Pop a celebratory champagne cork when you win this 1972 Roberto Clemente single-signed baseball. The graceful Puerto Rican superstar is one of the most beloved figures in the history of Major League Baseball, revered for his tremendous on-field abilities and his ultimate sacrifice during a 12/31/72 relief mission to Nicaragua. So heartbroken was the collective baseball world, that the Hall of Fame changed its rules to induct Clemente in 1973, just seven months after his tragic demise.



A fantastic piece of Clemente’s legacy, this ONL/Feeney ball (EX) is signed (“6.5”) on the sweet spot, accompanied by the Spanish language inscription “Cariñosamente", which translates to "affectionately/fondly". Another Spanish language inscription is located around the factory labeling stamp on the reverse sweet spot. This inscription is in unknown hand, and reads "Tercer Dia Del Pelotero Latino Americano, Atlanta Julio 8, 72", which translates to “Third Latin American Ballplayer Day, Atlanta 7/8/72”, a reference to a tradition began in 1970, to recognize and honor the contributions of Latin Americans in the Majors.



Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Opening Bid $1,500.