1972 Topps Clemente- what's Roberto doing?

[baseballfan]

here is my take the wall behind him looks like an outfield wall full of fans, not a wall or dugout behind the plate, from that angle it looks like he is actually in front of the plate and catcher toward the mound as if walking toward first but called back on a strike call. the umpire in the background looks out of position if he was in clemente was in the box, he appears close to the action and where the 3rd baseman would be.

I also think the dirt behind him is the mound and the ump is in position with a man on first.

so picture taken in disbelief of called strike on his way to first crossing the toward the first base bag.

just my thoughts but great question

Originally Posted by frankh8147

I was always curious about this card (note: this picture is from Ebay and not my card); is he taking a walk, striking out, or something else? What's going on here??

[parkerj33]

I think he is still standing in the batters box at home plate. the catcher is still on his knees crotched behind home plate. the dirt is third base, because you can see the foul line between roberto's legs.

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by parkerj33

I think he is still standing in the batters box at home plate. the catcher is still on his knees crotched behind home plate. the dirt is third base, because you can see the foul line between roberto's legs.

You are, of course, correct. That is absolutely where he is. It's right there for everyone to see, yet people keep saying these bizarre things. WTF????

[tonyo]

Originally Posted by parkerj33

I think he is still standing in the batters box at home plate. the catcher is still on his knees crotched behind home plate. the dirt is third base, because you can see the foul line between roberto's legs.

I didn't really notice that line at first, and almost agreed with you, but it seems we would see the line continued as chalk in the dirt, and maybe even the bag. I'm sticking with my original guess (echoed by baseballfan three posts up - although I don't think the dirt is the mound, I do think it is the 3rd base patch of dirt). I don't think anyone can be absolutely certain .