Card Statistics
Roberto Clemente is presented in Helmar’s T4 series with Pittsburgh in a poised right-handed batting stance, the bat resting across his shoulder as he looks toward the pitcher. The cream Pirates uniform, dark undersleeves, black-and-gold stockings, and dark cap with gold “P” give the figure a strong Pittsburgh identity. Clemente’s upright posture and direct expression create a composed, almost sculptural presence, while the bat and slightly angled stance suggest the instant before he begins his swing.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She develops the pale uniform with soft cream, gray, olive, and muted blue-green washes, using stronger shadows through the sleeves, waist, and trousers to give the figure weight. The dark undersleeves provide a strong contrast against the jersey, while the gold accents in the stockings and cap lettering introduce restrained flashes of Pittsburgh color. Behind Clemente, the grandstand is handled in layered blue-gray, brown, red, and black passages, with the crowd loosely suggested so that the figure remains clearly dominant.
Roberto Clemente was one of the greatest right fielders in baseball history and one of the defining figures of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over an 18-year major-league career, all with Pittsburgh, he combined exceptional hitting, speed, throwing strength, and defensive brilliance. Clemente won four National League batting championships, earned 12 Gold Gloves, and was selected to 15 All-Star Games.
Clemente played a central role in Pittsburgh’s World Series championships of 1960 and 1971. His performance in the 1971 Series was particularly memorable: he batted .414 against Baltimore and was named World Series Most Valuable Player. He finished his career with exactly 3,000 hits and a .317 lifetime batting average. His death in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, gave his already distinguished career an enduring significance beyond baseball.
Numbered #9, the Clemente card is one of the most important subjects in the Helmar T4 series. The composed batting stance, strong contrast between the cream uniform and dark grandstand, and restrained Pittsburgh colors give card #9 considerable visual authority. Clemente’s 3,000 hits, four batting titles, 12 Gold Gloves, two World Series championships, and lasting humanitarian legacy make him one of the most historically significant and collectible players represented in the series. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: End of swing
- Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
- Population (# Sold): 18
- First Date Sold: 2022-07-05
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-07-07
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 4
- Highest Auction: $ 307.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 116.61
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Visit these teammates on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Helmar T4 series
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