Clemente: Inner circle of the elite, or on his way?

[Anish]

Originally Posted by cammb

IMO the Clemente rookie is the MOST over valued card in the hobby. Baseball is all about stats and his are just not there.

So, you think people are inflating the price? Is it really that hard to believe that more people collect Clemente because of his story than players with similar stats?

I personally find it an unattractive card, but I would rather a Clemente RC than that of any Post-War player not named Jackie, Willie, or Mickey.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Anish

So, you think people are inflating the price? Is it really that hard to believe that more people collect Clemente because of his story than players with similar stats?

I personally find it an unattractive card, but I would rather a Clemente RC than that of any Post-War player not named Jackie, Willie, or Mickey.

As a 13 year old kid at his first card show (at the coliseum motor in for those who might remember), not knowing a thing about cards older than 1972 other than that they existed, I was completely taken in by the Clemente rookie card - of all the cards in the room - A couple of hours of begging my mom - who almost had us both certified insane, and $48 later, I had the card that started it all for me - and yes, I still have it - refuse to get it graded and although I have many rarer and worth more, still the card with the most meaning in my entire collection. I still love looking at the card - Not sure exactly why, but one of the most attractive cards imo - Topps ever made.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by hcv123

I still love looking at the card - Not sure exactly why, but one of the most attractive cards imo - Topps ever made.

I think it's a cool card: Clemente is one of my favorite players and the '55 set is my favorite set of the '50s.

[pokerplyr80]

I dont see his hobby status changing much in either direction. He's top 5 for postwar players in terms of popularity and collectibility, but we will never be as popular as Mantle, Cobb, Ruth, or Gehrig. And as others have mentioned I wouldn't put him ahead of Aaron, Mays, Williams, or DiMaggio personally.