1970 Roberto Clemente Signed Contract -Last Contract Signed Before Death COA JSA

Roberto Clemente had an immense flair and passion for the game of baseball. Even the most casual sports fan can marvel at his incredible accomplishments like a .317 batting average, 3,000 hits, 12 All-Star Games, 12 Gold Glove Awards, four batting crowns, one World Series MVP award and one NL MVP honor.

His greatest accomplishments however were not on the field. He was one of baseball’s great humanitarians. Unfortunately, Clemente died tragically in a plane crash in 1972 while flying relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

At a young age, Clemente demonstrated remarkable athleticism. He liked to participate in track-in-field events, particularly sprints and javelin. Many of those same skills translated well into baseball with the ability to spray line drives to any part of the field with what seemed like a mere flick of the wrists. And don’t forget about his amazing canon of an arm as no base runner was safe when he was throwing. He was destined to be a legend and a revered Hall of Famer.

Baseball contracts of Hall of Fame players, especially those dating from their respective playing careers, are rare and the offered example is no exception. The Puerto Rican normally returned each winter to play for the Senadores of San Juan. He also managed the club for many years.

Profoundly from his home island is this is an original two-page contract (8.25″ x 11″) , in Spanish text. Clemente signed this for what would be his last baseball season in Puerto Rico for the Los Nuevos Senadores Winter Ball Club. The contract was signed in October and filed in 10-20-70 (as shown by the red stamp on the top corner) for the amount of $7000. The highlight is that since the Pittsburgh Pirates already had him signed for the regular season, this is most likely Clemente’s last baseball contracts ever accomplished. Clemente applied his name flawlessly in blue pen (“10”) the same trademark style he had throughout his career below the league President who signed first.

The contract itself is EX/MT with an expected compacting fold and top punch holes for filing purposes. It is truly a special privilege to offer one of the rare career documents from one of the most remarkable players in baseball history, Roberto Clemente.

Authentication: JSA Auction House Letter