Auction Item Details
Lot 502
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Lot Number: 502
Description: Historically significant 1971 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates World Series ring (World Series MVP). Validation. Although completely unnecessary, the 1971 season brought validation to the legendary career of Roberto Clemente. To be clear, Clemente had enjoyed a brilliant career prior to the 1971 season inclusive of NL batting titles, All-Star game selections, NL MVP Award, and a World Championship in 1960. The 1971 Pirates team was, however, Roberto's team. The Pirates enjoyed an excellent roster including such names as Willie Stargell, Bill Mazeroski, Dock Ellis, Steve Blass, and Al Oliver. The club cruised to the NL East title with 97 wins and knocked the Giants out in the NLCS by a tally of three games to one. The 1971 World Series would present another level of challenge altogether for the Pirates, pitting them against a powerful defending World Champion Baltimore Orioles team who ended with 101 wins on the season. After dropping the first two games of the series the Pirates came back to take the World Championship in seven games over the Orioles. Roberto Clemente's play during the series was exceptional batting .414 with 12 hits, 2 doubles, 3 runs scored, and 2 home runs including a tape measure blast in the deciding seventh game. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series and at the age of 36 brought his storied career full circle. Offered is Roberto Clemente's 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series ring with its original presentational box. "World Champions Pittsburgh 1971" lettering found on the ring top encircling a large diamond solitaire of approximately .75 karat weight. One side panel displays "Clemente" in block lettering along with rendering of Three Rivers Stadium. Opposite side panel features "Pirates" name in block lettering above the team insignia. Interior ring band retains proper "Jostens 14K" hallmark. Total weight of 1.1 Troy ounces with ring size of 11 1/2. Condition is superb with minimal light wear. The ring also includes its very rare original hinged lid mahogany presentational box. Box measures 5" long with applied brass placard on the lid inscribed, "Anybody who thinks the Pirates are dead is in for a rude awakening: Danny Murtaugh October 11, 1971". Additional original paper label with "Roberto Clemente" typewritten identifier is affixed to the lid as well. Fine overall condition with separation of the hinges at the joint area mentioned for accuracy only. There have been few, if any, player World Series rings offered to the public which may lay claim to the significance of this particular example. Roberto Clemente's legacy as one of the greatest players in Major League history coupled with his status as an icon to humanitarian entities create a unique desirability unmatched by any other individual. Incredibly significant generational offering. Includes letter of provenance from the Clemente family: Ring: NM, Box: EXEstimated Price Range: ($150,000-$300,000)
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