1960s Roberto Clemente Single-Signed Baseball (Eastern Airlines Promotion Ball)

Eastern Airlines promotional ball boldly signed by Roberto Clemente across the sweet spot. Clemente"™s signature has been boldly scripted in blue ink and grades "10." Clemente was a spokesman for Eastern Airlines in the 1960s (promoting flights between Miami and Puerto Rico during the time when much-publicized hijacked flights to Cuba were impacting the airline) and we have seen a number of these promotional balls signed by him over the years. This ball is distinguished not only by the high-grade signature and the extremely desirable style of ball that in our experience ensures authenticity, but also for the fact that Clemente has placed his signature on the sweet spot. Clemente favored the side panel whenever he signed a baseball, thus the overwhelming majority of Clemente single-signed baseballs circulating in the hobby today feature his signature in that location. This ball is the rare exception and such examples, especially Eastern Airlines promotional baseballs, are highly prized by advanced collectors. The ball is moderately toned and displays a few minor abrasions, two of which touch upon (but do not significantly detract from) the signature. Very Good condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$4,000. SOLD FOR $3,818.75

Spring 2008 - Item detail

1960s Roberto Clemente Single-Signed Baseball (Eastern Airlines Promotion Ball)