This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
Roberto Clemente used a bat that is immediately identifiable, its distinctive flared handle and impressive size making it as distinctive as the man himself. At the prodigious size of 36 inches and 37.1 ounces, this Louisville Slugger signature model U1 bat stands with the games most imposing battle clubs used by the likes of Ruth, Foxx, Horsnby, and Cobb. Clemente’s lean physique belied incredible strength that allowed him wield such a bat with seeming ease, sending line drives to the far reaches of Forbes Field and other National League Parks. Roberto’s number “21” is written on the knob of this bat in faded black marker, and solid game use is apparent. Dating from the 1969-72 period according to it’s labeling, this ideal Clemente gamer shows a slight handle crack that has been repaired. Many ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on all sides of the barrel. Cleat marks are visible on the front and right barrel and there is a light coat of pine tar on the mid handle. Remnants of green paint from the Pirates bat racks are visible on the knob. Roberto Clemente’s signature and the added inscription 'Best Wishes' are on the front barrel in blue ball point pen. Adding to the significance of the bat is a high probability that it was used by Clemente in the 1971 World Series. A review of Clemente's bat ordering records on file at Louisville Slugger show him ordering U1 models of this length and weight from the middle to latter part of the 1971 season which ties in with the bats documented provenance.
Provenance: This bat was acquired from Clemente in Baltimore at the 1971 World Series by Russ Summers. Summers and a friend had field passes and met Clemente and Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks who was on special assignment for the Chicago Tribune. Clemente presented Summers with the bat, at which time Clemente and Banks signed the bat. All but a faint trace of the Banks signature has since been removed. The bat was given as a gift to a personal friend of Summers and his statement accompanies the bat.
The bat also includes a full LOA from PSA/DNA (auto.) and John Taube of PSA/DNA (Grade GU9.5)
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.