Not long after APBA Jackie Robinson Day, I just purchased the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates on APBA GO. Of course, Roberto Clemente is a big part of that team. This card is part of APBA’s 3rd edition of their popular Great Team of the Past (GTOP3) set.
Clemente was 36 and was only a little over a year away from his tragic death in 1973. Yet, he still hit .341 for the 1971 season for the Pirates. He was named to the All-Star season and was honored with a Gold Glove award.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 Totals | 132 | 553 | 522 | 82 | 178 | 29 | 8 | 13 | 86 | 1 | 26 | 65 | .341 | .370 | .502 |
Clemente was never known for his ability to take a walk. He only has one 14 on his GTOP3 card. Some APBA fans may need to get used the 13-40. Most of his .370 OBP stems from his .341 batting average.
But the hit numbers keep comin’! He has a 15-7 along with three 8s and two 9s. His power is solid and typical for Clemente. His 29 doubles, 8 triples and 13 homers are enough to give him four zeroes albeit with seven singles in the second column.
Even at age 36, Roberto retains his fast baserunner rating and OF-3 defensive rating.
Clemente only has two 31s with this card but he is a good candidate to call the hit and run. He has three 24s and those double plays will be nullified with the H&R in play. In addition, he only has three 13s.
“That ball is hit well!”
Roberto Clemente had a fantastic postseason in 1971 including a key home run in Game 7 for the Pirates against Baltimore. He was awarded the World Series MVP.
| Year | Series | Opp | Rslt | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 MVP | WS | BAL | W | 7 | 31 | 29 | 3 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | .414 | .452 | .759 |
Nice article Tom.
“But the hit numbers keep comin’! He has a 15-7 along with three 8s and two 9s.”
In addition to the nice 15-7, he also has the more impressive 25-7!
p.s.
“This card is part of APBA’s 3rd edition of their popular Great Team of the Past (GTOP3) set.”
The card says GTOP2 (not 3).