When examining this rare, autographed, vintage image, several key features are immediately noted. First, a very young Clemente is seen wearing a Pirates flannel uniform with sleeves. The addition of the sleeves are important, as that particular style was only worn by Clemente and the team during the 1955 & 1956 seasons. During the following 1957 season the team switched to the vest style. Additionally, the style of bat aids in the early dating of this image. Examination reveals Clemente using a bat with a knob. A study of his H&B factory records documents Clemente using the S2 model, (found with a similar knob style as pictured) almost exclusively during the 1955-56 seasons. Not until 1958 did Clemente first experiment with the U1 model (flared without knob), for which he is most often associated with using.
When viewing the signature for the first time, my first reaction was to look for the "wet paint" sign. The signature, after 56 years, looks fresh as the day it was signed. The ink is thick, dark, and bold. The structure, shape, and flow of the signature is consistent with early examples. This is the finest example examined by our staff. The experts at PSA/DNA had bestowed the best grade possible, a perfect 10 of 10.
The legend of Roberto Clemente grows on a yearly basis. Similar to Lou Gehrig, Thurmon Munson and Josh Gibson, Clemente was taken from the world in his prime.
The 5-tool player was able to finish his career with 3,000 hits before perishing in a relief effort to Nicaragua Dec. 31, 1972.
Clemente signed for his adoring fans. Single-signed baseballs are some of the most coveted and Clemente did pen his identity to team-signed orbs. Signed 8" x 10" photos are among the hardest to find for Clemente collectors. This may be the finest Clemente signed 8" x 10" offered. The signature is strong and bold, like the man himself. Clemente played his part as he signed against a light spot on the photo in black ink. There is a small crease by the shoulder, not anywhere near the autograph.
The right corner is snipped but still present.
Simply put, the best of the best Clemente signed 8" x 10" photo.
00668
(JSA Full Letter; PSA/DNA)