This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
This cap was worn by the “Great One” – Roberto Clemente – during the 1971-72 seasons. This two-year period of Clemente’s career was especially significant because he helped lead the Bucs to the 1971 pennant where they met the Orioles in the World Series. Baltimore was the defending champs and favored to repeat. But, after the O’s took the first two games, Clemente stepped up and batted .414 to a deciding Game 7. He hit a solo homer in the 4th and the Pirates hung on to win the game and Series 2-1. Clemente’s outstanding hitting and flawless defense earned him the World Series MVP Award. The following season Clemente hit .312 despite battling injuries all season. On October 30 he hit a double off Mets pitcher Jon Matlack for his 3,000th career hit. Unfortunately, his 3,000th hit turned out to be his last. On New Year’s Eve 1972, the Pirates legend was accompanying a load of humanitarian supplies being airlifted to Nicaragua when the plane went down, killing all aboard. In recognition of his importance to the game both on and off the field, the Baseball Hall of Fame waived their waiting period and immediately voted the Pirates superstar into the Hall of Fame.
The “Great One’s” classic 1971-72 Pirates cap has a black embroidered Pittsburgh “P” on the front of the mustard-colored crown, black button on the top, and black bill. The inside features the New Era Pro Model maker’s label which is worn but still firmly affixed to the white cloth sweatband. The highlight of the piece is Clemente’s immortal number “21” handwritten in black marker on the white mesh lining. The cap displays great game use with turf marks, perspiration stains and general game use evident throughout. In short, it is the ideal Roberto Clemente gamer. This cap comes with an LOA from JT Sports. NO RESERVE.