| Nowbatting19 Sports Cards proudly presents |
1959-60 Neptune Sardines Jimmy Piersall autographed postcard
On December 2, 1958, Jim Piersall was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Vic Wertz and Gary Geiger. This 1959-1960 Neptune Sardines
Jimmy Piersall postcard was autographed by Piersall in 1960 (note the postmark of Sept 28, 1960; also note how much it cost to send a postcard back then...). He would use these
postcards to send to fan's requesting his autograph. Piersall played only three seasons for the Tribe, but hit 18 home runs for them in 1960, and finishing 3rd in the AL batting race with his
highest career batting average (.322) the following season (1961).
Jimmy Piersall postcard was autographed by Piersall in 1960 (note the postmark of Sept 28, 1960; also note how much it cost to send a postcard back then...). He would use these
postcards to send to fan's requesting his autograph. Piersall played only three seasons for the Tribe, but hit 18 home runs for them in 1960, and finishing 3rd in the AL batting race with his
highest career batting average (.322) the following season (1961).
One of the most popular and colorful players in baseball history would have to be the amazing Jim "Jimmy" Piersall. Jim Piersall started his career with the Boston Red Sox and quickly earned a spot in the
Red Sox outfield. Piersall was one of the best fly chasers in baseball history. Along the way, Piersall got 6 hits in game, had a nervous breakdown, had a movie made after him ("Fear Strikes Out" starring Anthony
Perkins of "Psycho" fame no less), caught a baseball behind the Yankee Stadium monuments, got into numerous fist fights with Billy Martin, heckled Bill Martin (this takes the nads of a marshmallow salesman), did
calisthenics in the outfield during games, ran around the bases backwards, had 7 kids, kicked a fan in the rear during a game, got into more fights with Billy Martin, did a "war dance" in the outfield to distract Ted
Williams, and in general, was quite an entertaining fellow. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, New York Mets, and California Angels. And he was a fan favorite in every
city he played in. After his playing days were over he continued to delight fans with his color commentary with the Chicago White Sox and his books including "The Truth Hurts." While Jim Piersall is not in
Baseball's Hall of Fame, this in no way means he isn't deserving of some sort of award. So on this page we pay honor to the man, the myth, the legend....Jimmy Piersall! Enjoy!
Red Sox outfield. Piersall was one of the best fly chasers in baseball history. Along the way, Piersall got 6 hits in game, had a nervous breakdown, had a movie made after him ("Fear Strikes Out" starring Anthony
Perkins of "Psycho" fame no less), caught a baseball behind the Yankee Stadium monuments, got into numerous fist fights with Billy Martin, heckled Bill Martin (this takes the nads of a marshmallow salesman), did
calisthenics in the outfield during games, ran around the bases backwards, had 7 kids, kicked a fan in the rear during a game, got into more fights with Billy Martin, did a "war dance" in the outfield to distract Ted
Williams, and in general, was quite an entertaining fellow. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, New York Mets, and California Angels. And he was a fan favorite in every
city he played in. After his playing days were over he continued to delight fans with his color commentary with the Chicago White Sox and his books including "The Truth Hurts." While Jim Piersall is not in
Baseball's Hall of Fame, this in no way means he isn't deserving of some sort of award. So on this page we pay honor to the man, the myth, the legend....Jimmy Piersall! Enjoy!
1959-60 Neptune Sardines Jimmy Piersall autographed postcard (back view)
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
Bowman #306 Bowman #189 Bowman B/W #36 Bowman #66b & 210 Bowman #16 Topps #143 Topps #75
(Rookie Card) (Front image same)
Bowman #306 Bowman #189 Bowman B/W #36 Bowman #66b & 210 Bowman #16 Topps #143 Topps #75
(Rookie Card) (Front image same)
1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1962 1963 1963
Topps #280 Topps #355 Topps #159 Topps #345 Topps #51 Topps #90 Fleer #29 Topps #443
('61 AL Batting Ldrs)
Topps #280 Topps #355 Topps #159 Topps #345 Topps #51 Topps #90 Fleer #29 Topps #443
('61 AL Batting Ldrs)
1964 1965 1966 1967
Topps #586 Topps #172 Topps #565 SP Topps #584
(Final card as player)
Topps #586 Topps #172 Topps #565 SP Topps #584
(Final card as player)
One of the big highlights of Piersall's tenure with the Indians was in a game vs. the Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 1961, when two "fans" accosted him in the outfield. They quickly realized that
Jimmy Piersall was not in the mood to be pals. Piersall decked the first one, and the second tried to run away but was kicked fiercely in the rear end by one of Piersall's cleats. While there are 3 police officers in the
picture (above), it sure looks like the one who needed protection was the fleeing fan. The Yankee crowd gave Jimmy Piersall a standing ovation. Now THAT is what I call "entertainment!"
Jimmy Piersall was not in the mood to be pals. Piersall decked the first one, and the second tried to run away but was kicked fiercely in the rear end by one of Piersall's cleats. While there are 3 police officers in the
picture (above), it sure looks like the one who needed protection was the fleeing fan. The Yankee crowd gave Jimmy Piersall a standing ovation. Now THAT is what I call "entertainment!"
1954 Red Man Tobacco #11 Jim Piersall (with tab)
Jim Piersall started his career with the Boston Red Sox in 1950. His best year with the Red Sox probably was 1956, when he batted .293 with 176 hits, 40 doubles (led league), 6
triples, 14 home runs, 91 runs, and 87 RBIs. In the outfield, he made only 4 errors while making 455 putouts, many of which were spectacular. He also had 10 assists.
Red Man Chewing Tobacco issued full color baseball cards starting in 1952 through 1955. They are beautiful drawings (almost miniature paintings) and are 3-1/2" x 4" with the tab
intact. The tabs were redeemable for a free baseball cap so cards with the tab intact command a premium over cards that have had the tab removed.
triples, 14 home runs, 91 runs, and 87 RBIs. In the outfield, he made only 4 errors while making 455 putouts, many of which were spectacular. He also had 10 assists.
Red Man Chewing Tobacco issued full color baseball cards starting in 1952 through 1955. They are beautiful drawings (almost miniature paintings) and are 3-1/2" x 4" with the tab
intact. The tabs were redeemable for a free baseball cap so cards with the tab intact command a premium over cards that have had the tab removed.
| 1947-66 Exhibit Jimmy Piersall |
| 1977-79 Sportscaster Jimmy Piersall |
After his playing days were over, Piersall continued to make headlines as both an author, and as a color analyst alongside Harry Caray for the Chicago White Sox. Piersall and Caray made a great team and
Piersall of course, would continue being Jimmy Piersall. He ticked off the Angels team when he read off their yearly salaries during a telecast, and also called player's wives "horny bitches" and the White Sox
owner's wife a "Colossal bore." Piersall was fired after that one. But he was sure loved by the fans. The autographed 8 x 10 photo above (above, left) pictures both Jimmy Piersall and Haray Caray at Old Comisky
Park in Chicago. The baseball card pictured above (above, right), called "Sportscaster," were issued via mail order from 1977-1979. They feature many baseball players and former players and this is a terrific one
of Piersall during his broadcasting days.
Piersall of course, would continue being Jimmy Piersall. He ticked off the Angels team when he read off their yearly salaries during a telecast, and also called player's wives "horny bitches" and the White Sox
owner's wife a "Colossal bore." Piersall was fired after that one. But he was sure loved by the fans. The autographed 8 x 10 photo above (above, left) pictures both Jimmy Piersall and Haray Caray at Old Comisky
Park in Chicago. The baseball card pictured above (above, right), called "Sportscaster," were issued via mail order from 1977-1979. They feature many baseball players and former players and this is a terrific one
of Piersall during his broadcasting days.
If you enjoyed this Jimmy Piersall page, see my other player pages such as THE TONY C Page! , Fred Lynn Page!, Roger Maris Page! and Carl Yastrzemski Page!
1954 Bowman #66a Ted Williams 1954 Bowman #66b Jimmy Piersall
If you collect Jimmy Piersall cards, and you have just ONE 1954 Bowman Piersall card, guess what- you are missing one! In 1954 Bowman issued a Ted Williams card (card #66). However Topps Chewing
Gum, Inc. had previously inked Williams' to an exclusive 2-card appearance in the 1954 Topps set (card #1 & #250, the first and last cards in the set). So Bowman had to cancel printing of their Ted Williams
card, thereby creating a very scarce Ted Williams card. Now Bowman had a dilemma. Whose card was now going to be #66? Well I guess someone at Bowman was a really big Jimmy Piersall fan, Red Sox
fan, or probably both, because they now issued card #66 as Jimmy Piersall even though Piersall was already card number 210 in the set. The card fronts on both Piersall cards are exactly the same and so are
the backs with the exception of the card numbers. So there is a 1954 Bowman #66 (referred to as #66b) Jimmy Piersall card AND a 1954 Bowman #210 Jimmy Piersall card. The #66b Piersall card is a bit
tougher than #210 and hence, is a bit more valuable. The 1954 Bowman #66b Piersall lists from $18 in VG condition to $60 in NM, while the #210 Piersall card lists at $10 in VG to $32.50 in NM.
By the way, speaking of valuable, the 1954 Bowman #66 Ted Williams card (referred to as #66a) is easily the most expensive card in the 1954 Bowman set. In fact it is considered so scarce that price guides
consider the 1954 Bowman set complete without the #66a Ted Williams card! The Williams card lists at $550 in VG condition to $2,500 in NM grade (using my outdated 2006 SCD Standard Catalog of Baseball
Cards), while examples graded by reputable grading services bring even more.
Gum, Inc. had previously inked Williams' to an exclusive 2-card appearance in the 1954 Topps set (card #1 & #250, the first and last cards in the set). So Bowman had to cancel printing of their Ted Williams
card, thereby creating a very scarce Ted Williams card. Now Bowman had a dilemma. Whose card was now going to be #66? Well I guess someone at Bowman was a really big Jimmy Piersall fan, Red Sox
fan, or probably both, because they now issued card #66 as Jimmy Piersall even though Piersall was already card number 210 in the set. The card fronts on both Piersall cards are exactly the same and so are
the backs with the exception of the card numbers. So there is a 1954 Bowman #66 (referred to as #66b) Jimmy Piersall card AND a 1954 Bowman #210 Jimmy Piersall card. The #66b Piersall card is a bit
tougher than #210 and hence, is a bit more valuable. The 1954 Bowman #66b Piersall lists from $18 in VG condition to $60 in NM, while the #210 Piersall card lists at $10 in VG to $32.50 in NM.
By the way, speaking of valuable, the 1954 Bowman #66 Ted Williams card (referred to as #66a) is easily the most expensive card in the 1954 Bowman set. In fact it is considered so scarce that price guides
consider the 1954 Bowman set complete without the #66a Ted Williams card! The Williams card lists at $550 in VG condition to $2,500 in NM grade (using my outdated 2006 SCD Standard Catalog of Baseball
Cards), while examples graded by reputable grading services bring even more.
1980's autographed photo of Jim Piersall & Harry Caray at Old Comisky
Park in Chicago
Park in Chicago
Jim Piersall's 100th home run trot (July 23, 1963)
Jimmy Piersall did not play very long for the New York Mets in 1963, appearing in only 40 games before he was traded to the Los
Angeles Angels. However he sure made good use of his time. Teammate Duke Snider was finishing up his career with the Mets and had
belted his 400th career home run. Piersall announced he would get more publicity when he hit his 100th home run than Snider did for his
400th. I'm sure Duke thought that PIersall was "crackers." However on July 23, 1963 at the Polo Grounds, Piersall did just that. After
belting his 100th home run off Dallas Green, Piersall rounded first base and then proceeded to run the rest of the way backwards. Of
course the crowd and press loved it and yes, Jimmy Piersall did get more press than did the Duke. At least that time.
Piersall only batted .194 for the Mets, but maybe he did that on purpose so he could be traded. I mean, who in their right mind, would
have wanted to play for those early New York Mets teams? The Mets gave Piersall his release and he signed with the Los Angeles
Angels, where he proceeded to bat .308. Jimmy Piersall played his final 4 seasons with the Halo's and retired in 1967 with a lifetime
.272 batting mark, 1604 hits, 256 doubles, 52 triples, 104 HRs, 811 runs, and 591 RBIs. More than the numbers, Piersall is
certainly remembered for his fantastic play in the outfield, and of course his crowd pleasing antics on the field. While certainly not
enshrined in Baseball's Hall of Fame, no doubt most who saw him play remember him and in a way, he IS in some sort of Hall of Fame.
In fact, I bet more people remember Jim Piersall than even some Hall of Famers! A lot of players enshrined in Coopertown I have never
heard of, but I HAVE heard of Jimmy Piersall and I never got to see him play (I was born in 1963)! Most fans have some story to tell
about Jimmy Piersall. Certainly one of the most colorful players in baseball history!
Angeles Angels. However he sure made good use of his time. Teammate Duke Snider was finishing up his career with the Mets and had
belted his 400th career home run. Piersall announced he would get more publicity when he hit his 100th home run than Snider did for his
400th. I'm sure Duke thought that PIersall was "crackers." However on July 23, 1963 at the Polo Grounds, Piersall did just that. After
belting his 100th home run off Dallas Green, Piersall rounded first base and then proceeded to run the rest of the way backwards. Of
course the crowd and press loved it and yes, Jimmy Piersall did get more press than did the Duke. At least that time.
Piersall only batted .194 for the Mets, but maybe he did that on purpose so he could be traded. I mean, who in their right mind, would
have wanted to play for those early New York Mets teams? The Mets gave Piersall his release and he signed with the Los Angeles
Angels, where he proceeded to bat .308. Jimmy Piersall played his final 4 seasons with the Halo's and retired in 1967 with a lifetime
.272 batting mark, 1604 hits, 256 doubles, 52 triples, 104 HRs, 811 runs, and 591 RBIs. More than the numbers, Piersall is
certainly remembered for his fantastic play in the outfield, and of course his crowd pleasing antics on the field. While certainly not
enshrined in Baseball's Hall of Fame, no doubt most who saw him play remember him and in a way, he IS in some sort of Hall of Fame.
In fact, I bet more people remember Jim Piersall than even some Hall of Famers! A lot of players enshrined in Coopertown I have never
heard of, but I HAVE heard of Jimmy Piersall and I never got to see him play (I was born in 1963)! Most fans have some story to tell
about Jimmy Piersall. Certainly one of the most colorful players in baseball history!
Trivia Time: On May 23, 1963, the Washington Senators traded Jimmy Piersall to the New York Mets for what player? Hint: He was a famous Dodger first baseman who should be in the Hall of Fame! Scroll down
to the bottom of the page for the answer!
to the bottom of the page for the answer!
Trivia Answer: Gil Hodges, who became Manager of the Senators and later guided the New York Mets to their first World Championship in 1969.
| Jim Piersall Baseball Cards (Bowman, Fleer, Topps) 1951-1967 Click on image for larger picture! |
1955 Cain's Jimmy Piersall Postcard
(Back view of postcard)
Jimmy Piersall was very popular and a fan favorite. As seen above, he was used for promoting Sardines (see Neptune Sardines Jimmy Piersall postcard near the top of the page) and also other products like
salad dressing and potato chips. This 1955 (speculative) Cain's Jimmy Piersall postcard was used to advertise Cain's products, plus many were used by Piersall for autograph requests. The above
example is an unused postcard; the blue autograph on front is not a genuine autograph but a facsimile (same with the back). Regardless, a great Piersall collectible. You can see from the front that some fan had
this card taped to a wall or scrapbook; note the tape stains on the corners and sides.
salad dressing and potato chips. This 1955 (speculative) Cain's Jimmy Piersall postcard was used to advertise Cain's products, plus many were used by Piersall for autograph requests. The above
example is an unused postcard; the blue autograph on front is not a genuine autograph but a facsimile (same with the back). Regardless, a great Piersall collectible. You can see from the front that some fan had
this card taped to a wall or scrapbook; note the tape stains on the corners and sides.
1960-61 Wilson Glove box side panel featuring (Don Hoak, Harvey Kuenn, Jim Piersall)
Not really a card, but this 1960-61 Wilson baseball glove box panel features a black & white image of Jim Piersall, along with Pirates infielder Don Hoak, and Giants infielder Harvey Kuenn (the guy who
Cleveland traded Rocky Colavito for). Piersall was also traded by Cleveland and it could have been entirely feasible that the Indians COULD have had a pretty impressive outfield trio of Rocky Colavito, Jimmy
Piersall, and Roger Maris in the late 1950's through early 1960's. However Cleveland management could not picture such an outfield and traded away these players either before or during their prime. Colavito was
just getting started to what should have been a Hall Of Fame career (374 career home runs in only 14 seasons), Maris was just getting warmed up for 2 consecutive MVP seasons including the 61 home run season in
1961, and Piersall was the best AL centerfielder in the game. What was Cleveland management thinking? No wonder Cleveland had a 10 cent beer night in the 1970's so that their poor fans could drink away their
sorrows!
Cleveland traded Rocky Colavito for). Piersall was also traded by Cleveland and it could have been entirely feasible that the Indians COULD have had a pretty impressive outfield trio of Rocky Colavito, Jimmy
Piersall, and Roger Maris in the late 1950's through early 1960's. However Cleveland management could not picture such an outfield and traded away these players either before or during their prime. Colavito was
just getting started to what should have been a Hall Of Fame career (374 career home runs in only 14 seasons), Maris was just getting warmed up for 2 consecutive MVP seasons including the 61 home run season in
1961, and Piersall was the best AL centerfielder in the game. What was Cleveland management thinking? No wonder Cleveland had a 10 cent beer night in the 1970's so that their poor fans could drink away their
sorrows!
Sleeping on the job. Jimmy Piersall taking a momement to relax at home plate after scoring a run for the Washington Senators circa
1961-63. Check out the umpire's face. He was surely amused by Piersall's antics.
1961-63. Check out the umpire's face. He was surely amused by Piersall's antics.
1962 Topps Baseball Bucks Jimmy Piersall
Another innovative product by Topps Chewing Gum is the 1962 Topps Baseball Bucks. Issued in their own packaging, the "bucks" featured star players of the day including this cool Jimmy Piersall. Pretty
scarce today. This is one of the few issues to feature Piersall as a member of the Washington Senators. He was also featured as a Senator on 1962 Topps #51 AL Batting Leaders and card #90 and 1963 Topps
#443. Fleer also included Piersall in their 67 card set in 1963 (card #29; see the Gallery of Jimmy Piersall cards near the top of this page), even though Piersall was traded to the Mets during the 1963 season.
Unfortunately there are no regular baseball cards issued of Piersall in a Mets uniform while he was playing.
scarce today. This is one of the few issues to feature Piersall as a member of the Washington Senators. He was also featured as a Senator on 1962 Topps #51 AL Batting Leaders and card #90 and 1963 Topps
#443. Fleer also included Piersall in their 67 card set in 1963 (card #29; see the Gallery of Jimmy Piersall cards near the top of this page), even though Piersall was traded to the Mets during the 1963 season.
Unfortunately there are no regular baseball cards issued of Piersall in a Mets uniform while he was playing.
1960 Jay Publishing Cleveland Indians Jimmy Piersall
Jay Publishing issued these 5" x 7" black & white photos from 1958-1965. They were issued in team packs and you could get them by mail order, at the store or at the ballpark. Very
inexpensive collectibles today, these can usually be picked up for a few bucks or less.
inexpensive collectibles today, these can usually be picked up for a few bucks or less.
"The Truth Hurts" by Jimmy Piersall
Piersall has authored a couple books, among them "Fear Strikes Out" and this terrific book "The Truth Hurts," which was written well after his playing career had ended. A very enjoyable
book; I highly recommend it!
book; I highly recommend it!
1962 Bazooka Jim Piersall
A pretty tough Jimmy Piersall issue is this 1962 Bazooka baseball card cut from the bottom of a Bazooka Bubble Gum box. Bazooka bubble gum is made by Topps so some of the Bazooka cards feature the same
photos used on regular Topps cards, while others use completely different photos all together. The above example it different than Piersall's regular 1962 Topps card (#90; see gallery of Piersall's Topps cards near the
top of this page). Bazooka cards were issued 3 per box and the cards were intended to be cut out individually. This is a nice example, usually you will encounter these with hasty cuts from an excited kid with scissors.
The backs of the cards are blank. Probably the rarest Jimmy Piersall cards are the Venezuela Topps cards. I will put a picture of one of these up shortly.
photos used on regular Topps cards, while others use completely different photos all together. The above example it different than Piersall's regular 1962 Topps card (#90; see gallery of Piersall's Topps cards near the
top of this page). Bazooka cards were issued 3 per box and the cards were intended to be cut out individually. This is a nice example, usually you will encounter these with hasty cuts from an excited kid with scissors.
The backs of the cards are blank. Probably the rarest Jimmy Piersall cards are the Venezuela Topps cards. I will put a picture of one of these up shortly.
| The Jimmy Piersall Page! |
1950's Jimmy Piersall Souvenier Pin Back
Jimmy Piersall's Very Dull Photo Gallery!
(Click on image for for enlarged scan)
(Click on image for for enlarged scan)
1950's Press Photograph Jimmy Piersall
Carling Brewing Company of Cleveland Ohio produced these large sized photo cards of Indians players beginning in the mid-1950's and through the early 1960's. Included is this cool
Jimmy Piersall card from the 1961 Carling Beer Indians issue. I saw this on eBay; it had a $80 price tag. Ouch!
Jimmy Piersall card from the 1961 Carling Beer Indians issue. I saw this on eBay; it had a $80 price tag. Ouch!
1962 Wire Photo (Jimmy Piersall blowing bubble in dugout)
Please note these are Piersall's regular Bowman, Topps, & Fleer cards. Piersall was also featured on many other issues like Topps Venezuela (same fronts but backs are different),
O-Pee-Chee (Topps counterpart in Canada), Exhibit cards, regional issues, postcards, stadium photos, and more. Some of these scarcer issues can be found below.
O-Pee-Chee (Topps counterpart in Canada), Exhibit cards, regional issues, postcards, stadium photos, and more. Some of these scarcer issues can be found below.
1967 Topps #584 Jim Piersall
This is Jimmy Piersall's last appearance on a bubble gum card; from the 1967 Topps high numbered series. It is just a beautiful looking card and a "must have" if you are a Piersall
collector!!! Of course the graded example above (SGC 96 MINT) warrants a more expensive price tag; however you can pick up a nice example in NM graded condition for about
$25. Even less for an ungraded card!
collector!!! Of course the graded example above (SGC 96 MINT) warrants a more expensive price tag; however you can pick up a nice example in NM graded condition for about
$25. Even less for an ungraded card!
1959-61 Jimmy Piersall signed postcard 1962 Exhibit Supply Co. Jimmy Piersall