The late, great Roberto Clemente was the star right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972. A career .317 batter, he recorded 3,000 hits and 15 All-Star Game appearances during his prolific career in the big leagues. This bat is from the Hall of Famer's second-to-last season before he perished tragically in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972, en route to help earthquake survivors in Nicaragua. This was also the season the Pirates recorded their third World Series championship with Clemente leading the way by hitting safely in all seven games of the Fall Classic against the American League Champion Baltimore Orioles. To no one’s surprise, after batting .414, he was named the World Series MVP.
The uncracked H&B professional model U1 Roberto Clemente Louisville Slugger game-used bat exhibits exceptional Clemente features including deep scoring on both the handle and the barrel. Excellent game use is evident in the form of ball transfer marks, blue and green rack marks and light pine tar. Clemente’s number “21” is written in black marker on the knob of the bat. Its length of 36 inches and weight of 36.8 ounces matches perfectly to Clemente bats from this era (1969 to ’72). On the barrel of the bat, in slightly faded marker, Clemente inscribed the bat: “To Bill, Best Wishes, Roberto Clemente.” The bat was originally obtained by San Diego Padres batboy Bill Griswold. Clemente gave him the bat on July 24, 1971, following a game between the Padres and Pirates at San Diego Stadium in which the Pirates prevailed, 4-3. Clemente, who went 1-for-4 that day with a double and a RBI, autographed the bat for Griswold at that time. Griswold later sold the bat to former Padres press photographer and noted collector Mike Specht in 1977. With stunning features and ideal provenance, this easily ranks among the most remarkable Clemente gamers we’ve ever encountered.
Includes LOAs from Mike Specht and John Taube of PSA/DNA (GU8.5).
Full LOA from PSA/DNA for Autograph.