The American League was once again at a disadvantage in 1965 as the National League assembled one of the most amazing batting line-ups ever to share an All-Star roster. The team that took the field at Metropolitan Stadium in Minnesota included such legends as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Willie Stargell, Richie Allen, Joe Torre, Ernie Banks, Pete Rose, Maury Wills, Roberto Clemente and Frank Robinson. Still, the '65 game was close and tied 5-5 in the seventh. Then Sam McDowell walked Mays who went to third on Aaron's single and scored on Ron Santo's infield single. The win gave the National League the lead in the series for the first time (18-17-1).
48 years ago, the Twins visiting clubhouse manager was in charge of the National League dugout. Immediately after the game, as a "tip" for the services provided to the N.L. All Stars, he was awarded a large grouping of the Louisville Slugger specially marked All Star game bats that were issued to the N.L. squad. Over the next 30 years, friends,
neighbors and local kids were presented with the various 1965 All Star game bats that he had accumulated. Aaron, Stargell, Rose, and F. Robby were gone, given away as gifts. One such lucky recipient of his generosity recived the bats of Ernie Banks, Willie Mays and this Roberto Clemente model. These three bats were previously unknown until they entered the hobby early in 2013, one owner removed from the person who received them right from the dugout. This 1965 Roberto Clemente bat is stamped "1965 ALL STAR GAME, Roberto Clemente, MINNESOTA". The bat measures 36" in length, weighs 34.5 ounces, and has his preferred "U1" model number stamped on the knob. Regarding game use, the bat is evaluated as light overall but appropriate for its intended single game usage. Clemente went 0-2 that game, so the use is consistent with a one game special event bat. In the area directly above the facsimile barrel stamping, there are 7 deeply embedded stitch/ball marks. A second bat that was issued to Clemente for the 1965 All Star game was sold via public auction. That bat contained very heavy use, consistent with
extended use after the All Star game. Overall this is a extraordinary Clemente gamer with regard to provenance and aesthetic quality.
Includes a LOA from MEARS (Graded A10).