The 1956 Topps #33 Roberto Clemente card is the Pirates legend's second-year card and one of the most visually appealing cards of his career. Following his 1955 rookie card, this issue introduced collectors to the young outfielder in the vivid horizontal design that made the 1956 Topps set a favorite.

The front pairs a large portrait of a young, smiling Clemente in his Pittsburgh cap with a smaller action scene at right. The colors are rich and bright, with the bold "Pirates" team name in red.

The reverse features a three-panel cartoon and biographical text, noting that Clemente was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers before joining the Pirates. This example carries the gray back.

Clemente was one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. He won four National League batting titles, 12 consecutive Gold Gloves, the 1966 NL MVP and the 1971 World Series MVP award, and he reached the 3,000-hit milestone in his final regular season at-bat of 1972. Tragically, he died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash while delivering relief supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The Hall of Fame waived its waiting period and inducted him in 1973, making him the first Latin American player enshrined.

This example presents nicely for the grade, with bright color and a sharp image. Wear to the corners and edges is consistent with the assigned grade, and the reverse is clean. An attractive example of an important early Clemente card. Graded VG/EX 4 by SGC.