This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/27/2010
Led by Frank Thomas’ 35 round-trippers and a 22-win campaign by hurler Bob Friend, the 1958 Pittsburgh Pirates, skippered by Danny Murtaugh, finished 84-70, placing 2nd behind the National League Champion Milwaukee Braves. Starting in right field was 23 year old Roberto Clemente, whose 3,000 hits and 12 Gold Gloves would anchor the Bucs throughout the 1960s and into the 70s. Presented is an Official National League Warren Giles baseball, signed in red ball point pen by 18 members of the 1958 Pittsburgh Pirates. While the autographs of Murtaugh and Dick Groat have been deemed clubhouse versions, the early career signature of Clemente is genuine, a slight bit faded over time but still very legible. The ball has maintained a pleasing white color, contrasting well with the unusual choice of red ink for the signatures, with just some light spotting and a small abrasion just under Clemente’s signature. Overall, this is a delightful piece of baseball memorabilia, with Clemente autographs of any kind still very much high in demand. LOA from Steve Grad, Zach Rullo/PSA DNA.