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An autographed, game-used bat from Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente is set to go on sale, according to a report from TMZ Sports on Tuesday.
The bat is a Hillerich & Bradsby signature model U1 that Clemente used during the 1971 season. It will be taken to market by Heritage Auctions in February – 53 years after it was used in an MLB game.
Heritage Auctions expects the bat to be sold for $250,000.
The bat is signed by Clemente, and his No. 21 is written on the knob. He also left a note to famed Canadian collector Carey Diab on the piece of memorabilia.
Clemente's bat is inscribed, "To my friend Carey, Best Wishes Always, Roberto Clemente."
Roberto Clemente Game-Used, Signed Bat Set To Hit Auction, Could Fetch $250K | Click to read more https://t.co/9ZeVrHonZB
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) January 2, 2024
Clemente spent his entire 18-year career with the Pirates, remaining in Pittsburgh from 1955 to 1972. The Puerto Rican outfielder won one MVP, two World Series, four batting titles and 12 Gold Gloves, all while making 15 All-Star Games.
Shorty after recording the 3,000th and final hit of his career, Clemente died in a plane crash at the age of 38. Clemente was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973 as part of a special election held shortly after his death.
Clemente hit .317 with 240 home runs, 1,305 RBI, 1,416 runs and a 94.8 WAR in 2,433 career games. He is the namesake of one of MLB's most prestigious annual honors, which New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge won in 2023.
The Roberto Clemente Award is given to the player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."
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