Just Collect may be known for all of the remarkable vintage sports cards we buy and sell but we don’t sleep on some of the hobby’s more iconic rookie cards from the post-1970s era either. In 1984, Fleer jumped into the “Update Series” game with what was almost instantly a highly sought after boxed set. Not only was the quantity produced quite limited, the set contains some legendary rookie cards, too. This week, we’re offering the Roger Clemens true rookie card from this series, graded PSA 10. It’s one of only 265 that have been awarded the gem mint grade over the last 20 years. Clemens’ debut in ’84 was highly anticipated after a spectacular career at the University of Texas. He didn’t disappoint. The fireballing righthander went 9-4 and struck out nearly a batter every inning after being called up in May. Fleer quickly added him to their debut Update set. Found not guilty of lying to Congress about his use of performance enhancing drugs in 2012, Clemens cards have enjoyed a bit of a renaissance with collectors and speculators who point to his status as clearly one of the greatest pitchers in history. He compiled 354 wins, a 3.12 career ERA and struck out 4,672 hitters in his career, the latter figure ranking third all time. He struck out 20 hitters in a game twice in his career. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards and was selected to 11 All-Star teams during a career that took him from Boston to Toronto to New York to Houston and then back to the Yankees. He won a pair of World Series rings in the Bronx and pitched well into his 40s. Over time, PSA 10 graded cards of the game’s greats have continued to gain fans and investors. It would seem silly to dismiss Clemens’ career over the existing accusations and as time goes on, fans are appreciating his dominance and long term place in the game. Our encapsulated beauty features razor sharp corners, good centering and a bright, clean image. Buyers are already jumping on this listing and we’re anxious to get an update on where the market stands once the auction closes.
