Clemente Help

[Moesalty]

Does anyone on this board know if Roberto Clemente signed "Bob Clemente" early on in his career (1955-56)? Any assistance will be appreciated....

[mr2686]

I have seen about 3 authenticated (take that for what it's worth) Bob Clemente autos (on 3x5's and AP's). I know Bob Prince used to call him Bobby so maybe he made an attempt for awhile to americanize his first name, but I don't think it lasted long and I don't believe he liked doing it. Either way, a full Roberto Clemente autograph is much nicer to look at and own IMHO.

[John V]

I remember an interview or writeup of him being encouraged to go by Bob. He hated it and stressed that his name was Roberto. Possibly he caved to the pressure and signed Bob for a period of time. Later on, I imagine he would have told them to stuff it.

[Moesalty]

Thanks for the info gentlemen....it's greatly appreciated!

Wouldn't that make a "Bob" Clemente autograph more valuable since it is a bit more scarce????

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Moesalty

Thanks for the info gentlemen....it's greatly appreciated!

Wouldn't that make a "Bob" Clemente autograph more valuable since it is a bit more scarce????

More scarce but less desirable since it was not his preferred way of signing or fans preferred way of collecting.
I was checking my files but I don't have a Bob Clemente exemplar but I have seen a couple in the past on auction sites.

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

More scarce but less desirable since it was not his preferred way of signing or fans preferred way of collecting.

+1

You also have to consider that if they are that rare, most collectors are going to have the same reaction as you did when they see one: "Did he ever really sign that way?" And even if the buyer accepts it as authentic, he's going to face that same question 9/10 times that he shows it off to anyone: "Didn't he always sign 'Roberto'? Are you sure that's real?" Never underestimate the ability of a little seed of doubt to affect the "value" of something, regardless of whether it is authentic or not.

[Moesalty]

Thank you!