Roberto Clemente
MLB Hall of Fame Right Fielder · Baseball - MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
Era
Playing career - circa 1960s to early 1970s
Item Type
Official MLB baseball
Condition
Very Good
Rarity
Extremely rare due to his tragic early death in 1972 and relatively scarce signed baseballs
Overall Assessment
A potentially highly valuable and historically significant piece of baseball memorabilia that warrants immediate professional third-party physical authentication
Authenticity Assessment
Uncertain - requires professional authentication in-person
Signature Style
Cursive full name with the number #21 inscribed above
Signature Characteristics
Fluid stroke with characteristic slanted baseline and looping loops on the initials
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen
Item Description
Standard stitched leather baseball housed in a clear acrylic cube display case
Estimated Value
5000-15000 USD uncertified raw, potentially much higher if fully authenticated by PSA/DNA or JSA
Comparison to Known Examples
General formation matches known examples of Clemente's late 1960s signature style, but high-resolution macro imaging is needed to verify stroke fluency
Authentication Tips
Examine the specific looping of the capital R and C, natural pen pressure, and ballpoint ink indentation into the leather
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA
Red Flags
High-value signatures like Clemente are frequently forged; need to rule out secretarial signatures and modern mechanical reproductions
Provenance Notes
A letter of provenance or historical chain of custody significantly increases confidence and market value
Historical Context
Roberto Clemente was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and the first Latin American player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Market Trends
Strongly appreciating market for deceased Hall of Famers, especially iconic figures like Roberto Clemente
Investment Potential
Excellent long-term investment due to extreme scarcity and iconic cultural status
Similar Autographs
Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight in a UV-protected acrylic case with stable humidity and temperature control
Interesting Facts
Clemente was deeply dedicated to charity work and died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua
Notes
#21