365 Days of Roberto Clemente

[Empty77]

1964 Bazooka Stamps (small panel)

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by Empty77

1964 Bazooka Stamps (single)

Michael,

Sorry, just saw this post. I love the Bazooka Stamp. I still don’t have one. I was outbid the last time a full sheet was offered on eBay.

Hope you’re doing well and anytime you pick up any Clemente items, I’d love to see them.

Mike

[docpatlv]

About 4-5 years ago I saw this next item on eBay with a reasonable BIN. As I frantically rushed to make the purchase, someone must have beat me to the punch by a few seconds and purchased it before I could.

Earlier this year, I saw only the second one I've ever seen and was able to make the purchase. Either side could be used, and I'm sure many were, which is why I've only seen 2 examples.

1965 Complete Sports book cover...

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

About 4-5 years ago I saw this next item on eBay with a reasonable BIN. As I frantically rushed to make the purchase, someone must have beat me to the punch by a few seconds and purchased it before I could.

Earlier this year, I saw only the second one I've ever seen and was able to make the purchase. Either side could be used, and I'm sure many were, which is why I've only seen 2 examples.

1965 Complete Sports book cover...

So COOL! Have never seen these book covers. Congrats on the pickup...

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

About 4-5 years ago I saw this next item on eBay with a reasonable BIN. As I frantically rushed to make the purchase, someone must have beat me to the punch by a few seconds and purchased it before I could.

Earlier this year, I saw only the second one I've ever seen and was able to make the purchase. Either side could be used, and I'm sure many were, which is why I've only seen 2 examples.

1965 Complete Sports book cover...

I thought the image looked familiar:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Baseball-19...wAAOSwMUpcs9-M

It also appears to have some evidence of having had a couple of staples? Could it have been an insert in a magazine (I believe there was a magazine called complete sports). Perhaps a related giveaway. What are the dimensions and paper stock?

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by hcv123

I thought the image looked familiar:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Baseball-19...wAAOSwMUpcs9-M

It also appears to have some evidence of having had a couple of staples? Could it have been an insert in a magazine (I believe there was a magazine called complete sports). Perhaps a related giveaway. What are the dimensions and paper stock?

Here’s a copy of my magazine. If you look under the “B” in baseball, it says Complete Sports underneath. I have to check the dimensions, but it is on glossy paper stock similar to a magazine cover. It could have been a magazine insert. I’ll measure it tomorrow and see if it’s the same as the magazine.

[docpatlv]

Howard,

Yes definitely staple holes, so I’m guessing a magazine insert. I’ll have to check the inside of the magazine we posted. You never know.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Howard,

Yes definitely staple holes, so I’m guessing a magazine insert. I’ll have to check the inside of the magazine we posted. You never know.

If it IS in the magazine and you had it under your nose (in the magazine) all this time and didn't realize it!

[Empty77]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Michael,

Sorry, just saw this post. I love the Bazooka Stamp. I still don’t have one. I was outbid the last time a full sheet was offered on eBay.

Hope you’re doing well and anytime you pick up any Clemente items, I’d love to see them.

Mike

Yeah, I don't have any of the larger '64 stamp sheets either. But for confusing fun here is the '62 Topps stamp single. I never seem to see them often enough to remember which is which without checking. Someone already posted the side-by-side double with E. Howard (post #553) but there is another with E. Battey that I don't own to be able to add here (sure, we could grab a stock image from somewhere but I think it's more fun if people post from their own PC). Anyone know how they were issued and so whether there are other combinations that can be created with Clemente?:

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Empty77

Yeah, I don't have any of the larger '64 stamp sheets either. But for confusing fun here is the '62 Topps stamp single. I never seem to see them often enough to remember which is which without checking. Someone already posted the side-by-side double with E. Howard (post #553) but there is another with E. Battey that I don't own to be able to add here (sure, we could grab a stock image from somewhere but I think it's more fun if people post from their own PC). Anyone know how they were issued and so whether there are other combinations that can be created with Clemente?:

They were inserts in the packs of 1962 Topps baseball cards. There are two combos with the Battey being the toughest. I own both.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by rats60

They were inserts in the packs of 1962 Topps baseball cards. There are two combos with the Battey being the toughest. I own both.

Centering is also a big problem with the 62's

[Empty77]

Originally Posted by hcv123

Centering is also a big problem with the 62's

IDK Howard, mine looks pretty good...

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Empty77

IDK Howard, mine looks pretty good...

looks exceptional!

[docpatlv]

Sorry for the delay. I had to locate my copy of the magazine. The book cover is the same height top to bottom, but slightly narrower from side to side. I do believe it came from a magazine and probably the same issue. The magazine cover says 16 pages of color photos. When I checked mine, it only had 12 pages of color photos. So if you add the 4 pages from the book cover you get 16.

Originally Posted by hcv123

If it IS in the magazine and you had it under your nose (in the magazine) all this time and didn't realize it!

What if the book cover came from this exact magazine and were reunited after all these years???

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Sorry for the delay. I had to locate my copy of the magazine. The book cover is the same height top to bottom, but slightly narrower from side to side. I do believe it came from a magazine and probably the same issue. The magazine cover says 16 pages of color photos. When I checked mine, it only had 12 pages of color photos. So if you add the 4 pages from the book cover you get 16.



What if the book cover came from this exact magazine and were reunited after all these years???

That people pulled the book cover out to use much of the time. We'll have to be sure to check any future purchases of the magazine. Ultimately hopefully will confirm that this was the centerfold of the magazine - Are the pages numbered? If so - do they skip numbers at the center of the magazine - I will have to take a look at my copy too. Anyone else have one of these to check?

[David W]

Nothing earth shaking here, but during the "Lockdown" I've been sorting through and getting rid of thousands of cards.

I found this 2002 Diamond King box with Clemente on it.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by David W

Nothing earth shaking here, but during the "Lockdown" I've been sorting through and getting rid of thousands of cards.

I found this 2002 Diamond King box with Clemente on it.

Cool box David. When you say getting rid of cards...are you donating or straight to the trash. I probably need to do the same, but I have a hard time getting rid of cards, even junk commons. I probably have 150,000 or so I have to figure out what to do with.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Sorry for the delay. I had to locate my copy of the magazine. The book cover is the same height top to bottom, but slightly narrower from side to side. I do believe it came from a magazine and probably the same issue. The magazine cover says 16 pages of color photos. When I checked mine, it only had 12 pages of color photos. So if you add the 4 pages from the book cover you get 16.



What if the book cover came from this exact magazine and were reunited after all these years???

I located my copy. I counted 14 color pages, but more interesting is there is a subscription card attached at the staple at the center of the magazine. While not impossible, I think it is unlikely that the book cover would have been stapled over the sub card. Anyone else with one of these?

[David W]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Cool box David. When you say getting rid of cards...are you donating or straight to the trash. I probably need to do the same, but I have a hard time getting rid of cards, even junk commons. I probably have 150,000 or so I have to figure out what to do with.

I'm sorting them. I've got about 20K commons from about 1985 to 2010. I'm going to either donate to a thrift store or try to sell on Facebook/Craigs List for $20 or so. They are just being compiled in boxes.

All the HOF'ers (or likely) and big stars (Murphy, Mattingly, etc...) I put in penny sleeves. I'm going to start doing card shows again this fall/next year. 5 cent box and 25 cent boxes.

I found 1000 71 Topps, including 300 high numbers, so I now have 2/3 of a 71 Topps set put together in VG condition.

I found another Bench rookie, Reggie rookie, Schmidt rookie and several hundred HOF'ers from the 60's and 70's I'd been looking for for a while.

Basically, when I'm done, all the crap will be gone, and the rest will be organized.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through everything. It's been kind of fun actually.

[David W]

I found these while doing the COVID Cleanup...…

I remember I got these along with a bunch of other cards from a guy who was past due on his storage locker. He told me if I paid his past due rent, I could have the cards in it. It was only a small amount ($50???) so I paid it and got about 10 boxes of miscellaneous cards.

These are kind of cool, not worth much, but cool. And each card is "Hermetically Sealed"..... so they are COVID free I suppose

[hcv123]

Sadly all the Game used stuff is a friends - but hey, I got to see it, touch it and photograph it!!

1st photo - are Game used helmet, game used cleats

Bats - 1960 World Series bat, 1971 World Series bat, 1970's? Autographed bat and 1965 All Star bat

Game used gloves - don't recall exact years - 1 is 1950's and 1 is 1970's

The last item I do own! 1972 Esso coin set in original frame. The coins are not easy to find. The frame is super tough!

Enjoy.

[David W]

1984 Clemente postage stamp on Lou Brock envelope.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by hcv123

Sadly all the Game used stuff is a friends - but hey, I got to see it, touch it and photograph it!!

1st photo - are Game used helmet, game used cleats

Bats - 1960 World Series bat, 1971 World Series bat, 1970's? Autographed bat and 1965 All Star bat

Game used gloves - don't recall exact years - 1 is 1950's and 1 is 1970's

The last item I do own! 1972 Esso coin set in original frame. The coins are not easy to find. The frame is super tough!

Enjoy.

Howard,

Your friend has some incredible Clemente GU items! Does he collect cards too?

And that Esso frame is fantastic! I have the coin, but no frame.

[Empty77]

Neat items Howard, and ditto-ing Mike, I have an esso but not the frame. Never actually seen the frame in action before.

[71buc]

I usually only collect Pirate items produced between 1970 and 1972. However, after viewing Phil Apostle's work (Banty Red) I decided to reach out and ask if he would accept a commission to create a 1/1 1952 topps card of a 1971 Roberto Clemente. He agreed to create this custom card for me. The image is from an original slide in my collection. I am happy I reached out to Phil. I consider this an art purchase for my collection.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by 71buc

I usually only collect Pirate items produced between 1970 and 1972. However, after viewing Phil Apostle's work (Banty Red) I decided to reach out and ask if he would accept a commission to create a 1/1 1952 topps card of a 1971 Roberto Clemente. He agreed to create this custom card for me. The image is from an original slide in my collection. I am happy I reached out to Phil. I consider this an art purchase for my collection.

Very nice Mike!

[hcv123]

Phil does some awesome work!

[fuzzybub]

I purchased this one of a kind unframed artwork on Ebay over 20 years ago. The artist did it in 1995. I purchased it directly from him for $60. It is art board done in chalks and acrylics and you can see the tape residue from where he had it held in place while working on it, adding to its authenticity.

Neat little back story to it. Adding to its provenance:

He also typed up a letter describing his inspiration for doing the piece. It involved an article he read in a 1993 Issue of Smithsonian Magazine while waiting in the Dr.'s office. He sent me the magazine as well as the letter.

The artwork itself is about 20 X 24, 31 X 35 framed.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by fuzzybub

I purchased this one of a kind unframed artwork on Ebay over 20 years ago. The artist did it in 1995. I purchased it directly from him for $60. It is art board done in chalks and acrylics and you can see the tape residue from where he had it held in place while working on it, adding to its authenticity.

Neat little back story to it. Adding to its provenance:

He also typed up a letter describing his inspiration for doing the piece. It involved an article he read in a 1993 Issue of Smithsonian Magazine while waiting in the Dr.'s office. He sent me the magazine as well as the letter.

The artwork itself is about 20 X 24, 31 X 35 framed.

Very nicely done and a great price for you! I only have a few pieces of original artwork, but they are some of my favorite items. Thanks for sharing.

Mike

[docpatlv]

Tough to find periodical, this is the only copy I have ever seen.

1970 Montreal-Matin Sports Weekend...

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Day 244


1958-61 Jay Publishing...





and dupes...

Similar to the Jay Publishing, there are slight differences in the cropping of the image and font used. The Jay Pub photo is common, not too many of the Sport Services up for sale.

1961 Sports Services Photo...

[Empty77]

It's very nice Mike. And I recall Howard put on a tutorial about these many pages back.

I like the simple nature of these photocards. Regular cards are nice, and what we expect to see because they are common and what we grew up seeing, but these plain items, with no stats, no jokes or trivia, no fancy-designed borders--they're genuine in their own plain way that is calming.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by Empty77

It's very nice Mike. And I recall Howard put on a tutorial about these many pages back.

I like the simple nature of these photocards. Regular cards are nice, and what we expect to see because they are common and what we grew up seeing, but these plain items, with no stats, no jokes or trivia, no fancy-designed borders--they're genuine in their own plain way that is calming.

Thanks Michael! I do remember Howard giving a rundown on the Jay Publishing photos. I’m not sure if he did Sport Services though. Hope you’re doing well.

[Empty77]

A little bit, in post #651.

[Empty77]

Here's something without an appearance yet. It's too bad there weren't O-Pee-Chee's for more years:

1965 OPC regular issue and batting LL

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by Empty77

Here's something without an appearance yet. It's too bad there weren't O-Pee-Chee's for more years:

1965 OPC regular issue and batting LL

Nice O-Pee-Chees Michael!

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Empty77

A little bit, in post #651.

AWESOME O-Pee-Chee's Mike! I have kind of mixed feelings on there not being more - it would certainly be nice to have a few more cards to look for, but to even find some of the existing ones in any semblance of good condition is quite an endeavor - particularly speaking about 1968 pin up (Completely underrated in my opinion and near impossible in high grade - like night and day compared to Topps counterpart), 1970 League leader, 1971 and 1973.

[Empty77]

Originally Posted by hcv123

AWESOME O-Pee-Chee's Mike! I have kind of mixed feelings on there not being more - it would certainly be nice to have a few more cards to look for, but to even find some of the existing ones in any semblance of good condition is quite an endeavor - particularly speaking about 1968 pin up (Completely underrated in my opinion and near impossible in high grade - like night and day compared to Topps counterpart), 1970 League leader, 1971 and 1973.

So true. I for one only have the easiest among them, besides those '65s just the '68 LLs and three of the four '72's. That's it so far. And not from being outbid, but because like you indicated, there aren't many and they simply don't come to the block. Whoever has them are holding on tight.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Empty77

So true. I for one only have the easiest among them, besides those '65s just the '68 LLs and three of the four '72's. That's it so far. And not from being outbid, but because like you indicated, there aren't many and they simply don't come to the block. Whoever has them are holding on tight.

Highest grades:

1968 Pin up - 1 - 7, 2 - 6's
1970 League Leader - 4 - 8's (next highest is a 6)
1971 - 8 - 8o/c's and 5- 7's
1973 - 2 -9's and 7-8's

The 65's are far from easy (and yours are Awesome). Another I forgot about is the 65 O Pee Chee Pirate team card - 4 graded 8's are the best you can get.

The 65 Pirate team (21 graded copies), 68 Pin up (30 graded copies) and 71 (59 graded copies) I would say are the hardest to find in any condition.

[Empty77]

Right again, they mostly don't. I alphabetize and then bold-font items on my spreadsheet/want-list that I can look for. There are giant sections starting with "O" with line after line of barely noticeable regular font...

[docpatlv]

I always enjoy adding Clemente photos to the collection.

ca. Late 1950s George Burke Photo...

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

I always enjoy adding Clemente photos to the collection.

ca. Late 1950s George Burke Photo...

Oh, man... I like that shot!

[docpatlv]

Thanks Mark,

I hadn’t seen this image before until I saw this photo.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by hcv123

Like was mentioned in previous post - the Plak checklist is SOOO much nicer than the Plak's. If I remember correctly there was some type of checklist proof or variation that sold in the Halper auction - I was an underbidder - anyone have a photo of or know where that went?

So about the image I am posting today: Horne's department store was a big pirates sponsor throughout at least the 50's and 60's that I am aware. There are a number of Pirate team items showing Horne's as the sponsor/producer. For the first time a few years ago I saw an autographed black and white photo of a Pirate's player from 1958 - dated and printed - saying it was from the players appearance at Horne's department store. I figured they would have advertised the appearance. I found digitally reproduced copies of the Pittsburgh papers from the week before the appearance (with the help of a fellow board member). I found an advertisement for the appearance. I then surmised that there would be a good likelihood that Clemente probably appeared at some point! Heart racing - I checked papers as far back as 1955 and went through 1962 (when ads stopped appearing). I don't recall, nor would I likely admit how much time I spent looking, but I found an ad mentioning an appearance by Clemente on September 15, 1960. A new item was added to my wantlist. Last year while searching the completed listings of ebay, I found a Clemente (not autographed) that had sold I had never seen the item before and it slipped away. I did what any die hard collector would - I contacted the seller and asked him to contact the buyer on my behalf offering to double his money - no response. Damn. A few months later another pops up offered by the same seller - Thankfully the seller responded very quickly to my "best offer" saving me a few bucks in the process. The signature is facsimile. The things we do for our collections!!

https://www.net54baseball.com/attach...1&d=1515198788

Here’s a team photo with Horne’s as an advertiser. On heavier paper stock, this is the only copy I have ever seen.


1959 Horne’s Pirates Booster Club Photo...

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

https://www.net54baseball.com/attach...1&d=1515198788

Here’s a team photo with Horne’s as an advertiser. On heavier paper stock, this is the only copy I have ever seen.


1959 Horne’s Pirates Booster Club Photo...

Not near as tough as the individual appearance photos. I have owned at least about a half dozen of the 59 team composites over the years.

Great original photo!

[JimC]

I realize this is nothing compared to that awesome uncut Post Cereal sheet, but here's a Clemente I like.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by JimC

I realize this is nothing compared to that awesome uncut Post Cereal sheet, but here's a Clemente I like.

That’s a nice one Jim, do you have the other Posts?

[hcv123]

Thanks for bearing with a longer story - just need to build up a 30 year search!!

My “collecting life” began very early perhaps when I was about 8 or 9 (I’m 53 as I write this) when I started actively collecting comic book back issues and started reading and studying the Overstreet price guide. Baseball cards were purchased for me as early as 5 years old – they however were only for flipping and scaling in school and with friends. While I kept them for a number of years, many ended up traded at a comic book show for comic books. I did start saving “sets” at 10 years old in 1977. As best I remember I was turned onto “collecting” baseball cards when my favorite comic book shop (the original Incredible Pulp in Baldwin Long Island) opened up space in the back of his store to showcase a huge 1950’s card collection he had purchased and was offering for sale. Shortly after he sublet space to a baseball card dealer. I was quite mesmerized. I started picking up a couple of older cards (like a Nolan Ryan rookie for $5). I learned that there was a baseball card show held monthly at the Coliseum Motor Inn in Hempstead Long Island, NY. I believe I was 13 when I attended my first show there. I was blown away and a bit overwhelmed by all the “old cards”. From my comic book store, I was already familiar with CPU (Card Prices Update) price guide. I must have made my way around the room a dozen times taking in as much as I could. There was a dealer with a bunch of 1955 Topps in his display case. To this day I can’t explain why, but the Clemente rookie practically jumped out of the case at me. I saw he had it priced at $68 – I looked it up in the CPU and saw it was “valued” at $86. An important piece of information is that I had never spent more than about $5 on a baseball card before then (I did own comic books that may have been in the $20-$40 range). Further, my great Aunt was the biggest financial supporter of my collecting efforts. My mom who “didn’t get it” had taken me to the card show. What felt like an hour of begging, pleading, crying and manipulation later – my mom shelled out $48 for my Clemente rookie (Yes I still own it!). Soon after, I got a copy of the Sport Americana baseball card price guide and started learning about the collecting world of baseball cards. The food issue and test issue sets stood out as very intriguing and challenging (the idea of a challenge always enticed me) – I imagined myself one day owning them. As finances at the time were limited to the generosity of my relatives there was no way I could realistically start collecting them. In looking through them I noticed Roberto Clemente was represented in many of them – that’s how I would start!! I had the rookie already, so I could collect just the Clemente’s and have examples from all the challenging food, regional and test sets! That plan was put mostly on hold as I entered high school and college. After college I picked up collecting with a vengeance and started dealing part time at shows. I quickly started building my Clemente collection – sometimes by buying complete sets, keeping the Clemente’s and selling the others to other player collectors.


Complete Bazooka boxes with the cards intact became a sub-specialty. For those familiar – quite the challenge! With a handful of exceptions there are only single digit populations of most boxes – often times just 1, 2 or 3. Over the past 30 years I have been privileged to be the steward of complete sets of boxes from 1963, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1971 and 2 sets of 1971 numbered panels. I was able to find every Bazooka box that Clemente appeared on………….except 1960. I asked every dealer at every show I went to over all the years going to shows. I probably spoke to every major dealer in the country on multiple occasions – not only did none of them have a 1960 Clemente box, most were certain they had never seen one. I checked all major (and some minor) auction catalogs. I connected with some of the most advanced collectors in the country – still no word of a 1960 Clemente Bazooka box. A close call – about 10 years ago a dealer told me he had a 1960 Clemente and would have it at the national – I showed up excited beyond belief – ready to pay handsomely for the treasure…. He takes it out and it is a 1962 (ironically one of the easier Clemente’s to find – he DID have a 1960 Aaron box which I quickly snapped up). I noticed over the years that boxes from 1960, 1961 and 1962 (Excepting the 62 Clemente) were virtually non existent. I got a copy of and looked through the catalog for the famed Copeland collection – for those who don’t know, Copeland had one of the most incredible collections I’ve ever seen - with many super rare and one of a kind items from the nineteenth century to post war, many the finest condition of their kind. He had an amazing assortment of Bazooka boxes – complete box sets from 1962-1971 (unheard of today) – only a few (6?) boxes form 1960 – no Clemente!! For years I have offered $100 to anyone who could produce a color photo or photocopy of a real 1960 box with Clemente. Still nothing. I acquired a 60 Bazooka proof sheet and 2 1960 boxes with other players – leaving me with proof of hope that a Clemente could exist. Somewhat recently a huge collection with many bazooka boxes was auctioned….. half a 1960 set!! NO CLEMENETE! Along the way I also made mental note that along with Clemente, I had never run across a 1960 complete box with Mantle or Mays either!


Friday July 24th, 2020 – I’m going through a multitude of E commerce emails I get daily with search matches and see one with a 1960 Bazooka box – not Clemente – but any 1960 box is quite rare (as of my writing there are only 9 total known (6 unique) – likely originating from the Copeland collection- graded by any grading company. I sent off the compulsory “Do you happen to have any other items” email usually responded to with the equally familiar – “sorry – that’s it”. Well, not this time – I get an email back saying “I have a whole set” – Mic drop! For those who have had a big “find” – you know what I felt like – I’m not sure I can find the words to adequately describe it. Before getting too excited, I requested pictures and expressed interest in purchasing. A few minutes later I was looking at pictures of not just a 1960 Clemente Bazooka box, but an entire set of 1960 Bazooka boxes including 6 that had not yet been confirmed to exist!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart was pounding – my mind was racing – my eyes kept going back to look at the pictures in disbelief. Along with the pictures was a note of hesitancy to sell the whole set. Negotiation ensued over what felt like months but was really only a week (One of the longest weeks in my life!).
Friday July 31st - We made a deal for me to purchase the Clemente and Mantle boxes (I have a mini collection of them too) and are currently in talks for me to broker the sale of the rest of the boxes.
Saturday August 1st – I receive tracking information that my package is en route
Monday August 3rd 7:43AM– I get tracking information that the package is waiting for me at the post office!
Monday August 3, 2020 12:54 PM - I get back from the post office with my package – open it up and stare, still in disbelief that I now own a Clemente box for which I have been searching the past 30 years!!! Still on a cloud.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by hcv123

Thanks for bearing with a longer story - just need to build up a 30 year search!!

My “collecting life” began very early perhaps when I was about 8 or 9 (I’m 53 as I write this) when I started actively collecting comic book back issues and started reading and studying the Overstreet price guide. Baseball cards were purchased for me as early as 5 years old – they however were only for flipping and scaling in school and with friends. While I kept them for a number of years, many ended up traded at a comic book show for comic books. I did start saving “sets” at 10 years old in 1977. As best I remember I was turned onto “collecting” baseball cards when my favorite comic book shop (the original Incredible Pulp in Baldwin Long Island) opened up space in the back of his store to showcase a huge 1950’s card collection he had purchased and was offering for sale. Shortly after he sublet space to a baseball card dealer. I was quite mesmerized. I started picking up a couple of older cards (like a Nolan Ryan rookie for $5). I learned that there was a baseball card show held monthly at the Coliseum Motor Inn in Hempstead Long Island, NY. I believe I was 13 when I attended my first show there. I was blown away and a bit overwhelmed by all the “old cards”. From my comic book store, I was already familiar with CPU (Card Prices Update) price guide. I must have made my way around the room a dozen times taking in as much as I could. There was a dealer with a bunch of 1955 Topps in his display case. To this day I can’t explain why, but the Clemente rookie practically jumped out of the case at me. I saw he had it priced at $68 – I looked it up in the CPU and saw it was “valued” at $86. An important piece of information is that I had never spent more than about $5 on a baseball card before then (I did own comic books that may have been in the $20-$40 range). Further, my great Aunt was the biggest financial supporter of my collecting efforts. My mom who “didn’t get it” had taken me to the card show. What felt like an hour of begging, pleading, crying and manipulation later – my mom shelled out $48 for my Clemente rookie (Yes I still own it!). Soon after, I got a copy of the Sport Americana baseball card price guide and started learning about the collecting world of baseball cards. The food issue and test issue sets stood out as very intriguing and challenging (the idea of a challenge always enticed me) – I imagined myself one day owning them. As finances at the time were limited to the generosity of my relatives there was no way I could realistically start collecting them. In looking through them I noticed Roberto Clemente was represented in many of them – that’s how I would start!! I had the rookie already, so I could collect just the Clemente’s and have examples from all the challenging food, regional and test sets! That plan was put mostly on hold as I entered high school and college. After college I picked up collecting with a vengeance and started dealing part time at shows. I quickly started building my Clemente collection – sometimes by buying complete sets, keeping the Clemente’s and selling the others to other player collectors.


Complete Bazooka boxes with the cards intact became a sub-specialty. For those familiar – quite the challenge! With a handful of exceptions there are only single digit populations of most boxes – often times just 1, 2 or 3. Over the past 30 years I have been privileged to be the steward of complete sets of boxes from 1963, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1971 and 2 sets of 1971 numbered panels. I was able to find every Bazooka box that Clemente appeared on………….except 1960. I asked every dealer at every show I went to over all the years going to shows. I probably spoke to every major dealer in the country on multiple occasions – not only did none of them have a 1960 Clemente box, most were certain they had never seen one. I checked all major (and some minor) auction catalogs. I connected with some of the most advanced collectors in the country – still no word of a 1960 Clemente Bazooka box. A close call – about 10 years ago a dealer told me he had a 1960 Clemente and would have it at the national – I showed up excited beyond belief – ready to pay handsomely for the treasure…. He takes it out and it is a 1962 (ironically one of the easier Clemente’s to find – he DID have a 1960 Aaron box which I quickly snapped up). I noticed over the years that boxes from 1960, 1961 and 1962 (Excepting the 62 Clemente) were virtually non existent. I got a copy of and looked through the catalog for the famed Copeland collection – for those who don’t know, Copeland had one of the most incredible collections I’ve ever seen - with many super rare and one of a kind items from the nineteenth century to post war, many the finest condition of their kind. He had an amazing assortment of Bazooka boxes – complete box sets from 1962-1971 (unheard of today) – only a few (6?) boxes form 1960 – no Clemente!! For years I have offered $100 to anyone who could produce a color photo or photocopy of a real 1960 box with Clemente. Still nothing. I acquired a 60 Bazooka proof sheet and 2 1960 boxes with other players – leaving me with proof of hope that a Clemente could exist. Somewhat recently a huge collection with many bazooka boxes was auctioned….. half a 1960 set!! NO CLEMENETE! Along the way I also made mental note that along with Clemente, I had never run across a 1960 complete box with Mantle or Mays either!


Friday July 24th, 2020 – I’m going through a multitude of E commerce emails I get daily with search matches and see one with a 1960 Bazooka box – not Clemente – but any 1960 box is quite rare (as of my writing there are only 9 total known (6 unique) – likely originating from the Copeland collection- graded by any grading company. I sent off the compulsory “Do you happen to have any other items” email usually responded to with the equally familiar – “sorry – that’s it”. Well, not this time – I get an email back saying “I have a whole set” – Mic drop! For those who have had a big “find” – you know what I felt like – I’m not sure I can find the words to adequately describe it. Before getting too excited, I requested pictures and expressed interest in purchasing. A few minutes later I was looking at pictures of not just a 1960 Clemente Bazooka box, but an entire set of 1960 Bazooka boxes including 6 that had not yet been confirmed to exist!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart was pounding – my mind was racing – my eyes kept going back to look at the pictures in disbelief. Along with the pictures was a note of hesitancy to sell the whole set. Negotiation ensued over what felt like months but was really only a week (One of the longest weeks in my life!).
Friday July 31st - We made a deal for me to purchase the Clemente and Mantle boxes (I have a mini collection of them too) and are currently in talks for me to broker the sale of the rest of the boxes.
Saturday August 1st – I receive tracking information that my package is en route
Monday August 3rd 7:43AM– I get tracking information that the package is waiting for me at the post office!
Monday August 3, 2020 12:54 PM - I get back from the post office with my package – open it up and stare, still in disbelief that I now own a Clemente box for which I have been searching the past 30 years!!! Still on a cloud.

CONGRATULATIONS Howard on that monumental achievement!!! I know You had been searching for a looooonnnggg time. It certainly belongs in your collection. Very happy for you!!

[71buc]

Congratulations Howard, I am very happy for you. Great post as well. Thirty years is a long time to search however I can tell by your post it was worth it.