1972 NLCS Game 5, Ticket Stub - Roberto Clemente's last MLB game and last Hit. ⭐
I got this relic from Roberto Clemente's last MLB game in today's mail.
I'm overcome by emotion.
Roberto Clemente was my childhood baseball hero and remains my hero to this day.
With the addition of this relic, I have 2 ticket stubs in my collection. This one and 1971 World Series Game 7, Roberto Clemente's final WS game and WS MVP clinching HR.
I was not looking to add any more ticket stubs to my PC, but this one literally sought me out and threw itself at me. For that I am grateful.
Unbeknownst to the 41,887 attending this game and millions watching on TV (including me) this would be Roberto Clemente's final appearance in a MLB game.  His final hit came in the first inning, a single up the middle – quintessential Clemente. His final plate appearance was an intentional walk in the 8th inning.
This was the deciding game in the series as the NLCS was only a 5-game series in 1972.
I remember the stinging loss in this deciding game and was upset, but fully expected Roberto to return for the 1973 season.
But Clemente tragically died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua on December 31, 1972, shortly after the season ended.
I was a heartbroken 10 year-old when he left and I still have not gotten over losing Roberto.
This ticket, in some odd way, helps soothe the loss I feel still, to this day.
God Bless "The Great One" - Roberto Clemente – Well done. Be Thou At Peace. 🙏
Retire21💛🏴‍☠🖤