Roberto Clemente Glove

Auction: June 2005

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June 2005
Roberto Clemente

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Roberto Clemente Glove

Don't be fooled by its rather weathered and battered look, there's pure magic and majesty in every inch and lace of this tattered leather treasure with a matchless pedigree. One of the most significant gloves imaginable, it covered the left hand of the inimitable Clemente during the Pirates' still-mystifying 1960 World Series victory over the haughty Yankees. Since Roberto was one of the greatest defensive outfielders of all time, its value is self-evident. However, the context of that fabled Fall Classic makes it completely unique, not just because of the kooky nature of the Series -- in which the Bucs were outscored 55-27 yet won the close ones and eventually prevailed in a 7th game death match 10-9 on Bill Mazeroksi's 9th inning homer (with Clemente on deck) -- but also because it was when Clemente made his mark as a superstar for a national audience, hitting .310 with a team-best 9 hits. And, wearing this very glove, his flashy style in right field was a revelation that would capture fans' imagination (and Gold Gloves) for another dozen seasons. The MacGregor KC2 mitt was clearly used for a chunk of that time, broken in and nearly broken period, though much of the damage was incurred later by the Puerto Rican teammate he gave this to. There are pieces of now-parched leather missing from the pocket, exteror thumb and other areas, and part of the webbing is torn from the thumb. And yet, would anyone deny wanting to put it on their hand, even if just for a minute, to feel its tingle of glory? Comes with LOA from the teammate going into great detail on exactly the situation that Roberto gave it to him. Further authenticated by glove expert Dennis Esken.