In terms of aesthetics and signature quality, this is simply one of the best, cleanest and most significant Clemente autographed balls on the planet. Roberto signed it to a friend in bright, medium blue ink on the sweet spot and added the World Championship date date 11/3/71 on a panel just beneath. Signature is certainly a top-shelf Clemente, turned with a graceful hand with flourishes on the "R" and "C" and artistic curlicues punctuating the last letter of each word. No less than a "9" out of a possible 10. Official Professional League ball was apparently signed while Roberto was back home in Puerto Rico for the winter, preceeding what would be his final baseball season and final year of life. As such, this is a perfect albeit bittersweet echo of the man whose game was as beautiful as the ball, on which there is scattered hints of soiling that easily blend in with the light gold toning of the surface. No other marks, and the red laces are tight and solid. Again, much like the man himself.