On this date, 78 years ago, "The Great One" was born...

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by Mark

I remembered, too. And I really like that photo on the right. Where is it from?

Candlestick Park, Mark. c. 1966 by one of the top post-war photographers, Malcolm Emmons.

[packs]

Always like showing this one. Signed during his rookie season.

[Mark]

the day I got this one in person.

[MacDice]

Wayne Gretzky was born 78 years ago? He looks pretty good for his age.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by MacDice

Wayne Gretzky was born 78 years ago? He looks pretty good for his age.

Who is Wayne Gretzky? Minor league ump?

[GrayGhost]

Originally Posted by MacDice

Wayne Gretzky was born 78 years ago? He looks pretty good for his age.

Roberto was GREAT, but nobody I know calls him the GREAT ONE. KOC mislead the readers of this thread. h a

[z28jd]

I posted this today for the blog I write for and I never really looked into this aspect of his time with the team. I went through all the newspapers online and looked at the reactions of people around the country and around baseball one the day the Pirates drafted him. I think the Pittsburgh reaction is real interesting as well the cities removed from the two teams involved(Pirates/Dodgers). People in Pittsburgh definitely call him the Great One, you will get "Wayne who" reactions there for sure

http://blogs.piratesprospects.com/hi...h-the-pirates/

[thekingofclout]

Good read John. Here was Roberto showing he could also play a little defense, as he robs Pee Wee Reese of extra bases in the summer of '55.

CLEMENTEcatch1955.jpg

John, I picked up this "Pittsburgh Signing Clemente" original letter a few years ago. It came with a typed duplicate copy of the request letter (which I have). This shows that there is no question of how much the bonus was that the Dodgers paid Clemente.

ClementeLetter.jpg

[mybestbretts]

The photos are great

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by GrayGhost

Roberto was GREAT, but nobody I know calls him the GREAT ONE. KOC mislead the readers of this thread. h a

Well Scott. Obviously, you just don't know that many people.

BTW... This book by Bruce Markusen was a great read that any Clemente fan would enjoy.

ClementeBOOK.jpg

[Mark]

Originally Posted by GrayGhost

Roberto was GREAT, but nobody I know calls him the GREAT ONE. KOC mislead the readers of this thread. h a

You obviously don't know anyone who saw him play. You should do a little research before you say things that would detract from the memory of a remarkable man.

[Huysmans]

Originally Posted by Mark

You obviously don't know anyone who saw him play. You should do a little research before you say things that would detract from the memory of a remarkable man.

Funny... but you had no problem calling Wayne Gretzky a "minor League ump" though? With all due respect Mark... Are you really this much of a hypocrite???
There's nothing wrong with honouring the great man and player Clemente was... but no need to bash others to do it.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by MacDice

Wayne Gretzky was born 78 years ago? He looks pretty good for his age.

I thought it was about Jackie Gleason.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by Mark

the day I got this one in person.

Boy Mark. WHAT A BALL! Talk about a moment that will live with you forever! How did it come about? Before a game or after? Details Mark, details!

I went with my Little League Team to a game in the late 60s at Dodger Stadium and we were stuck in the right field pavilion (which is perfect for 9 & 10 year old kids!). Well, I couldn't take my eyes off of him the whole game! That was it for me. Although I trimmed down on my collection, the three photos and the letter I posted, are what I've kept. Am on the lookout for a signed personalized "To Jimmy/Jim" piece to add to my others. It will come.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by thekingofclout

Boy Mark. WHAT A BALL! Talk about a moment that will live with you forever! How did it come about? Before a game or after? Details Mark, details!

I went with my Little League Team to a game in the late 60s at Dodger Stadium and we were stuck in the right field pavilion (which is perfect for 9 & 10 year old kids!). Well, I couldn't take my eyes off of him the whole game! That was it for me. Although I trimmed down on my collection, the three photos and the letter I posted, are what I've kept. Am on the lookout for a signed personalized "To Jimmy/Jim" piece to add to my others. It will come.

I was 9 or 10 and at Forbes Field in 67 or 68. Before the game, I was watching some of the Bucs play pepper along the right field line when Jerry May fouled that ball into the stands and right at my feet. I got some signitures during the game, but I was waiting for Roberto at the clubhouse door after the game ended. He came out with his own black pen and signed it on the sweetspot.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by Mark

I was 9 or 10 and at Forbes Field in 67 or 68. Before the game, I was watching some of the Bucs play pepper along the right field line when Jerry May fouled that ball into the stands and right at my feet. I got some signitures during the game, but I was waiting for Roberto at the clubhouse door after the game ended. He came out with his own black pen and signed it on the sweetspot.

What a terrific story to go along with your priceless ball, Mark! It's these kind of memories that fuels our passion to collect.

[GrayGhost]

Man, you guys need to stop being so sensitive, I tell ya. I saw Roberto play a little as a kid, and have seen PLENTY of his ability on film and KNOW HE WAS GREAT.

IN MY EXPERIENCE, when someone says "The Great one" and associates it w an athlete, it relates to Wayne Gretzky.

There was CERTAINLY NO INTENTION to take away from Roberto's memoryIf the post I made, which was a joke to start, bugs you that much, I can only wish my problems were as small as that..Geez

Scott Roberts