1972 Roberto Clemente Spring Training Game Used Hat (J.T. Sports & Herrera LOA)

1972 Roberto Clemente Spring Training Game Used Hat (J.T. Sports & Herrera LOA)

What we have here is a baseball artifact of true historical importance: a game worn Roberto Clemente cap. Besides being one of the most talented players in the history of the game, Roberto Clemente became the idol of millions as the first great Latino superstar. Along the way he won a NL MVP Award, was a 4-time batting champ, won a dozen Gold Gloves and was voted to 12 All-Star teams. The consummate team player, Number 21 also helped lead the Pirates to three division titles, two pennants and two World Championships. In his final season, 1972, Clemente hit .312 with ten home runs and recorded his 3,000th career hit. Unfortunately, The Great One’s life came to a premature end when the aircraft in which he was bringing aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua crashed on the last day of 1972.

Roberto Clemente was inducted posthumously into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973 and remains a hero to millions around the globe. This is the cap The Great One wore during 1972’s spring training while working himself into shape for what would be his final season. The two-toned cap has the Pirates “P” embroidered to the front of the mustard colored crown in black and a black button and brim top off this iconic early 70s Pirates cap. The underside reveals New Era maker’s label which is worn and frayed from use, but still present. Most importantly, Clemente’s number “21” is handwritten on the white mesh lining in black marker. The cap shows excellent game use with perspiration and turf stains throughout. The green underside of the brim shows vintage creasing and fading along with perspiration stains and loose threads. A real gamer from a monumental legend of the game. This cap comes with a LOA from J.T. Sports & Herrera for the game use.