This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
The 1972 National League Championship Series was played between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates from October 7 to 11. Cincinnati won the series 3-2 to advance to the World Series against the Oakland A's, where they would later lose. It was a dramatic ninth inning game tying home run by Johnny Bench and a pinch run scored by George Foster that ultimately won Game 5 for the Reds, 4-3. This game would also mark the last time Roberto Clemente would ever make an on field appearance, as he passed away on December 31, 1972.
This lot offers a game used official National League (Feeney) baseball that has been signed and inscribed by Sparky Anderson (HOF), Johnny Bench (HOF), George Foster (HOF), Tony Perez (HOF) and Pete Rose all in uniform blue ink averaging 8-9/10 for strength and eye appeal. Bench inscribed “10-11-1972”, Rose inscribed “10/11/72 - Riverfront” and Anderson inscribed “10-11-72 / Game ball / Pennant winner”. There is the inscription “Pennant Winner - 72 Reds” in red ink in an unknown hand. The baseball is in EX/EX-MT condition with typical signs of game use and age, but is otherwise problem free. This is not only an important piece of Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine" baseball history, but also an important artifact for any fan or collector of the late great Roberto Clemente.
LOA from MEARS (Authentic). Autographs pre-certified by PSA/DNA.