Other Clemente cards in base sets

The following are the cards that included Clemente, that were not his base card, or league leaders, or team cards.

1959 Topps #543 - Corsair Outfield Trio - Topps started to make these group cards for the first time in 1959. Clemente was a starter in right field since his rookie year of 1955, but as of yet, had not distinguished himself as an elite hitter. Here he is more noted for his excellent speed and defense more than anything. Both are very important obviously. The card also seems somewhat prophetic, one year early, but the Pirates were poised to take the pennant in 1960.

1961 Topps #306 - This card is often overlooked as a card to be included in Clemente's collection. While it is Bill Virdon who actually makes the catch, and the title of the card is "Virdon Saves Game", Clemente was also tracking down the ball and would have made the play given the chance. Clemente is also mentioned on the back for an RBI in the first inning. It must have been very tough on the Yankees to go down in the first game. This card is off-center but in otherwise good shape. Mazeroski is also shown running out from second base to offer a cut off if needed or just preparing for the celebration to follow. He would be even more important in the final game of the series.

1963 Topps #18 - Buc Blasters - A great image showing some of the inequality Clemente endured in his early seasons. It would take a few years before the team became more integrated. There are some good comments on Clemente's feats on the back. He had won the batting title only once at this point, but he was a major factor on offense for a few years now. The card is in great shape and was one of the early cards in my collection given to me as a gift by my mother.

1967 Topps #361 - The checklists in 1967 and I believe also in 1969 allow collectors such as myself another opportunity to add another card to their collections of their favorite players. This is a great portrait. The card is unmarked and in great shape, which I must admit that early in my collecting career, I marked all of my checklists. These cards are also fairly inexpensive.

1968 Topps #374 - Topps didn't have too many All-Star card inserts during Roberto's career. It is almost surprising and definitely disappointing that he wasn't included in more of them. I wasn't originally going to include a picture of the back, but the fact that we get a close-up of Joe Torre's very hairy wrist, I couldn't pass it up. 

1968 Topps #480 - Manager's Dream - Three Hispanic players that are pictured in a moment of camaraderie at the All-Star game. It's a shame that Oliva didn't make it into the Hall of Fame. He would most closely resemble Clemente as far as hitting goes. On the back, Clemente is mentioned as the "odds on favorite to capture the '68 batting title." Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. He had already won his last batting title, but would battle for more as that was how Roberto played. He only had one speed, full bore. This card has a ding in the front near the top edge. It is a higher number, so it adds to the cost.

1972 Topps #310 - This is Clemente in action. It really isn't the best photo to emulate Clemente in action honestly. If he was making a great catch, or running hard to third, or even swinging at a pitch, that would be Clemente in action. They have caught him in his pre at bat gyrations that he always did to loosen up his neck. He was in a state of pain pretty much from his rookie season due to a car accident, as well as his very aggressive style of play. This card is in great shape. There isn't much to talk about on the back of this card, so I didn't show it. 

1972 Topps #226 - 1971 World Series Game No. 4 - Clemente was his usual self in this game going 3 for 4, but his offense didn't really figure into the scoring. The Pirates did win the game though and no doubt Clemente was a factor in some way in the win. Doing some research, I believe this image was actually taken during game three. The reason I believe this is because this image is actually moments before Bob Robertson hit his three-run and Clemente had actually tried to call a time out right before the pitch. It was a somewhat controversial play that probably didn't get too far from Earl Weaver's oversight. In game four, the first night game in the world series ever by the way, I don't believe Clemente got past first base. This picture obviously is taken from the foul area behind first base, with Stargell to the left in the foreground leading off from first base and Clemente on second. This is a great action photo nonetheless and a great card. How could Topps possibly have a postseason series of cards and not include one card with the Series MVP on it? Well, they couldn't.