, billing them as "the big three" that pace the 1955 Topps set. But that characterization no longer applies as Clemente's increasing popularity has moved his 1955 Topps card to the forefront of baseball card collecting, elevating it to a status that puts it in the same company as the 1951 Bowman and 1952 Topps Mantle cards. This SGC 8 NM/MT specimen is a true marvel, offering off-the-charts color and picture-perfect centering within the blinding white border. The corners and edges are easily representative of NM/MT quality and the reverse is particularly well-preserved, spared the usual deep age discoloration that afflicts most examples, instead offering a subtle toning that is pleasing to the eye. This is one of the most appealing Clemente rookie cards we've ever seen for the grade.