presents The YAZ PAGE!
#8 Carl Yastrzemski
#8 Carl Yastrzemski
Welcome to Nowbatting19's tribute to Boston Red Sox legend, Carl Yastrzemski! On this page, we feature most of Yaz's baseball cards, some stats, stories, and more! Carl Yastrzemski took over left
field from the great Ted Williams, and created his own legend! Yaz could do it all; hit, field, run, and throw. He was the last player to win baseball's Triple Crown (led league in batting average, home
runs, & runs batted in) in 1967, and helped to lead the Red Sox to two World Series (1967, 1975). There was a lot of heart break on the way (being a Red Sox fan) but when you look back at Yaz's
accomplishments, you have to say he had a wonderful career. Here is our tribute to number #8, Carl Yastrzemski! Enjoy!
field from the great Ted Williams, and created his own legend! Yaz could do it all; hit, field, run, and throw. He was the last player to win baseball's Triple Crown (led league in batting average, home
runs, & runs batted in) in 1967, and helped to lead the Red Sox to two World Series (1967, 1975). There was a lot of heart break on the way (being a Red Sox fan) but when you look back at Yaz's
accomplishments, you have to say he had a wonderful career. Here is our tribute to number #8, Carl Yastrzemski! Enjoy!
| Carl Yastrzemski Topps Baseball Cards 1960-1984 Click on image for larger picture! |
1960 #148 1961 #287 1962 #425 1963 #115 1964 #8 1964 #182 1964 #210 1964 Giant #48 1964 Stand Up 1965 #385
Rookie card '63 AL Batting Ldrs Sox Sockers
Rookie card '63 AL Batting Ldrs Sox Sockers
1965 Embossed 1966 #70 1966 #216 1967 #355 1968 #2 1968 #4 1968 #6 1968 #152 1968 #192 1968 #250
'65 AL Batting Ldrs '67 AL Batting Ldrs '67 AL RBI Ldrs '67 AL HR Ldrs ' 67 World Series Gm 3 3rd Series Checklist
'65 AL Batting Ldrs '67 AL Batting Ldrs '67 AL RBI Ldrs '67 AL HR Ldrs ' 67 World Series Gm 3 3rd Series Checklist
1968 #369 1968 Game #3 1969 #1 1969 #130 1969 #425 1969 Deckle Edge 1969 Super 1970 #10 1970 #461 1970 Scratch Off 1970 Super #29 1971 #61
All Star '68 AL Batting Ldrs All-Star All-Star '70 AL Batting Ldrs
All Star '68 AL Batting Ldrs All-Star All-Star '70 AL Batting Ldrs
1971 #65 1971 #530 1971 Greatest Moments #40 1971 Super #49 1972 #37 1972 #38 1973 #245 1974 #280 1974 Deckle Edge #43 1975 #205 1975 #280
'70 AL HR Ldrs In Action Proof '67 MVP's
'
'70 AL HR Ldrs In Action Proof '67 MVP's
'
1976 #230 1977 #434 1977 #480 1977 Cloth Stickers 1978 #40 1979 #320 1980 #1 1980 #720 1981 #110 1982 #650 1982 #651
Turn Back Clock '67 '79 Highlights In Action
Turn Back Clock '67 '79 Highlights In Action
1983 #550 1983 #551 1984 #6
Super Veteran '83 Highlight
Super Veteran '83 Highlight
Please note that this is not a complete listing of Yastrzemski's Topps issues. Some cards, such as Yaz's 1975 Topps Mini #280 and 1984 Topps #6 Tiffany have identical fronts so I did not picture these cards. There are
also many more obscure issues such as Topps Venezuelan, O-Pee-Chee (Topps Canadian issue), Candy Lids, pin-ups, coins, stickers, etc., and many of these are quite rare. Collecting all of Yastrzemski's issues would be a
virtually impossible task; even completing all of the Topps issues would be a serious undertaking. However collecting all of Yaz's regular Topps issues is not difficult at all. Most of these are listed above as well as some extra
goodies for you. Keep in mind, these are TOPPS cards; Yastrzemski was also pictured on Donruss, Fleer, Post cereal, Jell-O, and many other issues.
also many more obscure issues such as Topps Venezuelan, O-Pee-Chee (Topps Canadian issue), Candy Lids, pin-ups, coins, stickers, etc., and many of these are quite rare. Collecting all of Yastrzemski's issues would be a
virtually impossible task; even completing all of the Topps issues would be a serious undertaking. However collecting all of Yaz's regular Topps issues is not difficult at all. Most of these are listed above as well as some extra
goodies for you. Keep in mind, these are TOPPS cards; Yastrzemski was also pictured on Donruss, Fleer, Post cereal, Jell-O, and many other issues.
1963 Fleer #8 Carl Yastrzemski 1963 Post Cereal #80 Carl Yastrzemski (Hand cut from cereal box)
Carl Yastrzemski had a solid rookie season in 1961, batting .266 with 155 hits, 31 doubles, 6 triples, 11 home runs, and 80 RBI's. The following season, Yaz upped his average 30 points to .296, with 191 hits, 43
doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR's, and 94 RBI's. In 1963 he became a full-fledged star, winning his first batting crown (.321). In 1965, Yaz led the American League in slugging percentage (.536) and doubles (45). He also
had his first 20 home run season. Yaz led the AL in doubles again in 1966 with 39. But Yaz was just getting started...
This 1963 Fleer #8 Carl Yastrzemski baseball card (above, left) is a beauty. Fleer issued a small set of cards in 1963 but was sued by Topps Chewing Gum, who at that time had a monopoly on the baseball card
market. I wonder if the card number (#8) was a coincidence. Regardless, it is just a terrific card! The 1963 Post Cereal #80 Carl Yastrzemski card (above, right) was hand cut from a cereal box in 1963.
doubles, 6 triples, 19 HR's, and 94 RBI's. In 1963 he became a full-fledged star, winning his first batting crown (.321). In 1965, Yaz led the American League in slugging percentage (.536) and doubles (45). He also
had his first 20 home run season. Yaz led the AL in doubles again in 1966 with 39. But Yaz was just getting started...
This 1963 Fleer #8 Carl Yastrzemski baseball card (above, left) is a beauty. Fleer issued a small set of cards in 1963 but was sued by Topps Chewing Gum, who at that time had a monopoly on the baseball card
market. I wonder if the card number (#8) was a coincidence. Regardless, it is just a terrific card! The 1963 Post Cereal #80 Carl Yastrzemski card (above, right) was hand cut from a cereal box in 1963.
August 21, 1967 Sports Illustrated featuring Carl Yastrzemski
1967 was the "Year of Yaz." Yastrzemski won baseball's Triple Crown in leading the Red Sox to the AL Pennant. Yaz led in batting (.326), slugging (.622), hits (189), HR's (44; tied with Harmon Killebrew), Runs (112), and
RBI's (121). In the 1967 World Series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, Yaz was even better. He batted .400 with 10 hits, 2 doubles, 3 home runs, and 5 RBI's. Unfortunately for Yaz and the Red Sox, the Cardinals beat them in 7
games. Yaz not only picked up the 1967 American League MVP Award, but also was voted by The Sporting News as A.L. AND Major League Player of the Year.
RBI's (121). In the 1967 World Series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, Yaz was even better. He batted .400 with 10 hits, 2 doubles, 3 home runs, and 5 RBI's. Unfortunately for Yaz and the Red Sox, the Cardinals beat them in 7
games. Yaz not only picked up the 1967 American League MVP Award, but also was voted by The Sporting News as A.L. AND Major League Player of the Year.
While Yaz did not post similar numbers in 1968, he did manage to win his 3rd batting title, batting .301. However it must be noted that 1968 was considered to be "The Year of the Pitcher" with guys like Denny McLain
winning 31 games and the Card's Bob Gibson posting a microscopic 1.12 ERA (both pitchers won both the Cy Young Award and MVP in their respective leagues that year). In fact Yaz was the only American League hitter to
post a .300 or better average. The above 1969 Topps #1 1968 AL Batting Leaders card depicts Yaz and fellow Batting Champ Tony Oliva, who like Yastrzemski won 3 Batting Crowns. To the right of that we have a
ticket stub to Carl Yastrzemski's 3,000th career hit game, Sept. 12, 1979 (note the price of the ticket: $5.75!).
winning 31 games and the Card's Bob Gibson posting a microscopic 1.12 ERA (both pitchers won both the Cy Young Award and MVP in their respective leagues that year). In fact Yaz was the only American League hitter to
post a .300 or better average. The above 1969 Topps #1 1968 AL Batting Leaders card depicts Yaz and fellow Batting Champ Tony Oliva, who like Yastrzemski won 3 Batting Crowns. To the right of that we have a
ticket stub to Carl Yastrzemski's 3,000th career hit game, Sept. 12, 1979 (note the price of the ticket: $5.75!).
| 1969 Topps #1 A.L. Batting Leaders (Yaz, Cater, Oliva) Sept. 12, 1979 Yaz 3,000th Career Hit Game ticket stub |
In 1969 Yaz's batting mark dropped to only .255, however he added his second 40 HR season along with 111 runs batted in. Yastrzemski, by this time was a fan favorite in the All-Star games and in the '69 contest he
robbed Johnny Bench of a second home run with a spectacular catch in left field. In 1970 he came back almost as strong as his 1967 campaign: .329 batting mark (lost the batting crown to Alex Johnson of Angels by a
fraction of a percent), .592 slugging (led A.L.), 186 hits, 29 doubles, 40 HR's, 125 runs scored (led league), 102 RBI's, and 128 bases on balls (career high). 1970 was also the year he actually played more games at
first base than in his regular left field position.
The above 1970 O-Pee-Chee #10 Carl Yastrzemski is similar to the regular 1970 Topps #10 Yastrzemski card; in fact the front is identical. However the back is entirely different. The O-Pee-Chee card features text in
both English and French and has "T.C.G. Printed In Canada" copyright (compared to the regular Topps card which features English text only and a "T.C.G. Printed in U.S.A" copyright). In 1970 & 1971 Topps inserted
special "Scratch Off" Game cards (above right) as inserts in wax packs. These were meant to be played with but you can still find nice copies out there and they are very inexpensive.
robbed Johnny Bench of a second home run with a spectacular catch in left field. In 1970 he came back almost as strong as his 1967 campaign: .329 batting mark (lost the batting crown to Alex Johnson of Angels by a
fraction of a percent), .592 slugging (led A.L.), 186 hits, 29 doubles, 40 HR's, 125 runs scored (led league), 102 RBI's, and 128 bases on balls (career high). 1970 was also the year he actually played more games at
first base than in his regular left field position.
The above 1970 O-Pee-Chee #10 Carl Yastrzemski is similar to the regular 1970 Topps #10 Yastrzemski card; in fact the front is identical. However the back is entirely different. The O-Pee-Chee card features text in
both English and French and has "T.C.G. Printed In Canada" copyright (compared to the regular Topps card which features English text only and a "T.C.G. Printed in U.S.A" copyright). In 1970 & 1971 Topps inserted
special "Scratch Off" Game cards (above right) as inserts in wax packs. These were meant to be played with but you can still find nice copies out there and they are very inexpensive.
1972 Topps #37 Carl Yastrzemski
1974 Topps Deckle Edge Proof #43 Carl Yastrzemski
Led by the youth movement of Fred Lynn (who was to win both A.L. MVP and Rookie Of The Year in 1975 with a .331 average, 21 HR's, 105 RBIs), slugger Jim Rice (.309, 22 HR's, 102 RBI's), Carlton Fisk (.331, 10
HR's, 52 RBI's in only 263 at-bats) and veteran Carl Yastrzemski (.269, 14 HR's, 60 RBI's and a .996 fielding avg. at first base), along with a strong pitching staff led by Luis Tiant (18-14), Bill Lee (17-9), and Rick
Wise (19-12), the Boston Red Sox won the A.L. East with a 95-65 record. They faced the mighty Oakland A's team, who had already won 3 consecutive World Championships from 1972-1974. While not having a "career"
year during the regular season, Yaz showed the Red Sox how to do it in the ALCS. He batted a robust .455 (led all hitters) going 5 for 11 with a double, HR, 2 RBIs and 4 runs in a 3 game sweep of the A's. In the final game,
Yaz had 2 hits plus made 2 defensive gems in LF to lead the Red Sox to the 1975 World Series vs. the "Big Red Machine." It was to be one of the great classic World Series of all time.
The 1974 Topps Deckle Edge cards were a test issue that received limited distribution in Massachusetts. They are much scarcer than the 1969 Topps Deckle Edge insert cards that were issued in regular Topps packs that year.
In 1974 the cards also were much larger (2-7/8" x 5" compared to the 2-1/4" x 3-1/4" 1969 cards). The Yastrzemski card (#43) lists for about $175 in ungraded NM condition. High graded examples sell for much more. The
above example is a "proof" card without the deckle edges. These are commonly found oversized with irregular cuts, probably hand cut from a sheet.
HR's, 52 RBI's in only 263 at-bats) and veteran Carl Yastrzemski (.269, 14 HR's, 60 RBI's and a .996 fielding avg. at first base), along with a strong pitching staff led by Luis Tiant (18-14), Bill Lee (17-9), and Rick
Wise (19-12), the Boston Red Sox won the A.L. East with a 95-65 record. They faced the mighty Oakland A's team, who had already won 3 consecutive World Championships from 1972-1974. While not having a "career"
year during the regular season, Yaz showed the Red Sox how to do it in the ALCS. He batted a robust .455 (led all hitters) going 5 for 11 with a double, HR, 2 RBIs and 4 runs in a 3 game sweep of the A's. In the final game,
Yaz had 2 hits plus made 2 defensive gems in LF to lead the Red Sox to the 1975 World Series vs. the "Big Red Machine." It was to be one of the great classic World Series of all time.
The 1974 Topps Deckle Edge cards were a test issue that received limited distribution in Massachusetts. They are much scarcer than the 1969 Topps Deckle Edge insert cards that were issued in regular Topps packs that year.
In 1974 the cards also were much larger (2-7/8" x 5" compared to the 2-1/4" x 3-1/4" 1969 cards). The Yastrzemski card (#43) lists for about $175 in ungraded NM condition. High graded examples sell for much more. The
above example is a "proof" card without the deckle edges. These are commonly found oversized with irregular cuts, probably hand cut from a sheet.
Carl Yastrzemski wire photo after Game #2 of the 1975 World Series 10/12/75
While the Red Sox lost to the Reds in 7 games, the 1975 World Series is still considered to be one of the best World Series ever. Five of the 7 games were won by one run. The Series is probably best remembered for an
amazing Game #6 which was eventually won by Carlton Fisk's dramatic 12th inning HR. However Yaz had a solid series, batting .310 with 9 hits, 7 runs and 4 RBI's. With the talent the Red Sox had, Yaz figured the Red Sox
would be in a few more World Series, but it was not to happen again for Carl Yastrzemski.
I love the photo of Yastrzemski in the above UPI wire photo. This photo was taken after Game 2 of the 1975 World Series. The Red Sox had just lost 3-2. The look on Yaz's face is priceless. It shows how much he cared about
winning. Throughout his entire career he wanted to bring a title to the Red Sox for owner Tom Yawkey.
amazing Game #6 which was eventually won by Carlton Fisk's dramatic 12th inning HR. However Yaz had a solid series, batting .310 with 9 hits, 7 runs and 4 RBI's. With the talent the Red Sox had, Yaz figured the Red Sox
would be in a few more World Series, but it was not to happen again for Carl Yastrzemski.
I love the photo of Yastrzemski in the above UPI wire photo. This photo was taken after Game 2 of the 1975 World Series. The Red Sox had just lost 3-2. The look on Yaz's face is priceless. It shows how much he cared about
winning. Throughout his entire career he wanted to bring a title to the Red Sox for owner Tom Yawkey.
Yaz and the Red Sox had several close calls after the 1975 World Series. In 1976, Yastrzemski reached the 20 home run mark again (21), had 102 RBI's, and a near-perfect .998 fielding mark at first base. However the Red
Sox finished in 3rd place in the American League, behind the pennant winning Yankees. The following year, 1977, saw another pennant race, with the Red Sox winning 97 games (97-64). But the Yankees won 100 games and the
pennant. 1978 was another great year for the Red Sox. Yaz contributed 17 HR's and 81 RBI's while batting .277. The Red Sox won 99 games during the regular season, but finished tied with the Yankees for first place. A one
game playoff was held on October 2, 1978 at Fenway Park. Red Sox fans, of course know this game as the historic "Bucky #$%$ing Dent" Game, as light hitting shortstop Bucky Dent (4 home runs in the regular season) hit a
3 run home run in 5-4 Yankee win. Yaz contributed a go ahead HR in the 2nd inning and a clutch RBI single in the bottom of the 8th in a losing cause. That was to be the closest the Red Sox would come again to another World
Series with Yastrzemski. 1980 was the turning point as the Red Sox made a colossal blunder in mailing contracts to key players Carlton Fisk and Fred Lynn. The Red Sox mailed their contracts late, essentially granting free
agency to both players. Fisk moved on to the Chicago White Sox, while Lynn accepted a trade to the California Angels. That Red Sox team was over.
Kellogg's began producing "3-D" baseball cards in 1970, but Yaz was not included in a Kelloggs set until 1975 (see above left). The 1980 Topps (or O-Pee-Chee) Carl Yastrzemski is also one of my favorite Yaz cards. It is also
very inexpensive as it was double-printed.
Sox finished in 3rd place in the American League, behind the pennant winning Yankees. The following year, 1977, saw another pennant race, with the Red Sox winning 97 games (97-64). But the Yankees won 100 games and the
pennant. 1978 was another great year for the Red Sox. Yaz contributed 17 HR's and 81 RBI's while batting .277. The Red Sox won 99 games during the regular season, but finished tied with the Yankees for first place. A one
game playoff was held on October 2, 1978 at Fenway Park. Red Sox fans, of course know this game as the historic "Bucky #$%$ing Dent" Game, as light hitting shortstop Bucky Dent (4 home runs in the regular season) hit a
3 run home run in 5-4 Yankee win. Yaz contributed a go ahead HR in the 2nd inning and a clutch RBI single in the bottom of the 8th in a losing cause. That was to be the closest the Red Sox would come again to another World
Series with Yastrzemski. 1980 was the turning point as the Red Sox made a colossal blunder in mailing contracts to key players Carlton Fisk and Fred Lynn. The Red Sox mailed their contracts late, essentially granting free
agency to both players. Fisk moved on to the Chicago White Sox, while Lynn accepted a trade to the California Angels. That Red Sox team was over.
Kellogg's began producing "3-D" baseball cards in 1970, but Yaz was not included in a Kelloggs set until 1975 (see above left). The 1980 Topps (or O-Pee-Chee) Carl Yastrzemski is also one of my favorite Yaz cards. It is also
very inexpensive as it was double-printed.
1975 Kellogg's #51 Carl Yastrzemski 1980 Topps #720 Carl Yastrzemski
Yastrzemski retired after the 1983 season. His durability (3308 games played; 2nd all-time when he retired), clutch hitting (3419 hits, .285 lifetime average, 3 Batting Titles), slugging (646 doubles, 452 home runs), runs batted in
(1844; 4th place all-time when he retired), fielding (7 Gold Gloves) and yearly All-Star selections made Yaz a cinch Hall Of Famer. He was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1989. This page is dedicated to Carl Yastrzemski,
to all the Red Sox fans who got to see him play, and to future baseball fans who never got to see #8 play.
The 1977 O-Pee-Chee #37 Carl Yastrzemski (above, left) pictured him at first base. O-Pee-Chee cards are tougher to acquire than the Topps cards as they were issued in Canada. Similar to the O-Pee-Chee and regular Topps
card is the 1977 Topps Cloth Stickers #53 (center). The Cloth Stickers began as a test issue in 1970 and continued in 1972 and 1977. The 1977 Topps Cloth Stickers are quite easy to find and inexpensive. The 1983 Topps
#550 Yastrzemski card (above, right) is Yaz's last Topps card . Fleer issued a regular card of Yaz in 1984, but I like this 1983 Topps card the best.
(1844; 4th place all-time when he retired), fielding (7 Gold Gloves) and yearly All-Star selections made Yaz a cinch Hall Of Famer. He was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1989. This page is dedicated to Carl Yastrzemski,
to all the Red Sox fans who got to see him play, and to future baseball fans who never got to see #8 play.
The 1977 O-Pee-Chee #37 Carl Yastrzemski (above, left) pictured him at first base. O-Pee-Chee cards are tougher to acquire than the Topps cards as they were issued in Canada. Similar to the O-Pee-Chee and regular Topps
card is the 1977 Topps Cloth Stickers #53 (center). The Cloth Stickers began as a test issue in 1970 and continued in 1972 and 1977. The 1977 Topps Cloth Stickers are quite easy to find and inexpensive. The 1983 Topps
#550 Yastrzemski card (above, right) is Yaz's last Topps card . Fleer issued a regular card of Yaz in 1984, but I like this 1983 Topps card the best.
We hope you enjoyed our Carl Yastrzemski Page! If you enjoyed this page, check out our other player pages including Jimmy Piersall, Tony Conigliaro, Fred Lynn and Roger Maris. We also
have a Red Sox Page which pays tribute to former Red Sox players who never got to win a World Series. For a list of all of our pages, click on the HOME link below and scroll down to the bottom
of the page. Thank you! Tim
have a Red Sox Page which pays tribute to former Red Sox players who never got to win a World Series. For a list of all of our pages, click on the HOME link below and scroll down to the bottom
of the page. Thank you! Tim
| 1972 Topps #38 Carl Yastrzemski In Action 1982 O-Pee-Chee #358 Carl Yastrzemski In Action |
1975 O-Pee-Chee #280 Carl Yastrzemski
1967 Venezuela Topps #193 Carl Yastrzemski (back view)
Due to injuries, Yaz's power numbers dropped dramatically from 1971 through 1975. The most HRs he hit in any of those seasons was 19 in 1973 (along with 95 RBI's). It should be noted that this was in different era. The
pitching was better, steroids were unknown at that time and if you hit around 20 home runs a season you were considered to be a "power" hitter. However Yastrzemski was the team leader and still very much clutch, and
the Red Sox placed second in their division in 1972, losing by one game to the Detroit Tigers. They finished second in the A.L. East again in 1973, but things were looking up. Already the Red Sox had a formidable young
catcher behind the plate, future Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, a steady Rico Petrocelli at third base, and future star Dwight Evans in right field. They also picked up starting pitcher Luis Tiant to complement their flaky
lefty, Bill "Spaceman" Lee. And in the Red Sox farm system were two rising stars, outfielders Fred Lynn and Jim Rice. 1975 was to be a special year for Yaz and the Red Sox.
pitching was better, steroids were unknown at that time and if you hit around 20 home runs a season you were considered to be a "power" hitter. However Yastrzemski was the team leader and still very much clutch, and
the Red Sox placed second in their division in 1972, losing by one game to the Detroit Tigers. They finished second in the A.L. East again in 1973, but things were looking up. Already the Red Sox had a formidable young
catcher behind the plate, future Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, a steady Rico Petrocelli at third base, and future star Dwight Evans in right field. They also picked up starting pitcher Luis Tiant to complement their flaky
lefty, Bill "Spaceman" Lee. And in the Red Sox farm system were two rising stars, outfielders Fred Lynn and Jim Rice. 1975 was to be a special year for Yaz and the Red Sox.
Oct. 11, 1967 AP Wire Photo (Yaz leaps for foul ball in '67 Fall Classic)
1969 Transogram Carl Yastrzemski (back view)
Before McFarlane and Starting Lineup sports action figures, there was Hartland Plastics and Transogram. Transogram issued small plastic baseball figures along with a baseball card printed on
the package. As you can imagine, most of these were opened up, boxes discarded and the toys eventually as well. I think they were "Made In China" so go figure. So finding unopened figures is
pretty rare today. Carl Yastrzemksi was not featured in the original Hartland line up but he was featured on Transogram in both 1969 and 1970.
the package. As you can imagine, most of these were opened up, boxes discarded and the toys eventually as well. I think they were "Made In China" so go figure. So finding unopened figures is
pretty rare today. Carl Yastrzemksi was not featured in the original Hartland line up but he was featured on Transogram in both 1969 and 1970.
1977 Venezuela Stickers #176 Carl Yastrzemski (back view)
Here is another tough Yastrzemski card. In 1977, these fragile stickers were issued in Venezuela. Intended to be pasted in provided albums, the surviving examples today usually show some evidence of having been pasted or
affixed to an album. The printing is fairly crude compared to Topps' regular cards and they also appear to be "miscut" with no top or bottom borders. Regardless, these are tough to find in any condition. The above 1977
Venezuela Stickers #176 Carl Yastrzemski is currently on eBay for about $100 (October 2009). However the absolute "Holy Grail" of Yaz cards would be the 1960 Venezuela Topps Carl Yastrzemski rookie card. Last
one I saw on eBay had a $1000 price tag and it was graded PSA 1 Poor-Fair (scroll down to the bottom of this page). Ouch!
affixed to an album. The printing is fairly crude compared to Topps' regular cards and they also appear to be "miscut" with no top or bottom borders. Regardless, these are tough to find in any condition. The above 1977
Venezuela Stickers #176 Carl Yastrzemski is currently on eBay for about $100 (October 2009). However the absolute "Holy Grail" of Yaz cards would be the 1960 Venezuela Topps Carl Yastrzemski rookie card. Last
one I saw on eBay had a $1000 price tag and it was graded PSA 1 Poor-Fair (scroll down to the bottom of this page). Ouch!
1967 Topps Red Sox Stickers #25 Carl Yastrzemski
In 1967, Topps tested two sticker series of both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. These stickers are quite scarce but are terrific collectibles. There are two different Yastrzemski stickers,
including this terrific example. Much scarcer than the regular Topps cards, these stickers fetch a significant premium especially in high grades.
including this terrific example. Much scarcer than the regular Topps cards, these stickers fetch a significant premium especially in high grades.
1973 Topps Comics Carl Yastrzemski
This 1973 Topps Comics is a super rare test issue that is on most "Advanced" Yastrzemski collectors want lists. I saw this Yaz comic on Bay (June 2010) as part of a complete set of 1973 Topps
Test Comics. Asking price...$32,500 or "Best Offer." Ouch. That will buy you a nice new car!
Test Comics. Asking price...$32,500 or "Best Offer." Ouch. That will buy you a nice new car!
The "Holy Grail" of Yastrzemski cards - 1960 Venezuela Topps #148 Carl Yastrzemski
As mentioned earlier, the Venezuela (or "Venezuelan") Topps cards are extremely rare. Especially in any decent grades. This 1960 Venezuela Topps #148 Carl Yastrzemski is the "Holy Grail" for Yastrzemski collector's.
You just don't see these around and I think PSA has only graded about 5 examples. This is one of them. They are identical to the regular Topps cards except for the inferior card stock and lack of gloss on the card front. Of
course a well handled regular Yaz rookie card might look like this so if you are unfamiliar with Venezuela Topps cards it might behoove you to buy an example graded by a reputable grading service (Currently PSA, SGC,
BGS, BVG). Especially considering the cost: this PSA PR-FR 1 example currently (June 1, 2010) has a price tage of $895 (eBay listing 200468615988, Seller ID: "red-zone"). A regular Topps Yaz rookie card in similar condition
might sell for about $25. Considering the grade on this card, it isn't too bad for a Venezuela Topps card. It appears intact with no paper missing. Usually on the backs you will see paper missing where the card was pasted in
an album (common practice in Venezuela as Topps even provided a "scrapbook" to past the cards into). Regardless, in ANY condition, this is a tough, tough card.
For those of you, like myself, who don't have the big bucks, a regular 1960 Topps #148 Carl Yastrzemski rookie card is still affordable. You can pick up a nice PSA, SGC, or BVG graded EX ("Excellent") example for
around $75. Even less for an ungraded example. Try to get a nicely centered one with minimal (or no) print defects. The 60 Topps Yaz is notorious for small black print "specs" on the front of the card, as well as centering
issues. But hey, if you get a bargain on one, who cares!
You just don't see these around and I think PSA has only graded about 5 examples. This is one of them. They are identical to the regular Topps cards except for the inferior card stock and lack of gloss on the card front. Of
course a well handled regular Yaz rookie card might look like this so if you are unfamiliar with Venezuela Topps cards it might behoove you to buy an example graded by a reputable grading service (Currently PSA, SGC,
BGS, BVG). Especially considering the cost: this PSA PR-FR 1 example currently (June 1, 2010) has a price tage of $895 (eBay listing 200468615988, Seller ID: "red-zone"). A regular Topps Yaz rookie card in similar condition
might sell for about $25. Considering the grade on this card, it isn't too bad for a Venezuela Topps card. It appears intact with no paper missing. Usually on the backs you will see paper missing where the card was pasted in
an album (common practice in Venezuela as Topps even provided a "scrapbook" to past the cards into). Regardless, in ANY condition, this is a tough, tough card.
For those of you, like myself, who don't have the big bucks, a regular 1960 Topps #148 Carl Yastrzemski rookie card is still affordable. You can pick up a nice PSA, SGC, or BVG graded EX ("Excellent") example for
around $75. Even less for an ungraded example. Try to get a nicely centered one with minimal (or no) print defects. The 60 Topps Yaz is notorious for small black print "specs" on the front of the card, as well as centering
issues. But hey, if you get a bargain on one, who cares!
1964 Topps Coins #26 Carl Yastrzemski 1964 Topps Coins #134 Carl Yastrzemski AS (Back view)
Other great Yaz collectibles include (and certainly not limited to) Salda Junkett Coins (1962-63), Coca Cola Bottle Caps (late 1960s) and these cool Topps Coins that were issued in both 1964 and 1971. There are an
abundance of Yastrzemski non-card issues during his playing career including Candy Lids, coins, marbles, high bouncing (and sometimes disappearing) rubber balls, posters, toy statues, and much more.
abundance of Yastrzemski non-card issues during his playing career including Candy Lids, coins, marbles, high bouncing (and sometimes disappearing) rubber balls, posters, toy statues, and much more.
Gallery of Carl Yastrzemski Photographs
(Click on image to enlarge)
(Click on image to enlarge)
While Topps did start producing actual game photography beginning with the 1971 Topps set (as opposed to "posed" action shots), they didn't start "In Action" cards until 1972. Several big name players (like Yaz) had a
regular card, plus a special "In Action" card immediately following. The "In Action" cards featured puzzle pieces of some major stars or Season Highlights. Topps did not incorporate "In Action" cards again until 1982,
exactly 10 years later. With cards today mostly featuring game action photography, there is really no need for special "In Action" cards. However these are great collectibles featuring some cool photographs (check out
Yaz swinging away on the above baseball cards). They are also very inexpensive. The 1972 Topps #38 Carl Yastrzemski In Action lists for about $15 in graded NM condition while the 1982 Topps (or O-Pee-Chee)
Yastrzemski In Action lists for much less. Both cards are very easy to find.
regular card, plus a special "In Action" card immediately following. The "In Action" cards featured puzzle pieces of some major stars or Season Highlights. Topps did not incorporate "In Action" cards again until 1982,
exactly 10 years later. With cards today mostly featuring game action photography, there is really no need for special "In Action" cards. However these are great collectibles featuring some cool photographs (check out
Yaz swinging away on the above baseball cards). They are also very inexpensive. The 1972 Topps #38 Carl Yastrzemski In Action lists for about $15 in graded NM condition while the 1982 Topps (or O-Pee-Chee)
Yastrzemski In Action lists for much less. Both cards are very easy to find.
1964 Bazooka #16 Carl Yastrzemski (Hand cut)
Bazooka cards were issued 3 per Bazooka Bubble Gum boxes. They were printed on the bottom of the boxes so they were susceptible to wear from the get go. Most are found hand cut from
the box as intended. Also common is the poor cutting on these by excited youngsters. So when you find a complete box (rare) or a high grade single cut nicely from the box (scarce) you have a
nice collectible. This 1964 Bazooka #16 Carl Yastrzemski was graded 96 MINT by SGC (PSA equivalent = PSA 9), which is about as good as it gets.
the box as intended. Also common is the poor cutting on these by excited youngsters. So when you find a complete box (rare) or a high grade single cut nicely from the box (scarce) you have a
nice collectible. This 1964 Bazooka #16 Carl Yastrzemski was graded 96 MINT by SGC (PSA equivalent = PSA 9), which is about as good as it gets.
| 1977 O-Pee-Chee #37 Carl Yastrzemski 1977 Cloth Stickers #53 Carl Yastrzemksi 1983 Topps #550 Carl Yastrzemski |
1967 Coca Cola All Stars Bottle Caps #17 Carl Yastrzemski
In 1967, Coca-Cola produced special "All-Stars" baseball bottle caps including Carl Yastrzemski, who was having the year of his life. As you can imagine, these bottle caps are quite
scarce. As you can imagine, most were tossed in the trash at some point (this was long before "recycling" came into vogue). When you do come across them they will usually display some sort of
wear on the cap; usually scratches and dents from removing the cap plus wear and tear if they survived this long. Hey, how many of you who have been around since 1967 are in PERFECT
CONDITION? (I thought so). Regardless a great and fairly inexpensive piece of Yaz memorabilia! "COKE... It's the REAL Thing!"
scarce. As you can imagine, most were tossed in the trash at some point (this was long before "recycling" came into vogue). When you do come across them they will usually display some sort of
wear on the cap; usually scratches and dents from removing the cap plus wear and tear if they survived this long. Hey, how many of you who have been around since 1967 are in PERFECT
CONDITION? (I thought so). Regardless a great and fairly inexpensive piece of Yaz memorabilia! "COKE... It's the REAL Thing!"
1971 Topps Greatest Moments #40 Carl Yastrzemski (Wins A.L. Triple Crown)
1962 Topps Baseball Bucks Carl Yastrzemski (Back view)
In 1962, Topps issued a set of "Baseball Bucks" that featured top baseball players of the day. They were issued in three denominations; $1 (Commons), $5 (Stars) and $10 (Super stars). As Yaz was just starting out, he was
included in the $1 group, while stars like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Willie Mays were issued in the $10 group. It kind of had to do with "who was the most popular players in 1961" and so of course you had Mays and
the "M & M Boys" Mantle & Maris. However if Topps would have produced a set of Baseball Bucks in 1967 or thereafter you better believe Yaz would have been in the "Super Star" group! These "bucks" are smaller than
regular bills, measuring 4-1/8" x 1-3/4." They all have a fold mark as issued. The Yaz Baseball Bucks lists for $40 in ungraded NM condition. Pretty good investment as if you had bought one of these in 1962 it would have
cost you exactly ONE PENNY!!!
Note: Topps also issued a set of "Football Bucks" in 1962 as well!
included in the $1 group, while stars like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Willie Mays were issued in the $10 group. It kind of had to do with "who was the most popular players in 1961" and so of course you had Mays and
the "M & M Boys" Mantle & Maris. However if Topps would have produced a set of Baseball Bucks in 1967 or thereafter you better believe Yaz would have been in the "Super Star" group! These "bucks" are smaller than
regular bills, measuring 4-1/8" x 1-3/4." They all have a fold mark as issued. The Yaz Baseball Bucks lists for $40 in ungraded NM condition. Pretty good investment as if you had bought one of these in 1962 it would have
cost you exactly ONE PENNY!!!
Note: Topps also issued a set of "Football Bucks" in 1962 as well!
| 1970 O-Pee-Chee #10 Carl Yastrzemski (Back view) 1970 Topps Scratch Off Game Carl Yastrzemski |
In 1971 Topps issued a special "Greatest Moments" set of cards. These are longer than standard size, and feature highlights of several current (at the time) Major League stars. Card number 40
features Carl Yastrzemski and highlights Yaz winning the Triple Crown in 1967. The back of the card has a mock newspaper write up. Like the regular 1971 Topps baseball cards, the 1971
Topps Greatest Moments cards have jet black borders which are extremely condition sensitive. As such, NM or better examples are fairly expensive. The above Yastrzemski Greatest
Moments card lists for $150 in ungraded NM condition.
features Carl Yastrzemski and highlights Yaz winning the Triple Crown in 1967. The back of the card has a mock newspaper write up. Like the regular 1971 Topps baseball cards, the 1971
Topps Greatest Moments cards have jet black borders which are extremely condition sensitive. As such, NM or better examples are fairly expensive. The above Yastrzemski Greatest
Moments card lists for $150 in ungraded NM condition.
1969 O-Pee-Chee #130 Carl Yastrzemski
Vintage O-Pee-Chee cards are a challenge to find compared to regular Topps cards, for the obvious reason that they were issued in Canada plus the fact that the O-Pee-Chee cards were printed in limited quantities compared
to Topps cards. The front of this 1969 O-Pee-Chee #130 Carl Yastrzemski (above left) is the same as his regular Topps card, but the backs feature a large "O-Pee-Chee" logo and a distinct color difference than the
Topps card. While 1969 Topps have kind of a light "pinkish-red" color, the O-Pee-Chee card backs are a darker "beet-red" color. The one thing both cards have in common (besides the card front) is that both are extremely
difficult in grades NM-MT or higher. The 1969 Topps Yaz card graded NM-MT by a reputable grading service (currently BVG, PSA, SGC) will easily sell for over $200. I imagine an O-Pee-Chee example would sell for even
higher. Regardless of whether the card is GEM MINT or in poor condition, any Yaz is a great card in my book!
The the right of the 1969 O-Pee-Chee Yaz card, we have an unused ticket to Yastrzemski's last game, October 2, 1983 at Fenway Park, Boston. Supposedly the owner of the ticket could not bear to see Yaz in his last
appearance as a player at Fenway; that makes for a good story for the eBay seller who is selling the ticket on eBay but I don't believe it. If you were a YAZ fan, Red Sox fan, etc., would you have gone to that game? I know
I would have. And check out the price for the ticket in the Reserved Section, $6.00. Oh to go back in time...
to Topps cards. The front of this 1969 O-Pee-Chee #130 Carl Yastrzemski (above left) is the same as his regular Topps card, but the backs feature a large "O-Pee-Chee" logo and a distinct color difference than the
Topps card. While 1969 Topps have kind of a light "pinkish-red" color, the O-Pee-Chee card backs are a darker "beet-red" color. The one thing both cards have in common (besides the card front) is that both are extremely
difficult in grades NM-MT or higher. The 1969 Topps Yaz card graded NM-MT by a reputable grading service (currently BVG, PSA, SGC) will easily sell for over $200. I imagine an O-Pee-Chee example would sell for even
higher. Regardless of whether the card is GEM MINT or in poor condition, any Yaz is a great card in my book!
The the right of the 1969 O-Pee-Chee Yaz card, we have an unused ticket to Yastrzemski's last game, October 2, 1983 at Fenway Park, Boston. Supposedly the owner of the ticket could not bear to see Yaz in his last
appearance as a player at Fenway; that makes for a good story for the eBay seller who is selling the ticket on eBay but I don't believe it. If you were a YAZ fan, Red Sox fan, etc., would you have gone to that game? I know
I would have. And check out the price for the ticket in the Reserved Section, $6.00. Oh to go back in time...
1975 Hostess #48 Carl Yastrzemski
Considered to be a "Food" or "Oddball" issue, Hostess began producing baseball cards on their dessert boxes and in individual treat packages as well. Cards were issued 3 per box, or 1 per single package. Like the
Bazooka, Jell-O and Post cereal cards, these cards were intended to be cut out into "singles."Some collectors (like myself) either cut the cards into singles or cut out the 3-card panels from the boxes (my dad worked for
Hostess and would bring home the boxes). They are somewhat hard to find, but there are complete boxes out there as well. This 1975 Hostess #48 Carl Yastrzemski is a nice example of Yaz's first Hostess card. Also
issued in smaller quantities are Hostess Twinkies cards. The difference is that the Twinkies cards have a thick black rectangular shaped line on the backs. Also the Twinkies cards were issued one per package and were
printed on the cardboard backing for the oily Twinkie. Which means grease stains are very common on the Hostess Twinkies cards. Expect to pay a premium for high grade Hostess Twinkies cards without grease stains.
Bazooka, Jell-O and Post cereal cards, these cards were intended to be cut out into "singles."Some collectors (like myself) either cut the cards into singles or cut out the 3-card panels from the boxes (my dad worked for
Hostess and would bring home the boxes). They are somewhat hard to find, but there are complete boxes out there as well. This 1975 Hostess #48 Carl Yastrzemski is a nice example of Yaz's first Hostess card. Also
issued in smaller quantities are Hostess Twinkies cards. The difference is that the Twinkies cards have a thick black rectangular shaped line on the backs. Also the Twinkies cards were issued one per package and were
printed on the cardboard backing for the oily Twinkie. Which means grease stains are very common on the Hostess Twinkies cards. Expect to pay a premium for high grade Hostess Twinkies cards without grease stains.
1963 Jell-O Gelatin Dessert Complete Box (Front view) (Back view with card No.80 Carl Yastrzemski)
Here is a tough card as originally issued. This 1963 #80 Jell-O Yastrzemski is scare to find, scarcer to find nicely cut, rare in high grade, even rarer uncut on the Jell-O box. The reason the Jell-O cards are tougher
than the Post Cereal is the simple fact that the Jell-O cards came with a single card on a small package. The card took up nearly the entire back of the box (see above). So not only did you have surface wear from handling,
but you also have the fact that there was not much room for error in cutting out the Jell-O cards. Then take into account the fact that excited kids were the one's holding the scissors and you begin to get the picture. Post
cereal cards on the other hand, were issued several per back panel and can be found in nice shape. Add to the fact that cereal would be more popular than Jell-O and the fact that a mom could get several cards on one
box of breakfast cereal for Junior, when a Jell-O package only included 1 card. While considered separate issues, I believe they were intended to be collected as one (200) card set. The reason I believe this is because the
cards are similar (except for a slightly narrower card for Jell-O and some other minor differences) plus there was an album produced to paste both "JELL-O AND POST" cards (as it states on the front cover). The Jell-O cards
from 1963 are much more difficult to acquire than the '63 Post cereal cards, and grades below "EX" are usually the norm.
than the Post Cereal is the simple fact that the Jell-O cards came with a single card on a small package. The card took up nearly the entire back of the box (see above). So not only did you have surface wear from handling,
but you also have the fact that there was not much room for error in cutting out the Jell-O cards. Then take into account the fact that excited kids were the one's holding the scissors and you begin to get the picture. Post
cereal cards on the other hand, were issued several per back panel and can be found in nice shape. Add to the fact that cereal would be more popular than Jell-O and the fact that a mom could get several cards on one
box of breakfast cereal for Junior, when a Jell-O package only included 1 card. While considered separate issues, I believe they were intended to be collected as one (200) card set. The reason I believe this is because the
cards are similar (except for a slightly narrower card for Jell-O and some other minor differences) plus there was an album produced to paste both "JELL-O AND POST" cards (as it states on the front cover). The Jell-O cards
from 1963 are much more difficult to acquire than the '63 Post cereal cards, and grades below "EX" are usually the norm.
1960's "Jimmy" Fund paper cup with Yaz & Ted Williams!!!
| 1960's Pin back Carl Yastrzemski |
Various Carl Yastrzemski cards and test issues; Clockwise from top left: 1965 Topps Transfer, 1973 Topps Candy Lids, 1975 Topps MINI #287, & 1982 O-Pee-Chee
#358 Yaz In Action. The 1965 Topps Tranfers were inserted in wax packs and are very scarce today. Same goes for the 1973 Candy Lids. The bottom two cards are not hard to find
but are great inexpensive Yaz collectibles. Note that the O-Pee-Chee card has a different card number than the regular Topps card and has printing in both English & French. The '75 Topps
Mini cards were a test issue; note the size compared to the standard size O-Pee-Chee card.
#358 Yaz In Action. The 1965 Topps Tranfers were inserted in wax packs and are very scarce today. Same goes for the 1973 Candy Lids. The bottom two cards are not hard to find
but are great inexpensive Yaz collectibles. Note that the O-Pee-Chee card has a different card number than the regular Topps card and has printing in both English & French. The '75 Topps
Mini cards were a test issue; note the size compared to the standard size O-Pee-Chee card.
1967 Topps #355 Carl Yastrzemski
If you want to pick up just one Carl Yastrzemski bubble gum picture card, this 1967 Topps #355 Yaz will do the trick. Number one, it is just a terrific looking card. Number two, it's from
the "Impossible Dream" Pennant Year and Yaz's best season. You can't go wrong with this card. It is also not terribly expensive; you can pick one up in mid-grade condition (like the above
example) for around $25.
the "Impossible Dream" Pennant Year and Yaz's best season. You can't go wrong with this card. It is also not terribly expensive; you can pick one up in mid-grade condition (like the above
example) for around $25.
1967 Topps Pin-Ups #5 Carl Yastrzemski
I am not sure which series this "pin-ups" were issued, but if bought packs of Topps baseball cards in 1967 you might have gotten this cool Yaz bonus. The Topps Pin Ups were issued
in wax packs and are basically small posters that were folded to fit in the packs. So fold marks are normal for these. The Pin-Ups are also very affordable which is a cool deal for Yaz
collectors!
in wax packs and are basically small posters that were folded to fit in the packs. So fold marks are normal for these. The Pin-Ups are also very affordable which is a cool deal for Yaz
collectors!
The 1968 Topps Plak issue were plastic "busts" that came with their own stands so you
could display them. As you can see from the photo to the left, these were issued sort of like
the plastic scale models you would do as a kid. You pull the pieces apart and glued them
together. This issue is very rare, so if even if you are an advanced Yaz collector, you may
not even have one. Yastrzemski is pictured to the far left. Harmon Killebrew is center and
Sandy Koufax to the right. Very difficult Topps Test Issue!
could display them. As you can see from the photo to the left, these were issued sort of like
the plastic scale models you would do as a kid. You pull the pieces apart and glued them
together. This issue is very rare, so if even if you are an advanced Yaz collector, you may
not even have one. Yastrzemski is pictured to the far left. Harmon Killebrew is center and
Sandy Koufax to the right. Very difficult Topps Test Issue!
1968 Topps Plak Carl Yastrzemski, Harmon Killebrew, Sandy Koufax (Rare test issue!)
1962 Topps #425 Carl Yastrzemski
******** Trivia Time! What is the most strikeouts Carl Yastrzemski ever had in a single season? Scroll down to the bottom of this page for answer.********
Trivia Time Answer: Yaz struck out 96 times in his rookie season (1961) which was his career high. Over his career, he averaged just 68 strikeouts per season (Yaz also averaged 90 Bases
on Balls per season!)
on Balls per season!)