Bob Clemente

[Snapolit1]

See a lot of references in the hobby to "Bob" Clemente. And I've seen cards with the anglicized version of his name. Was there any indication he actually went by Bob during his career, or used it himself in any way, or was it just a figment of the fact that people were more uncomfortable in those days with mainstream stars having ethnic names and some agent somewhere told him to allow it on cards?

[rats60]

https://books.google.com/books?id=03...emente&f=false

Clemente didn't appreciate another practice of the media. Some writers and broadcasters insisted on calling him "Bob" or "Bobby."

Clemente didn't encourage such Americanization of his given name, a disrespectful practice that had occurred mostly during the late fifties and early sixties. "Roberto made it clear from the first that his name was 'Roberto,' not 'Bobby,' says Luis Mayoral. "He didn't like that. He didn't like that at all. He said, 'My name is 'Roberto Clemente,' not 'Bobby Clemente' or 'Robby Clemente.' My name is Roberto Clemente.'"

[Snapolit1]

Cool. Thanks. Cleared up! Not surprised with the explanation, but you never know.

[almostdone]

I find it interesting that there is a number of examples where he would sign his autograph for fans as Bob Clemente. I've been searching for an autographed ball with him on it for a while and have seen a few signed that way.
Drew

[BBB]

Originally Posted by almostdone

I find it interesting that there is a number of examples where he would sign his autograph for fans as Bob Clemente. I've been searching for an autographed ball with him on it for a while and have seen a few signed that way.

Drew

That's a really interesting point. No way to know, but I'd take a wild guess that over time he may have accepted the nick name as 'the way it is' for some of his fans and casually embraced it....I could easily see his representation explaining how it's more marketable and helps him reach fans etc.


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[rats60]

Originally Posted by almostdone

I find it interesting that there is a number of examples where he would sign his autograph for fans as Bob Clemente. I've been searching for an autographed ball with him on it for a while and have seen a few signed that way.
Drew

Do you have a link or picture? I have never seen him sign Bob. I would question the authenticity of anything signed Bob.

[almostdone]

Originally Posted by rats60

Do you have a link or picture? I have never seen him sign Bob. I would question the authenticity of anything signed Bob.

I don't have a link but Heritage had a number of nice Clemente items in a spring auction. I know there was at least one in there. If I find it I will post it.
Drew

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by rats60

Do you have a link or picture? I have never seen him sign Bob. I would question the authenticity of anything signed Bob.

I am no autograph expert. I have collected Clemente cards and memorabilia for over 25 years. I agree with the above post and do question the authenticity of the Clemente signature on the balls posted. His name mattered to him - A LOT. Especially so early in his career. Aside from the posted balls I too do not recollect seeing a "Bob" signature signed by Clemente. I have seen many signed Clemente items. Perhaps some of those board members more "expert" in autographs could weigh in with their opinion and experience.

Howard