Roberto Clemente museum in Pittsburgh
 

For anybody who lives in, or travels to, Pittsburgh, I highly recommend a trip to the Clemente Museum. I was lucky enough to be involved in a visit yesterday morning and was blown away by the amazing stuff on display.

The only complication is that tours are by appointment only, so make sure you plan in advance.

http://www.clementemuseum.com/contact/

Couldn't agree more. I was there earlier this summer and posted here about my experience as well.

I just saw your post Brendan, I agree with you that the coolest thing in there (of the MANY really cool items) is the (very condescending) letter from the team's owner (a guy named Branch Rickey) telling Clemente that he is not worth the $10,000 per year he wants (in response to a $7,000 offer).

Both the original letter from Roberto and the response from Mr. Rickey are quite amazing.

http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/.../2005/498.html

http://www.lelands.com/auction/Aucti...erwork-%288%29

The owner of the museum is a collector / packrat, like many of us, and is quite close to the family. All three sons and Vera Clemente were involved, and present, for the tour I was a part of.

Doug

That's pretty cool. It's amazing that the contracts didn't go for more. When we think of some 70s or 80s baseball cards, and not even very high end, go for more, it just seems crazy. But I guess demand is the factor.....

I was thinking the same thing.

No doubt a cool piece, but I would imagine a collector who was going to pay a lot of money for a Clemente contract would want one actually signed my Clemente.

Now I really want to visit Pittsburgh. My love for Roberto Clemente dates back as long as I can remember watching baseball.