2020 October Legends Closing Oct 31 & Nov 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2020
No player has a more mythical and saintly quality about him than Roberto Clemente. As the first Puerto Rican-born superstar, Clemente became the idol of millions of Hispanics, and baseball fans in general admired the drive and determination he displayed in every game he played. Teammates couldn’t help but be inspired by his example and his charity work in Latin America during the off season made him a hero among the impoverished and disadvantaged.
The world lost a truly great and kind soul when he was killed in a plane crash delivering relief supplies to Nicaragua on New Year’s Eve, 1972. Clemente’s legacy didn’t end there - the Hall of Fame waved their waiting period and immediately voted the Puerto Rican superstar a plaque to join the other greats of the game. For all his fame, popularity, and more than 18 years in the Majors, Clemente game used items are surprisingly hard to come by.
This Hillerich & Bradsby U1 model bat was ordered by and manufactured for the great one in the years just prior to his tragic death. From the style of center brand it can be determined that this bat dates from the 1979-72 period, which includes the unforgettable 1971 World Championship season and 1972, his final year and the one during which he recorded his 3,000th hit. PSA/DNA has determined that “The subject bat exhibits a notable player characteristics, this includes the scoring of the barrel. The scored barrel has been found on several of Clemente’s game used bats. The scoring of the barrel was executed by the player to add backspin when contacting the baseball.”
Measuring 36 inches long and weighting 38.1oz, the U1 model bat shows outstanding use. There is slight checking or grain swelling from repeated ball contact on the back barrel, with much of the original urethane finish worn away from game use. The barrel shows many ball marks, stitch impression and cleat imprints. The model number “U1” has been stamped on the knob and Clemente’s number “21” has been handwritten in red (now faded) marker on the knob. This is a great bat from a man whose impact truly transcends the game of baseball and continues to inspire millions around the world. This bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B03512) for the game use and has been given a very high grade of GU 9.