Bob Clemente

[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

[almostdone]

Here is one from an older auction. Not the one I was referring to. Can't locate that one yet.
https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1...umbnail-071515
Drew

[almostdone]

Found the one I was originally referring to.
https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1...umbnail-071515
Drew

[almostdone]

One more.
https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1...umbnail-071515

Interesting that all three of these are dated as earlier on in his career. Perhaps as he aged and matured he became more reluctant to sign "Bob" as opposed to his classic given name.
Drew

[sickmantz]

Possible he also did it so the signature would fit.

[flyingdutchman09]

I believe some of the Topps cards he signed his name, "Bob". But I agree that he never liked the name. Bob Prince was big on calling him "Bobby."

[drmondobueno]

And always referred to Roberto as 'Bob'. He called everybody by a nickname if that person liked it or not. Seems all of his relatives did the same. A single syllable nickname. Including me. Is it a cultural thing from a region or generation? I always thought it was generational. Maybe not, ey?

I can say grandpa said Clemente was the best all around ballplayer he ever saw, and he played against barnstorming teams in the early '30's, against all the Yankee greats and the black players of the day. Always thought he was a Pittsburgh homer but maybe not.

[Lueth2048]

Originally Posted by flyingdutchman09

I believe some of the Topps cards he signed his name, "Bob". But I agree that he never liked the name. Bob Prince was big on calling him "Bobby."

I've in several places that Bob Prince was one of the few people that Clemente was OK with using Bob or Bobby instead of Roberto because Prince used it as a term of affection rather than some sort of put-down.

[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

[Steve D]

Personally, Topps' changing his name to "Bob" on cards from 1957-1969 absolutely ruins the cards for me. I LOVE his 1963 and 1967 cards, but just cannot/will not spend the money on them due to them saying "Bob" instead of "Roberto".

Steve

[Snapolit1]

New Heritage auction has a separate catalog for a Clemente collection. Not one of my focuses, but amazing stuff.