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Lot # 896: 1970s Pedro Borbon Cincinnati Reds Game Used Helmet (Displayed in Reds Museum)

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 10 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Spring Classic",
which ran from 4/2/2023 7:00 PM to
4/22/2023 10:00 PM



Displayed is a game used Pedro Borbon 1970s Cincinnati Reds batting helmet that was once displayed in the Reds museum (see photo). Borbon was a workhorse reliever who pitched for the Cincinnati Reds (1970-79) and their "Big Red Machine" when the Reds' dynasty won four National League pennants and two World's Championships from 1970-76. Borbon pitched in more games than any other National League pitcher from 1970-79. Reds' teammate, Hall of Famer Tony Perez, said of Borbon, "He may have been the most critical part of that great (Reds) bullpen because he was such a rubber arm. He'd give you two, three innings - whatever you needed." Borbon also pitched for the California Angels, San Francisco Giants, and the St. Louis Cardinals in his 12-year MLB career. He had a lifetime record of 69-39, with a 3.52 ERA. Borbon was a decent hitting pitcher, and his hitting ability enabled to Reds to let him pitch multiple innings because manager Sparky Anderson didn't necessarily have to pinch hit for the right-hander, as Pedro hit .205 lifetime. Borbon could be a bit of a character; in 1973, after a bench clearing brawl against the New York Mets, Borbon accidentally wound up with a Mets' hat on his head. Showing some theatrics, Pedro, upon realizing he was wearing a Mets' cap, promptly showed his displeasure by biting off a bit of the hat. Borbon also retains a bit of movie renown as his name is said in the classic hit movie Airplane when the interior monologue of Ted Striker has him thinking, "Pinch batting for Pedro Borbon... Manny Mota...Mota...Mota." A "Borbon 34" nameplate is on back of the helmet. The helmet shows heavy wear. An American Baseball Cap size tag inside the helmet reads, "7&1/4." There is a minor crack in the back of the helmet, and the back interior headband is separated. The helmet makes a great collectible, as it was formerly game used by Borbon, a well-known reliever from the famed Big Red Machine.

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