This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2018
Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that although baseball is an integral part of our culture, it is just a game. While we banter back and forth in the name of team loyalty, there are people suffering the hardships of famine, war, and disease around the world. Hall of Fame Roberto Clemente understood this all too well and used his celebrity to promote the greater good for humanity. Every bit the humanitarian as he was a baseball superstar, Clemente was not just the pride of Pittsburgh but carried upon his broad shoulders the hopes and dreams of his homeland Puerto Rico! When he took the field, his countrymen shouted “Arriba,” a native cheer of approval akin to “Hooray!” It was his love for humanity that ultimately ended his life prematurely, victimized when his overloaded plane carrying supplies to earthquake victims went down in the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, Clemente was a great player and an even better human being, and will forever be the final member of the illustrious 3,000 hit club. Late in the 1960 season, just prior to Clemente's Pittsburgh Pirates taking the 1960 World Series behind the heroics of Bill Mazeroski, Clemente penned this letter in Spanish to a Mr. Pedro Vasquez. Translated, the letter roughly states that he plans on having surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow but still wants to play winter ball in his native Puerto Rico. He adds that he is exhausted but will do the best he can. Apparently, the surgery was a success as Roberto would win the first of his four National League batting titles the next season. The letter is simply signed "Roberto" with the original envelope postmarked Sept. 20, 1960 and filled out in Clemente's hand, adding "R. Clemente Pirates B. B. Club Pgh-PA" in the upper left corner. Penned on The Netherland Hilton hotel stationery (Cincinnati, OH), the letter was likely written the day before when the Pirates had a day off before traveling from Cincinnati to Philadelphia on an extended road trip. Both the letter and envelope are matted and framed, along with a fantastic color image that measures approximately 21" x 17" overall. An extremely rare piece of baseball history that honors one of the most respected men to ever wear a uniform. LOA from PSA/DNA.