1969-1972 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates Game-Used Bat PSA/DNA GU 10

Sold For:

$21,000

Year:

1965

Auction:

2020 Spring

Lot #:

1894

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Exceptional Roberto Clemente H&B signature-model ("G105") bat dating from the the 1969-1972 manufacturing period. Graded GU 10 by PSA/DNA. The bat, which is not cracked, displays outstanding use along its entire length, including numerous ball marks on all sides of the barrel, green bat-rack streaks, and a heavy coat of pine tar on the upper handle. Clemente's uniform number ("21") is written on the knob in vintage black marker. Although the bat dates to the general 1969 to 1972 manufacturing period, as noted in PSA/DNA's accompanying LOA, this particular model, measuring 36 inches in length and weighing 38.4 ounces, was predominantly ordered by Clemente during the three-year period 1970-1972. As indicated by his respective batting averages for each of those years (.352, .341, and .312), Clemente was still at the top of his game while wielding this piece of lumber. A great humanitarian as well as an accomplished ballplayer, Clemente died tragically in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, while flying relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The following year he became the first Hispanic ballplayer elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame (the Hall waived its normal five-year waiting period in his honor). This is an extraordinary Roberto Clemente bat in all respects, and just the second we have ever offered graded GU 10 by PSA/DNA. Length: 36 inches. Weight: 38.4 ounces. LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA.  Reserve $2,500. Estimate (open).