LOT #80696 |
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Circa 1960 Roberto Clemente Game Worn Pittsburgh Pirates Batting Helmet....
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Sold on Aug 24, 2025 for:
$16,537.10
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
Circa 1960 Roberto Clemente Game Worn Pittsburgh Pirates Batting Helmet. It was Branch Rickey, legendary for his essential role in integrating Major League Baseball in 1947, who mandated the use of protective headgear for the Pirates in 1952 after making the move from Brooklyn to Pittsburgh. Four years later, the National League followed suit, with the American League adopting that mandatory safety measure two years after that. But we can assign this particular Pirates model to a narrow range between 1959 and 1961 based upon period photography. This is the style seen on the heads of all batting Bucs during their improbable World Series victory over the New York Yankees in 1960.The subject helmet is crafted from fiberglass and painted matte black with an adhesive-affixed felt letter "P" over the visor. Interior bears local Pittsburgh "American Baseball Cap [size] 7 1/4" decal, a padded leather headband and a foam rubber pad at interior crown bearing vintage handwritten number "21."
A lengthy 2007 handwritten letter of provenance from the helmet's original recipient tells the fascinating tale of how that acquisition, and we'll make that letter available in its entirety at our online listing. The abridged version of the tale is that the recipient worked for a Pittsburgh investment firm between 1960 and 1966 that maintained season tickets directly behind the home dugout, a perk he'd often enjoy. After Clemente struck out to end an inning, he strode back to the dugout cursing to himself in Spanish and hurled the helmet in disgust. It took a high bounce and went over the dugout and into the fan's arms. A couple innings later, when Clemente was back on-deck, the fan "hollered to Clemente and asked if he wanted his helmet back. Clemente turned around and in very broken English, said, 'No, keep it.'"
The helmet exhibits fine game wear with a few small cracks that do not undermine the structural integrity. The size is correct for Clemente, who wore his size 6 7/8 or 7 cap under his helmet during this era, as period photography confirms. The royal original ownership and championship-era vintage makes this a particularly special example. Letter of provenance from original recipient. LOA from Heritage Auctions.
Auction Info
2025 August 23 - 24 Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction #50079 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
August, 2025
23rd-24th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 19
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 435
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.
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