Circa 1971 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates Game-Used Home Jersey

Roberto Clemente’s Iconic Pittsburgh Pirates Jersey

A Legendary Figure in Baseball History

Roberto Clemente stands as a monumental figure in the annals of baseball history, akin to Jackie Robinson’s impact on African American players. His journey began when the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired him from the Dodgers’ farm system in 1954 for a mere $4,000. Clemente’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable baseball career; he was a humanitarian whose charitable acts were as legendary as his athletic prowess. Tragically, in 1972, shortly after achieving his 3,000th hit, Clemente perished in a plane crash while en route to deliver aid to earthquake-stricken Managua, Nicaragua.

Achievements on the Field

Throughout his illustrious 18-season career, Clemente compiled a .317 lifetime batting average, securing four batting titles and 12 Gold Glove awards. He was a 12-time National League All-Star, the NL MVP in 1966, and the World Series MVP in 1971. In 1960, Clemente’s .314 batting average was instrumental in leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Championship victory over the Yankees, hitting safely in every game. In 1973, he became the first Latin American player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Jersey: A Piece of Baseball History

This particular jersey, a testament to Clemente’s enduring legacy, features the “Rawlings” manufacturer’s tag with a size “42” label, accompanied by wash instructions. The jersey is custom shortened and hemmed straight across the bottom, with “PIRATES” emblazoned across the front. The iconic number “21” appears on both the front and back, crafted in black on old gold tackle twill. Notably, the back number “21” was restored and replaced with period numbers that are slightly smaller, yet the original outline remains visible. The jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion, shows excellent use. Other than what is mentioned, there appear to be no further alterations of any kind.

Provenance and Significance

• Historical Provenance: Originally sourced from a February 14th, 1986 Sports Collectors Digest advertisement.
• Iconic Player: Represents Roberto Clemente, a Hall of Famer and a pioneer for Latin American players.
• Condition and Authenticity: The jersey’s restoration and visible outlines add to its authenticity and historical value.
• Legacy of Excellence: A symbol of Clemente’s remarkable career and humanitarian efforts.

This jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a fragment of baseball history, a testament to Roberto Clemente’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game. For those interested in acquiring such a significant piece of baseball memorabilia, explore our baseball memorabilia auctions for more iconic items. If you have your own piece of history, consider our consignment services to share it with the world. Additionally, for those looking to sell sports memorabilia, our platform offers a trusted avenue to do so.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.