January 2nd 2024.
Roberto Clemente, a MLB Hall of Fame outfielder, is having a bat he used during the 1971 season auctioned off in February. The Hillerich & Bradsby signature model U1 bat is 36 inches and 35.5 ounces, and is signed by the former Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder with the inscription, “To my friend Carey, Best Wishes Always, Roberto Clemente.” Experts at Heritage Auctions believe it could net up to $250,000 or more when it sells.
Clemente, born in Puerto Rico in 1934, was a Latin American MLB star. He played 18 years with the Pirates, was a two-time World Series champion, a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner, four-time National League batting champion, and was named the 1966 National League Most Valuable Player. He had a career batting average of .317 and amassed 3,000 hits, 240 home runs, 1,305 RBI, and 83 steals.
Off the field, Clemente spent much of his time doing charity work, and tragically died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve in 1972. He was on the way to Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, affected by a massive earthquake, to deliver aid. Clemente had organized three flights prior, but they were diverted by corrupt officials, so he decided to accompany the fourth flight himself.
For his selfless act of heroism and his tremendous accomplishments on the field, Clemente was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973, with the five-year requirement waived by voters. His bat is now being auctioned off, and is expected to be a valuable collector's item.
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