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Description: Superb 1969 Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh Pirates professional model home jersey (Kent Tekulve provenance) (EX) As a young and aspiring pitcher with excellent potential Kent Tekulve worked his way through the Pittsburgh Pirates+ Minor League system during the early 1970s eventually earning his first appearance in the Major Leagues in 1974. It was during that period, in 1971 specifically, at the Pirates+ Fall Instructional League which Kent Tekulve received the good fortune of -size+. Known for his signature -submarine delivery+ pitching style Tekulve stood at 6+ 4+ tall and wore a size 42 jersey. When Tekulve was selecting a previously worn Pirates jersey for use he was the beneficiary of having shared the same size 42 as one Roberto Clemente and received the offered jersey. It goes without saying that after only a few days of use he preserved the jersey in its original state until its current offering today clearly recognizing the significance of Clemente as a player and tragically experiencing the loss of a teammate within the franchise system when Clemente was killed in a plane crash on December 31, 1972. Cream color flannel with black on gold trim fashioned in a vest style as popularized by the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1950-60s era. Original -Pirates+ team lettering across the front with -21+ underneath. Back of the jersey retains its original -21+ as well. Proper Rawlings tagging affixed to tail front with size (42) indicator as well as dry clean tag having -Set 1 1969+ flag tag. Highly desirable -Clemente+ last name stitched onto the tail along with -42 69+ size/year denotation. The jersey remains in outstanding original condition exhibiting evident use including surface pilling and some minor areas of fraying/loss to piping around neck and under arm areas. The scarcity of Roberto Clemente game worn flannel jerseys is well documented with examples of quality rarely entering the hobby. In our 23 year company history we have had the privilege of handling three such jerseys at a comparable level of quality which remarkably accounts for the majority of the confirmed population of same. This example is now added to that elite list and is being offered for the first time publicly. Exceptional Clemente uniform piece with impeccable primary source team provenance. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and letter of provenance from Kent Tekulve: EX ($100,000-$150,000)Final Bid: $98,827.00
Current EST: 05/14/24 11:00:55 PM