365 Days of Roberto Clemente

[gonefishin]

Here is my addition to this thread - who doesn't love Roberto Clemente!

[e6phillips]

Recent Addition

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by e6phillips

Recent Addition

Nice pickup Eric, I was watching that one!

[71buc]

Yesterday as part of the Roberto Clemente Day celebration the MLB Network broadcast this interview with Albert Pujols. I was fortunate to be in attendance. I was also lucky enough to assist in arranging the background set. I thought I’d share some background shots of the interview. This was one of the coolest experiences my this hobby has granted me. I am blessed.

https://www.mlb.com/video/albert-puj...erto-clementen me.

[docpatlv]

What an incredible experience Mike! Great job with the setup. Did you get to meet Pujols?

[71buc]

Just a handshake and a hello.

[71buc]

Vera Clemente at the memorial service for Roberto in Puerto Rico. This is one of the more poignant images of Vera I have ever seen. It was a gift from my friends at the Clemente Museum.

[ClementeFanOh]

Just magnificent, Mike! This is what makes the hobby great.

Trent King

[71buc]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

Just magnificent, Mike! This is what makes the hobby great.

Trent King

Thanks Trent, I have had so many incredible experiences as a result of this hobby and my relationship with my friends at the Clemente Museum.

Here is a photo of Yadi Molina, Luis Clemente, Roberto Clemente Jr., and Adam Wainwright from last Wednesday. They were awarded with the Clemente Family Legacy Award. My daughter and I were fortunate to be in attendance. Albert Pujols was unable to attend. Here is a photo of his award. Believe it or not the following day I carried it to the visitors clubhouse at PNC where we delivered it to him. The whole time I’m thinking to myself, “ Is this really happening?” How did I ever get so lucky?

[ClementeFanOh]

Mike- you should write a book, truly. Trent King

[docpatlv]

What a great experience Mike! Thanks for sharing

[hcv123]

Does anyone have an issue of the Standard catalog or any other guide that lists the 1960-61 Harmony Milk Clemente? I am trying to get PSA to recognize/grade them? The year of the publication and a scan of the listing would be super helpful hcv123@att.net


AWESOME stuff Mike!!

[hcv123]

Just took a number of hours to go back through the entire thread - oh what fun! Posting pics of a few items I didn't see in the thread yet.

[docpatlv]

Great cards Howard! I still regret not picking up the Sugardale on the couple of occasions I had the chance. It’s been a while since I’ve added anything Clemente. I jump back and forth between collecting interests and currently am back into prewar for the time being.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Great cards Howard! I still regret not picking up the Sugardale on the couple of occasions I had the chance. It’s been a while since I’ve added anything Clemente. I jump back and forth between collecting interests and currently am back into prewar for the time being.

Doubleheader out of PA had a beauty (clearly never in a hot dog package) at the Ft Washington show back in the 90's. They were asking $1K and wouldn't budge on price. After debating about it, I called them after the show deciding I was going to buy it. They said it had sold. Chuck Tomasco bought it (they sold it to him for $800)! Chuck ultimately sold a chunk of his collection privately to Brian Slusser. Brian got it PSA graded - it came back a 3 - I recalled it being considerably nicer, but still a really strong grade for that issue! Brian sent the better part of his collection to auction in 2016 including the Sugardale. There were I think about 6 items that were "must have's" for me in that auction - sadly I set the wrong date on my calendar and missed the entire auction by a day!! I don't know who won it and haven't seen or heard of it since.

[docpatlv]

I remember when Chuck was selling off some of his collection, seems like 15+ years ago. I kept all the auction “catalogs” that he had sent me. Do you know if he still collects Roberto?

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

I remember when Chuck was selling off some of his collection, seems like 15+ years ago. I kept all the auction “catalogs” that he had sent me. Do you know if he still collects Roberto?

But does not collect Roberto anymore. I saw him at the national and he comments on Facebook.

[rats60]

I filled the last hole in my Clemente collection.

[71buc]

Congratulations great pick up!

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by rats60

I filled the last hole in my Clemente collection.

Great card! Congrats!!! If you don’t mind me asking, where did you find it?

[jethrod3]

This might well be my last pickup of 2022. It's from Clemente's appearance at Horne's in 1960. It's got a small pinhole but I haven't seen many copies of these so I jumped at the chance to acquire it. The image appears to be a tighter version of the picture used for the Jay Publishing 1958-61 Clemente photo, but with the facsimile autograph added.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by jethrod3

This might well be my last pickup of 2022. It's from Clemente's appearance at Horne's in 1960. It's got a small pinhole but I haven't seen many copies of these so I jumped at the chance to acquire it. The image appears to be a tighter version of the picture used for the Jay Publishing 1958-61 Clemente photo, but with the facsimile autograph added.

That is a BEAST of a photo to find! Only the 4th example I have ever seen.

Originally Posted by rats60

I filled the last hole in my Clemente collection.

Another Incredible pickup! This was the first graded example (a chewed up raw 1 sold on Ebay last year) to be publicly offered in the 30+ years I have been watching. Really nice eye appeal too. I saw it in the latest Heritage auction.

Congrats to you both! Fantastic pickups to close out the year!!

[71buc]

Nice pick up Howard.

[jethrod3]

Originally Posted by hcv123

That is a BEAST of a photo to find! Only the 4th example I have ever seen.

Thanks Howard. I thought they were scarce but had no idea how scarce. Your Sugardale is nice---I'd never seen a Clemente before, and most other Sugardales that I'd seen in the past are in really terrible shape!

[rats60]

Originally Posted by hcv123

That is a BEAST of a photo to find! Only the 4th example I have ever seen!

Have they all been autographed?

[jethrod3]

Originally Posted by rats60

Have they all been autographed?

I have only seen one other example and originally couldn't remember where I saw it. But then I checked out this very thread and realized I'd seen that other example right here; Howard had posted a pic of his spectacular Horne's Clemente! Like mine, it contained a facsimile signature. So admittedly we have a small sample size of 2 for me. Howard has said he's seen a couple other copies and may be able to clarify further. But it begs the question: If Clemente was making an appearance and presumably signing his picture, why have a facsimile signature on the picture he's signing? Unless...maybe there were 2 versions: one to sign and give out, and one to give out after the Clemente had left the store?

Lost to time is probably the interesting story about which came first: the Horne's version or the Jay Publishing version. If players started making appearances at Horne's in 1958 as indicated by Howard's research, that's about the time coinciding with the Jay Publishing Pirates release, which again, lacked the facsimile signature. And it's the same image, but why use a tighter shot on the Horne's version? Again, these details are probably lost to time!

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by rats60

Have they all been autographed?

The few examples I have seen all had Fascimilie autos. I am attaching an image of the ad that ran the day before. The language says "They'll have autographed pictures for you too if you wish". Sounds like they were just giving out the pics with facsimile auto's rather than signing them. There were 4 players that appeared that day - Clemente, Maz, Stuart and Burgess.

[71buc]

I stumbled upon this photo a moment ago. The photo originates from the Heinz History Center. It is described in the following manner. “Dick Stuart, Smokey Bridges, Roberto Clemente, and Bill Mazeroski (top to bottom) sign photographs for fans at the downtown Horne’s Department Store on Sept. 15, 1960.“

Despite the description, I believe it confirms Howard’s theory that they weren’t signing autographs. I don’t see a pen anywhere in this picture taken at the Hornes event.

[JollyElm]

When I was an autograph hound back in the day, I always had a pen with me to get people to sign things. It's possible/probable that some in that crowd asked the players to sign the pics when they got to the table. Too bad the pic doesn't show young fans up there, as it might be a different story with them wielding pens.

[71buc]

That’s possible I suppose. However, when examples of these rare photos do surface they are never signed. Doesn’t it seem that actual signed copies would have had a better chance of surviving?

[mrmopar]

I immediately thought about Holding Back the Years when I saw this...

Originally Posted by 71buc

Thanks Trent, I have had so many incredible experiences as a result of this hobby and my relationship with my friends at the Clemente Museum.

Here is a photo of Yadi Molina, Luis Clemente, Roberto Clemente Jr., and Adam Wainwright from last Wednesday. They were awarded with the Clemente Family Legacy Award. My daughter and I were fortunate to be in attendance. Albert Pujols was unable to attend. Here is a photo of his award. Believe it or not the following day I carried it to the visitors clubhouse at PNC where we delivered it to him. The whole time I’m thinking to myself, “ Is this really happening?” How did I ever get so lucky?

[71buc]

Thanks for sharing

[Empty77]

Great pic, either perfectly or luckily timed, with Clemente's photocard in mid-hand off, upturned, and oriented to the camera.

I'm intrigued by the background details/circumstances: healthy crowd, officer in the mix for security?, higher percentage of women (as perhaps expected for the shopping venue, but surprisingly not all or most with kids, unless they're too short to all be captured).

(And Clemente seems more sharply dressed than the rest, as expected. Cuff links are the key apparently!)

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Empty77

Great pic, either perfectly or luckily timed, with Clemente's photocard in mid-hand off, upturned, and oriented to the camera.

I just forwarded this along to PSA as they are currently considering whether to grade these or not. Couldn't have dreamt up a better picture!

Thanks for posting Mike!

[jethrod3]

Originally Posted by 71buc

I stumbled upon this photo a moment ago. The photo originates from the Heinz History Center. It is described in the following manner. “Dick Stuart, Smokey Bridges, Roberto Clemente, and Bill Mazeroski (top to bottom) sign photographs for fans at the downtown Horne’s Department Store on Sept. 15, 1960.“

Despite the description, I believe it confirms Howard’s theory that they weren’t signing autographs. I don’t see a pen anywhere in this picture taken at the Hornes event.

This is an amazing photo find! It's also interesting that Dick and Smokey's stacks seem much larger than Clemente's stack, although I wonder if that is due to the fact that Clemente seemed to start putting up some noticeable numbers in 1960 and would do so for many years thereafter. Anyway, I guess there's a good probability that the Clemente samples that Howard and I have in our collection came from that stack in front of Clemente, and we may have someone in that photo to thank for saving it!

[Chstrite]

If you have either let me know at Charles.strite@yahoo.com

[MACollector]

I’m new to the forum and this is my first post but did anyone else notice how crazy Clemente PSA 9 cards went for in Heritage this past weekend? From the 59 to the 71 they went for records, sometimes multiples of the last sale. Is this a sign of renewed and greater interest in Clemente post the anniversary of his passing?

[Empty77]

It's weird but I don't know what it is. But it has been happening for some time over the past 2 yrs not only just in the past little while. And also I think for Aaron and Mays too, so not necessarily to do with Clemente specifically.

Perhaps it is a flight to other quality after people are finally tiring of Mantle?? (said, looking over a shoulder and then ducking out of sight)

It doesn't make a lot of sense given the relative stability of all these issues in the mid-single-digit thousands range for the past many years. And that with pop counts of a dozen to several dozen even in that grade they aren't exactly scarce (even if always being competitive). Tack on the unresolved alteration scandals that cast a shadow over all, and it seems crazy.

Maybe the sales aren't all real, and just another round of 'buyer's club' shenanigans that has been revealed in the past. Otherwise it makes little sense since those valuations don't seem sustainable over the long term (there aren't enough people with enough wealth to drop in cash as much as they might take out in a five year loan for a luxury sedan, instead for mid-career-era possibly-altered-cards that aren't particularly rare, given that one or more routinely comes up for resale month after month after month).

It could be well-off individuals, with few current expenses, successful retirement portfolios, a sudden sense of mortality and hankering to enjoy things they like while they can ... and hence in a rush to bid and not concerned about valuation. But if so, see segment above, that that's not likely a sustainable valuation model for anyone expecting to perpetually sell for more than they once paid.

(just my off-hand analysis)

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Empty77

It's weird but I don't know what it is. But it has been happening for some time over the past 2 yrs not only just in the past little while. And also I think for Aaron and Mays too, so not necessarily to do with Clemente specifically.

Perhaps it is a flight to other quality after people are finally tiring of Mantle?? (said, looking over a shoulder and then ducking out of sight)

It doesn't make a lot of sense given the relative stability of all these issues in the mid-single-digit thousands range for the past many years. And that with pop counts of a dozen to several dozen even in that grade they aren't exactly scarce (even if always being competitive). Tack on the unresolved alteration scandals that cast a shadow over all, and it seems crazy.

Maybe the sales aren't all real, and just another round of 'buyer's club' shenanigans that has been revealed in the past. Otherwise it makes little sense since those valuations don't seem sustainable over the long term (there aren't enough people with enough wealth to drop in cash as much as they might take out in a five year loan for a luxury sedan, instead for mid-career-era possibly-altered-cards that aren't particularly rare, given that one or more routinely comes up for resale month after month after month).

It could be well-off individuals, with few current expenses, successful retirement portfolios, a sudden sense of mortality and hankering to enjoy things they like while they can ... and hence in a rush to bid and not concerned about valuation. But if so, see segment above, that that's not likely a sustainable valuation model for anyone expecting to perpetually sell for more than they once paid.

(just my off-hand analysis)

That said, I believe most if not all of the cards were "old grades" and the few I looked at, not the strongest cards.

[roarfrom34]

Originally Posted by hcv123

The few examples I have seen all had Fascimilie autos. I am attaching an image of the ad that ran the day before. The language says "They'll have autographed pictures for you too if you wish". Sounds like they were just giving out the pics with facsimile auto's rather than signing them. There were 4 players that appeared that day - Clemente, Maz, Stuart and Burgess.

It's ironic that "Roberto" is used on the giveaway picture however "Bob" is used in the print ad

[71buc]

I don’t own this piece. I came across it in a box at the Clemente Museum last weekend. Nonetheless I thought others here would enjoy seeing it. This is the plaster study used by the artist to make the statue outside of PNC. It’s about 30” tall.

[docpatlv]

That’s awesome Mike! Bet you were surprised when you uncovered that. Such accurate facial detail on the plaster study. Almost as nice as Kenner Starting Lineups or Transograms😂😂😂

Thanks for sharing

[hcv123]

This was posted on facebook. Thought there would be some here that would appreciate it. I'm still picking my bottom jaw off the floor:

"This is something fun and exciting I would like to share. First some backstory.

2013: A single 1960 Venezuela Topps Don Drysdale Tattoo was discovered and sold on eBay. The tattoo mirrored the design of the US and OPC but was entirely in Spanish and had Venezuela copyright marking.

2022: A small cache of Venezuela Topps tattoos including baseball, Woody Woodpecker, Superman and Popeye were found. All in Spanish and all with Venezuela copyrights.

Of Note: There are players in the Venezuela set who are not in the US checklist. All Venezuela-exclusive players are Latin-born. The Latin-born players include: Juan Marichal, Pedro Ramos, Ruben Amaro, Luis Arroyo, Vic Power, and...

I am proud to unveil: Roberto Clemente.

He isn't pretty, but he is Pop 1: None Higher."

Just to be clear - this was NOT found or owned by me.

[sflayank]

19 known so far


Allison-amaro-arroyo-Clemente-colavito-drysdale-fox-Gonzales-groat-killebrew-lary-marichal-Mathews-Musial-pizarro-powers-Ramos -woodling-Wynn

[71buc]

I beg to differ Howard. He is beautiful!

[docpatlv]

That’s awesome. Wonder why Topps didn’t include Clemente in the 1960 or 1964 Topps tattoo sets.

[docpatlv]

Not sure if anyone here won this. I had interest, but the price was pretty steep. I had never seen this item before so it was exciting for me to come across it. The seller had/has multiple others listed on eBay including Koufax, Berra, Snider, etc. Thought some of you might have interest in seeing a rare Clemente item.

1960 Venezuelan sticker/stamp…

[hcv123]

It was just too damn ugly for my taste. On top of that, though it appears legit, there has been some funny business in the past with the 1972 issue being reprinted - so a fantasy piece isn't impossible (though I agree here it seems improbable) - it is an interesting question why the Yankees, Dodgers (using their 1950's era logo from Brooklyn) and Pirates combo that conveniently includes Mantle, Clemente and Koufax - 3 of the most highly collected individual players?

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by hcv123

It was just too damn ugly for my taste. On top of that, though it appears legit, there has been some funny business in the past with the 1972 issue being reprinted - so a fantasy piece isn't impossible (though I agree here it seems improbable) - it is an interesting question why the Yankees, Dodgers (using their 1950's era logo from Brooklyn) and Pirates combo that conveniently includes Mantle, Clemente and Koufax - 3 of the most highly collected individual players?

Yeah, it’s not the most attractive issue, but I’m sure it’s very rare that we see an item that we haven’t seen before. If it was just the stamp, I might have questioned the issue more. But with photos of the album, it definitely seems legit.

[scotgreb]

My favorite modern card . . .

I've owned it for a while but just back from PSA

2001 UD 1971 Pirates PSA 8 71539593.jpg

2001 UD 1971 Pirates PSA 8 71539593b.jpg