Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente Walker (August 18, 1934 - December 31, 1972) was a Puerto Rican right fielder who played his entire 18-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1955-1972). Widely regarded as the greatest Latin American player in MLB history, he batted .317 with 3,000 hits, 240 home runs, 1,305 RBI, a .973 fielding percentage, and a record 254 assists for a right fielder. A 12-time Gold Glove winner, he led the Pirates to World Series titles in 1960 and 1971, and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973 via special election. Tragically died in a plane crash delivering aid to Nicaragua earthquake victims.

First released in 1972 as part of the Topps Baseball set in the United States.

• Card #309 shows Clemente from the thighs up in Pirates uniform and batting helmet, looking down at a baseball tossed in the air with a blurry stadium background.
• One of only two Topps cards during his career featuring an action shot, reflecting his hip demeanor.
• Issued in the year of his death, adding poignant historical significance.

Condition. Check for centering issues common in high-print Topps cards, edge wear, surface scratches, print defects, and off-centering on the action pose; examine corners for dings and borders for chipping.

Storage. Store in soft top-loaders or magnetic holders within climate-controlled environments; use acid-free sleeves and albums; avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and stacking without protection.

Authenticity. Verify print quality, card stock thickness, and Topps logo alignment; check for 1972-specific fonts and colors; professional grading by graded/graded recommended; fakes rare but watch for modern reprints with glossy finish.