April 5th Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/6/2013
An unbelievable piece of history from one of baseball’s most beloved figures. This Hillerich & Bradsby model U1 was used by Roberto Clemente in the last two seasons before his tragic death. According to Louisville Slugger, Inc., Clemente placed 5 orders for this 36.5”, 35.6oz bat with the unique style knob during the 1971 and 1972 seasons. Wielding this model bat, Clemente led the Pirates to a memorable World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles in 1971, being named series MVP and winning the Babe Ruth Award. The next season saw him winning his 12th consecutive Golden Glove Award, batting .312 and getting his 3,000 career hit. Just 3 month later he would be killed in a plane crash accompanying aid to Nicaraguan earthquake victims on New Years Eve, 1972. This bat is un-cracked and its several stitch impressions and ball marks shows excellent game use. Blue bat rack streaks can be seen on the barrel and left barrel has been slightly scored. The model number U1 has been impressed in the uniquely-shaped knob, as is Clemente’s famous number “21”, hand-written in black marker and matched to existing examples by PSA/DNA’s John Taube. Two small mounting holes on the back barrel and knob have been patched. A great artifact from the last two seasons of the game’s brightest and best-loved stars. Graded PSA/DNA GU 8.5. PSA/DNA letter of authenticity. Multiple images and LOAs available at goldinauctions.com.