365 Days of Roberto Clemente

[docpatlv]

Day 3

I purchased this photo in 1996 from Ed Dolan's Baseball Fanatic Super Store in New Jersey. When I brought it home later that day I remember my girlfriend (now my wife) saying..."You spent HOW much on that photo?!?!?"

But to me, it was well worth it, as this might be my favorite Roberto item. Nice, large signature which is much more bold when viewing in person. Not sure why the sig appears lighter in the photo. Personalized "To Dick", unfortunately that's not my name although I'm sure I've been called one on more than one occasion

1960s Roberto Clemente signed photo.

[geosluggo]

Looking forward to this thread. Clemente is my all-time favorite. I was 8 when he was killed and remember it on a gut level the way others remember the JFK assassination. I recently posted a pic of my Clemente card collection on another thread. Here’s a pic of one of my favorite Clemente items — the 1967 Dexter Press photo.

[Mark70Z]

Thought it couldn’t get much better than the nodder, but then you break out the signed Roberto photo; that is just awesome!

[docpatlv]

George,

That’s a nice Dexter Press. Mine is in lesser condition (I’ll post it at some point), not sure why I never upgraded. I guess there’s just always something else to purchase.

Mark,

Glad you’re enjoying the thread. I actually have a Roberto/Brooks item I’ll post at some point. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen. Stay tuned

[btcarfagno]

The letter sent by Branch Rickey and the Pirates to the Montreal Royals the day that they drafted Clemente away from them in 1954. It is dated the day of the draft.

[hcv123]

AWESOME letter Tom! Thanks for sharing it.

[docpatlv]

Day 10

This is probably one of my favorite photos of Clemente and it doesn't even picture Roberto. A bittersweet day this must have been, the expression on her face tells all.

1973 Snapshot photo of Vera Clemente accepting Roberto's HOF plaque from commissioner Bowie Kuhn...

[71buc]

Love that snap shot. If you ever want to move it I'm your guy.

[71buc]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Day 10

This is probably one of my favorite photos of Clemente and it doesn't even picture Roberto. A bittersweet day this must have been, the expression on her face tells all.

1973 Snapshot photo of Vera Clemente accepting Roberto's HOF plaque from commissioner Bowie Kuhn...

Here is a Type 1 photo of Roberto and Vera during happier times on Roberto Clemente Night at Shea Stadium on September 24, 1971.

[Mark70Z]

Really like that snapshot photo; looks like a professional pic. I have a photo “somewhere” that has very similar writing on the back; possibility same photographer. A goal this year is to be more organized so hopefully I’ll get my act together.

The Transogram piece looks brand new. I don’t understand why they even put their names on the packaging since the plastic figures “almost” have an exact likeness. Wonder how they chose who was going to be in the three pack?

I’m a sucker for photos so the recent posting of the B&W pic is very cool. While I don’t personally have a lot of phots I’d like to add more in the future. Should have added them earlier since the pricing for Type 1 photographs are going up quickly in price.

[docpatlv]

Nice photo Mike!

Day 12

This next item is much tougher than the previous item I posted (3-player Transogram box with cards and statues). I purchased it on eBay years ago in a group of about 12 single boxes. I have since sold the rest, but kept the Clemente. I can't remember the last time I saw a single Clemente but it seems like it has been years.

1969 Transogram boxed statue with card...not sure why the 2nd photo appears hazy, it is not like that in hand.

[JimC]

I realize this is nothing compared to that awesome uncut Post Cereal sheet, but here's a Clemente I like.

.

[hcv123]

I love that this thread was created. I love collecting Clemente. I will contribute some images as the thread continues. Check out this ultra rare 1971 Pin - It was originally going to be part of an MLB licensed issue, but for unconfirmed reason never made it to licensed. Just a few of them got out. I have seen 3-4 of the pins in 30 years collecting.

[docpatlv]

Very nice Howard! That’s one I still don’t have.

[71buc]

Great thread! I love that autographed photo. 365 unique items in a single thread is quite a feat. In an attempt to avoid the stealing of your thunder, and stepping on your thread, I will limit my periodic additions to items I think are at least a bit scare. I had this Willie Stargell ceramic bank and had heard that there was a Clemente version. However, after years of searching, I never found concrete evidence of its existence. I began to think it was the stuff of a hobby urban legend. That is until Howard confirmed it was a reality by sharing a photo of his. Ironically I found one shortly thereafter. Isn't that the way it always seems to work? The Clemente bank is on the right. I have only seen three of these Clemente banks. This tally includes Howards and my own. They are made of ceramic and stand about 12" tall. There is not a plug that can be used to remove the coins. The only way to retrieve the money was to literally break the bank which likely explains their scarcity.

PS: Howard I picked up one of those buttons in an auction out of Minnesota a couple of months ago so you can add to your total known to exist. Mine is of the facsimile signed version. I believe you said there is an unsigned one as well?

[docpatlv]

Those are great busts Mike! That's another item I don't have...sigh.

Day 4

I first saw this item around 1994 at the Fort Washington show. The dealer only had the single Clemente and was asking $900. I was still in school at the time so that was a little too rich for my blood.

Thanks to the Mile High find, I was able to add this next item to the collection. I posted a couple of scans to better show the detail. Some don't think they resemble the players well, but I think, at least in this instance, Roberto is accurately portrayed.

1968 Topps Plaks: Carl Yastrzemski-Harmon Killebrew-Roberto Clemente

[Empty77]

Very cool off-the-beaten-path stuff, fellas. I myself currently stick to the master list, which is daunting enough on it's own, and now to recognize how much else has come about over the years that are not so easily categorized is truly something...