Bat Used By MLB Hall Of Famer Roberto Clemente Could Net More Than $250K At Auction

A bat used by MLB Hall Of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente during the 1971 season is set to be auctioned off and could net as much as $250K.

A bat used by MLB Hall Of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente is about to be auctioned off and could net over $250,000.

TMZ reported the Hillerich & Bradsby signature model U1 bat that Clemente used during the 1971 season is being auctioned by Heritage Auctions in February.

The 36-inch, 35.5-ounce bat has been photo-matched and is signed by the former Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder. The inscription on the bat, which Clemente made out to memorabilia collector Carey Diab, reads, “To my friend Carey, Best Wishes Always, Roberto Clemente.”

According to Heritage Auctions experts, the bat is expected to net up to $250,000 or more when it sells.

“It is one of a tiny handful of known photo-matched Clemente gamers,” an auction expert told TMZ.

Clemente, who was born in Puerto Rico in 1934, was one of the first Latin American MLB stars. He played his entire 18-year career with the Pirates and has a litany of accolades to his name. The two-time World Series champion was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner, four-time National League batting champion, and was named the 1966 National League Most Valuable Player.

The former Pirate had a career batting average of .317 and amassed 3,000 hits, 240 home runs, 1,305 RBI, and 83 steals during his career.

Clemente, who spent much of his off-seasons doing charity work, passed away on New Year’s Eve in 1972 when a plane on its way to Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, which was affected by a massive earthquake, crashed.

The outfielder organized three flights to Managua after the earthquake. However, the flights were diverted by corrupt officials and never reached the victims of the quake. That led Clemente to accompany the fourth flight himself.

Clemente was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973 as voters waived the five-year requirement.