The Gallery Page - Tim's Favorites
1982 O-Pee-Chee #250 Fred Lynn
1975 Topps Tim Pulcifer RC (Very Rare!)
You have found Nowbatting19's Gallery Page (Tim's Favorites!). These are some of my favorite all-time players and/or cards. Obviously Fred Lynn is my all-time hero,
so you will find quite a few cards on this site featuring him (see The Fred Lynn Page!). Enjoy! Tim
so you will find quite a few cards on this site featuring him (see The Fred Lynn Page!). Enjoy! Tim
Fred Lynn (#19) is my all-time favorite player. He could do it all; hit, run, and field. In his era, he was the
best centerfielder in baseball. Miracle diving catches and bone-jarring crashes into outfield walls; outfielders
today can thank Fred Lynn because now they have padded walls. His sweet left-handed swing was made for
Fenway Park. Lynn was the first player to win both the Most Valuable Player AND Rookie of the Year Award
in the same season (1975). Ichiro with Seattle also accomplished this feat but keep in mind Ichiro Suzuki was
no "rookie," having played several years as a star in Japan. Lynn batted .331, hit 47 doubles, 21 home
runs, and knocked in 105 runs. He also won the first of 4 Gold Glove awards for defensive excellence in
centerfield. Lynn was a yearly pick for the All-Star Game and hit the only Grand Slam Home Run in All-Star
Game history in 1983. This 1976 Topps #50 Fred Lynn (left) bubble gum card is his 2nd Topps card (his first
card is 1975 Topps #622 Rookie Outfielders). The 1991 Topps Desert Shield card (right) is very scarce,
having been issued to servicemen in Iraq during "Operation Desert Shield/ Storm."
best centerfielder in baseball. Miracle diving catches and bone-jarring crashes into outfield walls; outfielders
today can thank Fred Lynn because now they have padded walls. His sweet left-handed swing was made for
Fenway Park. Lynn was the first player to win both the Most Valuable Player AND Rookie of the Year Award
in the same season (1975). Ichiro with Seattle also accomplished this feat but keep in mind Ichiro Suzuki was
no "rookie," having played several years as a star in Japan. Lynn batted .331, hit 47 doubles, 21 home
runs, and knocked in 105 runs. He also won the first of 4 Gold Glove awards for defensive excellence in
centerfield. Lynn was a yearly pick for the All-Star Game and hit the only Grand Slam Home Run in All-Star
Game history in 1983. This 1976 Topps #50 Fred Lynn (left) bubble gum card is his 2nd Topps card (his first
card is 1975 Topps #622 Rookie Outfielders). The 1991 Topps Desert Shield card (right) is very scarce,
having been issued to servicemen in Iraq during "Operation Desert Shield/ Storm."
1976 Topps #50 Fred Lynn
1991 Topps Desert Shield Fred Lynn (scarce issue)
Roger Maris should be in the Hall of Fame. He won back-to-back MVP Awards while with the
Yankees including the record breaking 1961 season when he crashed 61 Home Runs. Keep in mind
this was in the pitcher dominant 1960's and performance enhancing drugs where unheard of. Maris
suffered a serious hand injury which limited his power, but he still managed to hit 275 HR's in only
12 seasons. In fact Maris would have AVERAGED 30 HR's and 94 RBI's per season over 162
games. That was no small potatoes in that era. It is also no small coincidence that Maris played on
7 pennant winners and was part of 3 World Championship teams during his career. He was also an
excellent right fielder winning a Gold Glove Award in 1960. Critics claim he had only a "few" good
seasons, but if you check out the records so did Dizzy Dean & Sandy Koufax and both of them are in
the Hall of Fame! The 1958 Topps #47 Roger Maris card (left) is considered his "rookie card." The
1962 Post Cereal #6 Roger Maris card (right) is a real bargain; not only does it show his historic 61
dingers (steroid free), but it is also cheap! You can get a really nice one for $25 or less! For more
Maris, check out our ROGER MARIS PAGE!
Yankees including the record breaking 1961 season when he crashed 61 Home Runs. Keep in mind
this was in the pitcher dominant 1960's and performance enhancing drugs where unheard of. Maris
suffered a serious hand injury which limited his power, but he still managed to hit 275 HR's in only
12 seasons. In fact Maris would have AVERAGED 30 HR's and 94 RBI's per season over 162
games. That was no small potatoes in that era. It is also no small coincidence that Maris played on
7 pennant winners and was part of 3 World Championship teams during his career. He was also an
excellent right fielder winning a Gold Glove Award in 1960. Critics claim he had only a "few" good
seasons, but if you check out the records so did Dizzy Dean & Sandy Koufax and both of them are in
the Hall of Fame! The 1958 Topps #47 Roger Maris card (left) is considered his "rookie card." The
1962 Post Cereal #6 Roger Maris card (right) is a real bargain; not only does it show his historic 61
dingers (steroid free), but it is also cheap! You can get a really nice one for $25 or less! For more
Maris, check out our ROGER MARIS PAGE!
1962 Post #6 Roger Maris AD version (from LIFE Magazine)
1958 Topps #47 Roger Maris RC
Rocky Colavito (left) is another player who should be in baseball's Hall of Fame. He was one of the most
feared sluggers in the game in the late 1950's to late 1960's. Colavito had more 100+ RBI seasons than
Mickey Mantle! He crushed 374 HR's (including 4 in a 9-inning game) and knocked in 1159 runs in only
14 big league seasons. Don't "knock the Rock." The Rock belongs in the Hall of Fame. The 1958 Topps
card (left) is his second baseball card.
Al Kaline (right) played his entire Major League career with the Detroit Tigers and pretty much had the
whole package. He could hit (lifetime .297, including an AL Batting Championship in 1955), hit for power
(lifetime 399 Home Runs), drive in runs (1583 RBIs), and field (10 Gold Gloves). Kaline never won an
MVP award but did finish in the top 5 in 5 different seasons! He also won a Word Championship with the
1968 Tiger team. He batted .379 in that series, with 11 hits, 2 doubles, 2 Home Runs, and 8 RBIs! A 15
time All-Star and a member of the 3,000 hit club, number 6 was quite a player!
feared sluggers in the game in the late 1950's to late 1960's. Colavito had more 100+ RBI seasons than
Mickey Mantle! He crushed 374 HR's (including 4 in a 9-inning game) and knocked in 1159 runs in only
14 big league seasons. Don't "knock the Rock." The Rock belongs in the Hall of Fame. The 1958 Topps
card (left) is his second baseball card.
Al Kaline (right) played his entire Major League career with the Detroit Tigers and pretty much had the
whole package. He could hit (lifetime .297, including an AL Batting Championship in 1955), hit for power
(lifetime 399 Home Runs), drive in runs (1583 RBIs), and field (10 Gold Gloves). Kaline never won an
MVP award but did finish in the top 5 in 5 different seasons! He also won a Word Championship with the
1968 Tiger team. He batted .379 in that series, with 11 hits, 2 doubles, 2 Home Runs, and 8 RBIs! A 15
time All-Star and a member of the 3,000 hit club, number 6 was quite a player!
1958 Topps #368 Rocky Colavito
1963 Topps #25 Al Kaline
TED WILLIAMS! You just can't say enough about "Teddy Ballgame." The word "Hero" gets thrown
around too much nowadays, but Ted Williams was a REAL American Hero! Not only was he one of
the greatest hitters the game has ever seen, but more importantly was his service to his country. Ted
Williams spent over 5 years of his prime serving in both World War l AND Korea. These were no
"cushion" jobs Williams had either. While some ballplayers during this time had office jobs or were
playing ball for the troops, Williams was serving as a Marine Fighter Pilot. The 1954 Bowman #66
Ted Williams card (left) is considered scarce as it was pulled early in production due to a contract
dispute with rival card company Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. The Williams card was replaced by #66b
Jim Piersall and remains one of the most sought after post-war cards among collectors. But probably
the TOUGHEST Ted Williams issue is the 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams. Last one I saw on ebay
(graded EX) went for well over $5,000. If you want to purchase a vintage Ted Williams card on a
budget, your best bests are his 1969-1972 Topps issues when he was a manager of the Washington
Senators/ Texas Rangers. These run from around $15-$20 each.
The guy who replaced Ted Williams in left field was no slouch either. Carl Yastrzemski is one of
my all-time favorites as not only could he hit but he was a great defensive outfielder, winning several
Gold Gloves throughout his career. He played the Green Monster at Fenway like a master and
Manny Ramirez (God bless him) is a great hitter but a far cry from Yastrzemski in left field. Another
thing I liked about Yaz was the fact that he, like Williams, played his entire career with one team!
Sadly, you just wont see that anymore. The 1962 Post Cereal #61 Carl Yastrzemski (right) was hand
cut from a cereal box back in 1962. For more Yaz, check out our YAZ PAGE!
around too much nowadays, but Ted Williams was a REAL American Hero! Not only was he one of
the greatest hitters the game has ever seen, but more importantly was his service to his country. Ted
Williams spent over 5 years of his prime serving in both World War l AND Korea. These were no
"cushion" jobs Williams had either. While some ballplayers during this time had office jobs or were
playing ball for the troops, Williams was serving as a Marine Fighter Pilot. The 1954 Bowman #66
Ted Williams card (left) is considered scarce as it was pulled early in production due to a contract
dispute with rival card company Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. The Williams card was replaced by #66b
Jim Piersall and remains one of the most sought after post-war cards among collectors. But probably
the TOUGHEST Ted Williams issue is the 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams. Last one I saw on ebay
(graded EX) went for well over $5,000. If you want to purchase a vintage Ted Williams card on a
budget, your best bests are his 1969-1972 Topps issues when he was a manager of the Washington
Senators/ Texas Rangers. These run from around $15-$20 each.
The guy who replaced Ted Williams in left field was no slouch either. Carl Yastrzemski is one of
my all-time favorites as not only could he hit but he was a great defensive outfielder, winning several
Gold Gloves throughout his career. He played the Green Monster at Fenway like a master and
Manny Ramirez (God bless him) is a great hitter but a far cry from Yastrzemski in left field. Another
thing I liked about Yaz was the fact that he, like Williams, played his entire career with one team!
Sadly, you just wont see that anymore. The 1962 Post Cereal #61 Carl Yastrzemski (right) was hand
cut from a cereal box back in 1962. For more Yaz, check out our YAZ PAGE!
1962 Post Cereal #61 Carl Yastrzemski (Hand cut from box)
1954 Bowman #66a Ted Williams
JIMMY PIERSALL! Speaking of Jim Piersall, well here he is! (See left) One of the most colorful and
entertaining players in baseball, both as a player and later as a "color" analyst with the Chicago White
Sox (with Harry Carry). Jimmy Piersall even had a movie based on his life called "FEAR STRIKES OUT,"
starring Anthony Perkins (of "PSYCHO" fame) as Piersall. Some highlights of Piersall's career include his
getting 6 hits in a game, having a nervous breakdown, getting accosted by two unruly fans in the
outfield and kicking their butts, running around the bases backwards after hitting his 100th career HR,
getting into fistfights with Billy Martin, and later as a color commentator calling White Sox players
"horny bitches" and the Sox owner's wife "a colossal bore" on the air (By the way, Piersall got fired after
that). You just gotta love Jimmy Piersall. For more on Piersall, check out our JIMMY PIERSALL PAGE!
Roberto Clemente (right) is a collector favorite. He was one of the All-Time Greats and could do it all:
Hit, Run, Catch and Throw. He had a certain style about him, certainly he was born to play baseball. A
member of the Pittsburgh Pirates his entire career, Clemente won numerous Batting Crowns & Gold Glove
Awards, was a yearly All-Star selection, and was part of 2 World Championship teams (1960 & 1971).
He was exciting to watch. Clemente of course, is in the Hall of Fame and had 3000 lifetime base hits.
However Clemente is one of my favorites because not only was he a special player but he was a special
human being as well. He was killed on December 31, 1972 when the plane he chartered to deliver
supplies to earthquake ravaged Nicaragua crashed into the sea.
entertaining players in baseball, both as a player and later as a "color" analyst with the Chicago White
Sox (with Harry Carry). Jimmy Piersall even had a movie based on his life called "FEAR STRIKES OUT,"
starring Anthony Perkins (of "PSYCHO" fame) as Piersall. Some highlights of Piersall's career include his
getting 6 hits in a game, having a nervous breakdown, getting accosted by two unruly fans in the
outfield and kicking their butts, running around the bases backwards after hitting his 100th career HR,
getting into fistfights with Billy Martin, and later as a color commentator calling White Sox players
"horny bitches" and the Sox owner's wife "a colossal bore" on the air (By the way, Piersall got fired after
that). You just gotta love Jimmy Piersall. For more on Piersall, check out our JIMMY PIERSALL PAGE!
Roberto Clemente (right) is a collector favorite. He was one of the All-Time Greats and could do it all:
Hit, Run, Catch and Throw. He had a certain style about him, certainly he was born to play baseball. A
member of the Pittsburgh Pirates his entire career, Clemente won numerous Batting Crowns & Gold Glove
Awards, was a yearly All-Star selection, and was part of 2 World Championship teams (1960 & 1971).
He was exciting to watch. Clemente of course, is in the Hall of Fame and had 3000 lifetime base hits.
However Clemente is one of my favorites because not only was he a special player but he was a special
human being as well. He was killed on December 31, 1972 when the plane he chartered to deliver
supplies to earthquake ravaged Nicaragua crashed into the sea.
1954 Bowman #66b Jimmy Piersall
1972 Topps #309 Roberto Clemente
This GIL HODGES card (left) is one of my favorites. It is his last card and much tougher than the regular
Topps card. It also mentions Hodges' tragic death on April 2, 1972. Long over due for Baseball's Hall of
Fame, Gil Hodges is probably the best player (besides Joe Jackson and Pete Rose) that is NOT enshrined.
For more players who should be in the Hall Of Fame check out Nobatting19's Hall Of Fame Page!
Besides baseball cards, I also enjoy collecting vintage boxing cards. This 1948 Leaf Knock-Out Gum #1
Jack Dempsey (right) is probably my favorite. Dempsey was a huge sports icon, probably about as
popular as Babe Ruth himself. Dempsey to me represents the tough blue-collar attributes of hard working
Americans who helped build this nation. This is not only a #1 card (which makes it more difficult to find in
top grades) but just a great card period. Another great boxing set is the 1951 Topps Ringside cards.
Check out our new Boxing Page!
Topps card. It also mentions Hodges' tragic death on April 2, 1972. Long over due for Baseball's Hall of
Fame, Gil Hodges is probably the best player (besides Joe Jackson and Pete Rose) that is NOT enshrined.
For more players who should be in the Hall Of Fame check out Nobatting19's Hall Of Fame Page!
Besides baseball cards, I also enjoy collecting vintage boxing cards. This 1948 Leaf Knock-Out Gum #1
Jack Dempsey (right) is probably my favorite. Dempsey was a huge sports icon, probably about as
popular as Babe Ruth himself. Dempsey to me represents the tough blue-collar attributes of hard working
Americans who helped build this nation. This is not only a #1 card (which makes it more difficult to find in
top grades) but just a great card period. Another great boxing set is the 1951 Topps Ringside cards.
Check out our new Boxing Page!
1948 Leaf Boxing #1 Jack Dempsey
1972 O-Pee-Chee #465 Gil Hodges MG
1967 Venezuela Topps #162 Sandy Koufax
If there was ever a perfect pitcher, you would have to go with Sandy Koufax in the 1960's. Cy Young
Awards, Most Valuable Player Award, ERA, Wins, Strikeouts, No Hitters, Perfect Game... Koufax did it all. I
was born in 1963 (the year he won both the NL Cy Young Award AND MVP Award) so I did not get to see
him pitch in person; however I have NEVER heard anyone say that he does not belong in Baseball's Hall Of
Fame (he was enshrined in 1972) and essentially he was voted into the Hall based on just 6 of his 12 big
league seasons. But were those 6 seasons (1961-1966) something! The 1967 Venezuela Topps #162 Sandy
Koufax card (left) is very rare. Most are found in low grades. However this is the last Koufax card issued by
Topps and is very desirable today. This low grade example sold for $2,950 on eBay recently (July 2007). For
more on Sandy Koufax, see our DODGERS PAGE!
Willie Mays (right) is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. He could hit, run, throw, and is
considered by most to be the greatest centerfielder ever. What I find amazing about Mays is that he spent
most of his career playing in Candlestick Park in San Francisco and STILL put up huge numbers. This is the first
Topps card to feature Willie in the #1 spot; Mays had won his second MVP award in 1965 so Topps chose to
honor Wilie by leading him off in their 1966 set. Tough card! By the way, you will see more than a few Willie
Mays card on this website. "Say Hey!!!"
Awards, Most Valuable Player Award, ERA, Wins, Strikeouts, No Hitters, Perfect Game... Koufax did it all. I
was born in 1963 (the year he won both the NL Cy Young Award AND MVP Award) so I did not get to see
him pitch in person; however I have NEVER heard anyone say that he does not belong in Baseball's Hall Of
Fame (he was enshrined in 1972) and essentially he was voted into the Hall based on just 6 of his 12 big
league seasons. But were those 6 seasons (1961-1966) something! The 1967 Venezuela Topps #162 Sandy
Koufax card (left) is very rare. Most are found in low grades. However this is the last Koufax card issued by
Topps and is very desirable today. This low grade example sold for $2,950 on eBay recently (July 2007). For
more on Sandy Koufax, see our DODGERS PAGE!
Willie Mays (right) is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. He could hit, run, throw, and is
considered by most to be the greatest centerfielder ever. What I find amazing about Mays is that he spent
most of his career playing in Candlestick Park in San Francisco and STILL put up huge numbers. This is the first
Topps card to feature Willie in the #1 spot; Mays had won his second MVP award in 1965 so Topps chose to
honor Wilie by leading him off in their 1966 set. Tough card! By the way, you will see more than a few Willie
Mays card on this website. "Say Hey!!!"
1966 Topps #1 Willie Mays
1965 Topps #350 Mickey Mantle 1977 O-Pee-Chee #137 Carlton Fisk
I never got to see Mickey Mantle (left) play; but I did love baseball and I used to read about the great
players. I learned how to switch hit because Mickey Mantle was a switch hitter. Mickey Mantle is a mythical,
iconic figure. Kind of like part Babe Ruth, part Achillies, part movie star all rolled up in one. It's too bad he
didn't take care of himself. The guy coulda been a Hall Of Famer! There are quite a few Mickey Mantle
baseball cards pictured throughout this site but be sure to check out our SLUGGER'S GALLERY for some terrific
cards of "The Mick."
My favorite catcher growing up was Carlton Fisk (right). He played the game the way it was supposed to
be played. Fisk played to win and if you had a problem with that, Fisk had a problem with YOU. Tough and
smart, Fisk was an all-star catcher who went on to become the all-time home run leader among catchers (since
broken). Of course everyone remembers the 1975 World Series Game 6 home run; but Fisk was much more
than that. For more Fisk as well as other catching greats like Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Johnny Bench and
more please see our CATCHERS PAGE!
players. I learned how to switch hit because Mickey Mantle was a switch hitter. Mickey Mantle is a mythical,
iconic figure. Kind of like part Babe Ruth, part Achillies, part movie star all rolled up in one. It's too bad he
didn't take care of himself. The guy coulda been a Hall Of Famer! There are quite a few Mickey Mantle
baseball cards pictured throughout this site but be sure to check out our SLUGGER'S GALLERY for some terrific
cards of "The Mick."
My favorite catcher growing up was Carlton Fisk (right). He played the game the way it was supposed to
be played. Fisk played to win and if you had a problem with that, Fisk had a problem with YOU. Tough and
smart, Fisk was an all-star catcher who went on to become the all-time home run leader among catchers (since
broken). Of course everyone remembers the 1975 World Series Game 6 home run; but Fisk was much more
than that. For more Fisk as well as other catching greats like Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Johnny Bench and
more please see our CATCHERS PAGE!
| 1971 O-Pee-Chee #513 Nolan Ryan 1948 Swell Sport Thrills #20 Rifle Arm! (Carl Furillo) SP |
During the 1970's it seemed that every time Nolan Ryan (left) pitched there was a good chance he could
throw a no-hitter. And 4 times during the 1970's he did just that (not to mention several 1-hitters). Ryan, of
course went on to throw a record 7 no-hitters in his career and pretty much has the all-time strikeout mark for
pitchers locked up (pitchers today don't pitch enough innings to allow them to catch Ryan). I remember as a
kid listening to the radio when Ryan pitched while with the Angels and one time I almost got to tape a
no-hitter (I would record the broadcast on a tape recorder) but I think it was Mitchell Page who broke it up. I
also had a cool Sports Illustrated poster of Ryan in my room (along with Fred Lynn and Pete Rose). I took my
son Maxwell to see Ryan's last game in Anaheim and even took pictures but like a dope I left my camera at
a park, never to be seen again...
Carl Furillo was one of the unheralded stars on a star-studded Brooklyn Dodgers team in the 1940's
through 1950's. He would average about 20 Home Runs a season, bat .300 and drive in 90 or so RBI's.
Not bad considering you had a lineup of Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Gil Hodges, and Roy Campanella.
Furillo had a "Rifle Arm" in right field and few runners took chances on him. Furillo won the NL batting crown
in 1953 (.344), and was part of two Dodgers World Championship Teams (1955, 1959). Carl Furillo finally
"hung 'em up" in 1960 with Los Angeles; he had played his entire career with the Dodgers. This 1948 Swell
Sport Thrills #20 "Rifle Arm!" features Carl Furillo and actually pre-dates his 1949 Bowman rookie card! One
of the great "Boys Of Summer!" We haven't forgotten you!
throw a no-hitter. And 4 times during the 1970's he did just that (not to mention several 1-hitters). Ryan, of
course went on to throw a record 7 no-hitters in his career and pretty much has the all-time strikeout mark for
pitchers locked up (pitchers today don't pitch enough innings to allow them to catch Ryan). I remember as a
kid listening to the radio when Ryan pitched while with the Angels and one time I almost got to tape a
no-hitter (I would record the broadcast on a tape recorder) but I think it was Mitchell Page who broke it up. I
also had a cool Sports Illustrated poster of Ryan in my room (along with Fred Lynn and Pete Rose). I took my
son Maxwell to see Ryan's last game in Anaheim and even took pictures but like a dope I left my camera at
a park, never to be seen again...
Carl Furillo was one of the unheralded stars on a star-studded Brooklyn Dodgers team in the 1940's
through 1950's. He would average about 20 Home Runs a season, bat .300 and drive in 90 or so RBI's.
Not bad considering you had a lineup of Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Gil Hodges, and Roy Campanella.
Furillo had a "Rifle Arm" in right field and few runners took chances on him. Furillo won the NL batting crown
in 1953 (.344), and was part of two Dodgers World Championship Teams (1955, 1959). Carl Furillo finally
"hung 'em up" in 1960 with Los Angeles; he had played his entire career with the Dodgers. This 1948 Swell
Sport Thrills #20 "Rifle Arm!" features Carl Furillo and actually pre-dates his 1949 Bowman rookie card! One
of the great "Boys Of Summer!" We haven't forgotten you!
1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider 1968 Topps #110 Hank Aaron
I never did get to see Duke Snider play (I was born in 1963, just about the time the Duke was hanging up his
spikes) but I love the Dodgers and of course if you are a Dodgers fan you have to know their history. The thing
about Duke Snider I like is that he signed several autographs for me in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium when I
was a kid. A real gracious fellow, Duke Snider. I also know that he was a California kid. So coming to Los
Angeles from Brooklyn must have been nice for him (though Duke's home run output went down playing in the
spacious L.A. Coliseum). Regardless the Duke is one of baseball's all-time greats! You would have to be to be
compared to the great Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays (all three were New York centerfielders during the 1950's).
This 1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider baseball card (left) is my favorite Snider card.
My first recollection of baseball cards was somewhere around 1968 when my dad brought home a Milton Bradley
game that included baseball cards, football cards and maybe some car cards? I remember specifically having a
1968 Topps Ed Mathews, Jim Davenport, Ed Brinkman and this very cool 1968 Topps #110 Hank Aaron
(why I remembered Davenport is beyond me but I think I remember Brinkman for his anemic batting average and
his long "giraffe" neck). I saved and collected more cards as I got older and eventually sold my first collection to
buy my first car in 1977 (a used '65 VW beetle). So this Hank Aaron card means a lot to me. For more on 1968
Topps Milton Bradley baseball cards (they are different than the regular Topps cards) see my Oddball Page
spikes) but I love the Dodgers and of course if you are a Dodgers fan you have to know their history. The thing
about Duke Snider I like is that he signed several autographs for me in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium when I
was a kid. A real gracious fellow, Duke Snider. I also know that he was a California kid. So coming to Los
Angeles from Brooklyn must have been nice for him (though Duke's home run output went down playing in the
spacious L.A. Coliseum). Regardless the Duke is one of baseball's all-time greats! You would have to be to be
compared to the great Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays (all three were New York centerfielders during the 1950's).
This 1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider baseball card (left) is my favorite Snider card.
My first recollection of baseball cards was somewhere around 1968 when my dad brought home a Milton Bradley
game that included baseball cards, football cards and maybe some car cards? I remember specifically having a
1968 Topps Ed Mathews, Jim Davenport, Ed Brinkman and this very cool 1968 Topps #110 Hank Aaron
(why I remembered Davenport is beyond me but I think I remember Brinkman for his anemic batting average and
his long "giraffe" neck). I saved and collected more cards as I got older and eventually sold my first collection to
buy my first car in 1977 (a used '65 VW beetle). So this Hank Aaron card means a lot to me. For more on 1968
Topps Milton Bradley baseball cards (they are different than the regular Topps cards) see my Oddball Page
1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson 1962 Topps Mars Attacks! #21 Prize Captive
Every collection has to have at least 1 card of Jackie Robinson. The first African American allowed to
play in the big leagues, Robinson set the standard for players even today. He played hard and off the field
you didn't hear about Robinson going to jail for carrying a gun or for having dog fights at his house. He
paved the way for players like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks,Larry Doby, Willie Mays, even today's superstars
like Ken Griffey Jr. What did he get in return? A helluva lot of abuse. I don't know if you have ever seen
pictures of Jackie Robinson after retirement but that guy aged in a hurry, prematurely even. He died on
October 24, 1972 and he was only 53 years old. This 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson (left) is my
personal favorite and it was included in the tough high number series.
I love to collect non-sportscards as well. Among my favorites are 1933 Indian Gum, 1936 Gum Inc.
"G-Men & Heroes of the Law," 1959 Fleer The 3 Stooges, and the 1962 Bubble Inc. (Topps Chewing
Gum) Mars Attacks! cards. Tim Burton made the motion picture "Mars Attacks!" based on the popular
with kids (but not adults) trading cards. For more on Non-Sports related cards, see our NON-SPORTS
PAGE!
play in the big leagues, Robinson set the standard for players even today. He played hard and off the field
you didn't hear about Robinson going to jail for carrying a gun or for having dog fights at his house. He
paved the way for players like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks,Larry Doby, Willie Mays, even today's superstars
like Ken Griffey Jr. What did he get in return? A helluva lot of abuse. I don't know if you have ever seen
pictures of Jackie Robinson after retirement but that guy aged in a hurry, prematurely even. He died on
October 24, 1972 and he was only 53 years old. This 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson (left) is my
personal favorite and it was included in the tough high number series.
I love to collect non-sportscards as well. Among my favorites are 1933 Indian Gum, 1936 Gum Inc.
"G-Men & Heroes of the Law," 1959 Fleer The 3 Stooges, and the 1962 Bubble Inc. (Topps Chewing
Gum) Mars Attacks! cards. Tim Burton made the motion picture "Mars Attacks!" based on the popular
with kids (but not adults) trading cards. For more on Non-Sports related cards, see our NON-SPORTS
PAGE!
1962 Topps #1 Johnny Unitas 1962 Post Cereal #124 Joey Jay (Blue line variation; Rare!)
Johnny Unitas was the first football player I remember. He was the "greatest quarterback
ever" at the time. I remember having some sort of "Johnny Unitas Football Game" back in the
1960's. Unitas was famous for his passing, crew cut, and black high tops. He played in one
of the most memorable football contests of all time, the 1959 Championship Game vs. the
New York Giants (Colts won) and when he retired in 1973 he had set just about every
passing record imaginable. This is my favorite Johhny U card from the 1962 Topps set.
Topps thought highly of Unitas as well; he was featured as the number 1 card in several
Topps' football sets.
Variation and error cards are very fun issues to collect. There are numerous examples of
errors and variations going back to the beginning of baseball cards. My personal favorite is
this 1962 Post Cereal #124 Joey Jay (with blue lines around stats; the correct version
has red lines around stats area). It was the hardest card for me to find to complete my set.
Post also issued "blue line" variations on both Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax's cards
as well but for me the Joey Jay was the toughest one to get.
ever" at the time. I remember having some sort of "Johnny Unitas Football Game" back in the
1960's. Unitas was famous for his passing, crew cut, and black high tops. He played in one
of the most memorable football contests of all time, the 1959 Championship Game vs. the
New York Giants (Colts won) and when he retired in 1973 he had set just about every
passing record imaginable. This is my favorite Johhny U card from the 1962 Topps set.
Topps thought highly of Unitas as well; he was featured as the number 1 card in several
Topps' football sets.
Variation and error cards are very fun issues to collect. There are numerous examples of
errors and variations going back to the beginning of baseball cards. My personal favorite is
this 1962 Post Cereal #124 Joey Jay (with blue lines around stats; the correct version
has red lines around stats area). It was the hardest card for me to find to complete my set.
Post also issued "blue line" variations on both Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax's cards
as well but for me the Joey Jay was the toughest one to get.
1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench 1964 Topps #550 Ken Hubbs (In Memoriam)
Johnny Bench, to me, is the greatest catcher of all time. He revolutionized the catcher position, hit for
power and was a leader behind the plate and in the dugout. While Carlton Fisk is my personal favorite,
Johnny Bench was even better and I enjoyed watching him play. Bench was instrumental in getting the
Cincinnati Reds World Championships in 1975 and 1976. Like Yogi Berra and Roy Campanella, Bench
also won two Most Valuable Player Awards (1970 and 1972). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall
of Fame in 1989. This 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench (left) card is my favorite and is almost as
expensive as his 1968 Topps #247 rookie card! (Bench's 1970 card was included in the scarce high
number series)
There is something about tragic figures that appeals to me. Guys like Herb Score, Tony Conigliaro, Ken
Hubbs, Don Wilson, Thurman Munson, Lyman Bostock... Some were injured playing the game, some
like Hubbs, Munson, Wilson, and Bostock died tragically and you have to wonder if they would have
been Hall of Fame players (Munson should already be in the Hall of Fame and it's a real shame he isn't).
Roberto Clemente died tragically as well but he was also at the end of his career and was a sure Hall of
Famer. Some of these other players you have to wonder... "what if..." Ken Hubbs has only 3 cards
(technically 4 as Topps mistakenly used his picture on a 1966 Dick Ellsworth card) as he was tragically
killed in a plane crash in 1963. Topps produced a special "In Memoriam" card of Ken Hubbs in their
1964 set (see right). It was a class move by Topps. I don't collect newer cards, but I don't think it's been
done since (though Topps has produced "Commemorative" issues like the 1996 Topps Mickey Mantle
Commemorative cards after his death in 1995).
power and was a leader behind the plate and in the dugout. While Carlton Fisk is my personal favorite,
Johnny Bench was even better and I enjoyed watching him play. Bench was instrumental in getting the
Cincinnati Reds World Championships in 1975 and 1976. Like Yogi Berra and Roy Campanella, Bench
also won two Most Valuable Player Awards (1970 and 1972). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall
of Fame in 1989. This 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench (left) card is my favorite and is almost as
expensive as his 1968 Topps #247 rookie card! (Bench's 1970 card was included in the scarce high
number series)
There is something about tragic figures that appeals to me. Guys like Herb Score, Tony Conigliaro, Ken
Hubbs, Don Wilson, Thurman Munson, Lyman Bostock... Some were injured playing the game, some
like Hubbs, Munson, Wilson, and Bostock died tragically and you have to wonder if they would have
been Hall of Fame players (Munson should already be in the Hall of Fame and it's a real shame he isn't).
Roberto Clemente died tragically as well but he was also at the end of his career and was a sure Hall of
Famer. Some of these other players you have to wonder... "what if..." Ken Hubbs has only 3 cards
(technically 4 as Topps mistakenly used his picture on a 1966 Dick Ellsworth card) as he was tragically
killed in a plane crash in 1963. Topps produced a special "In Memoriam" card of Ken Hubbs in their
1964 set (see right). It was a class move by Topps. I don't collect newer cards, but I don't think it's been
done since (though Topps has produced "Commemorative" issues like the 1996 Topps Mickey Mantle
Commemorative cards after his death in 1995).
1970 Topps #630 Ernie Banks 1964 Venezuela Topps #247 Red Sox Rookie Stars
(Tony Conigliaro RC)
(Tony Conigliaro RC)
This 1970 Topps #630 Ernie Banks card (left) is my personal favorite. Look at the smile. He was 37 years
old in 1970 and one year away from retirement. Is it any wonder Ernie Banks is famous for the quote "Let's
Play Two!" For more on Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs check out our new Cubs Page!
While many are content to collect regular Topps cards, some collectors prefer to collect scarce, regional and
test issues. Such collectors are sometimes called "Advanced Collectors" and while I don't agree with the term
("Advanced" collectors is another term for guys who have more money than they don't know to do with and so
will pay ridiculous amounts for these types of cards) I do enjoy collecting regional issues like the Bell Brand
Dodgers cards, and also these scarce Venezuela Topps cards that were issued in 1959-1960, 1962,
1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968 (see the 1964 Venezuela Topps #247 Red Sox Rookie Stars card,
right). These cards are very similar to the regular Topps cards but were printed on different card stock and
some are even printed "en espanol." There are differences in each year but the fact remains that these cards
were printed in very limited quantities (compared to regular Topps cards in the States) and low grades are the
norm for the Venezuela Topps cards. These cards were intended to be pasted in albums or scrapbooks and
most Venezuela Topps cards you find show evidence of this. Expect to pay premiums for mid to high grades,
especially Hall of Famers and stars. For more on Venezuela Topps and other scarce cards see our Oddball
Page!
old in 1970 and one year away from retirement. Is it any wonder Ernie Banks is famous for the quote "Let's
Play Two!" For more on Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs check out our new Cubs Page!
While many are content to collect regular Topps cards, some collectors prefer to collect scarce, regional and
test issues. Such collectors are sometimes called "Advanced Collectors" and while I don't agree with the term
("Advanced" collectors is another term for guys who have more money than they don't know to do with and so
will pay ridiculous amounts for these types of cards) I do enjoy collecting regional issues like the Bell Brand
Dodgers cards, and also these scarce Venezuela Topps cards that were issued in 1959-1960, 1962,
1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968 (see the 1964 Venezuela Topps #247 Red Sox Rookie Stars card,
right). These cards are very similar to the regular Topps cards but were printed on different card stock and
some are even printed "en espanol." There are differences in each year but the fact remains that these cards
were printed in very limited quantities (compared to regular Topps cards in the States) and low grades are the
norm for the Venezuela Topps cards. These cards were intended to be pasted in albums or scrapbooks and
most Venezuela Topps cards you find show evidence of this. Expect to pay premiums for mid to high grades,
especially Hall of Famers and stars. For more on Venezuela Topps and other scarce cards see our Oddball
Page!
| Carl Yastrzemski (left), unidentified Red Sox fielder (Rick Burleson?, center), and Fred Lynn (right) |
1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle
I know that the T206 Honus Wagner and 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle baseball cards get all the accolades, but to me, maybe the best baseball card of all-time as far as what sums up a baseball card is this
1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle. Let's just start with the player, Mickey Mantle. What better baseball name is there than Mickey Mantle? Mantle is perhaps the most beloved baseball hero,
certainly among baseball fans and collectors. And while most cards produced in the 1950's up through 1980 were TOPPS cards, the rival 1953 Bowman Color baseball cards, in my humble opinion, are the best
looking cards EVER! And while the terrific 1952 Topps set is considered the beginning of the "modern" baseball picture cards, the fact is Topps used "colorized" black & white images on their cards. Bowman came
up with something different in 1953; they used Kodachrome color photography on their cards that year. Looking at these 1953 Bowman Color cards, you really see what players looked like back in the 1950's,
baseball's "Golden Age." Most of the time you associate 1950's baseball with black & white photography as back then TV's were still mostly black & white, photography mostly black & white, and certainly if you
were not born back then you tend to see the past as in "black & white." Look at the picture! What more can you ask for? Mickey Mantle swinging away at Yankee Stadium, blue sky and all. THIS is a baseball card
and one of the best ever!
1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle. Let's just start with the player, Mickey Mantle. What better baseball name is there than Mickey Mantle? Mantle is perhaps the most beloved baseball hero,
certainly among baseball fans and collectors. And while most cards produced in the 1950's up through 1980 were TOPPS cards, the rival 1953 Bowman Color baseball cards, in my humble opinion, are the best
looking cards EVER! And while the terrific 1952 Topps set is considered the beginning of the "modern" baseball picture cards, the fact is Topps used "colorized" black & white images on their cards. Bowman came
up with something different in 1953; they used Kodachrome color photography on their cards that year. Looking at these 1953 Bowman Color cards, you really see what players looked like back in the 1950's,
baseball's "Golden Age." Most of the time you associate 1950's baseball with black & white photography as back then TV's were still mostly black & white, photography mostly black & white, and certainly if you
were not born back then you tend to see the past as in "black & white." Look at the picture! What more can you ask for? Mickey Mantle swinging away at Yankee Stadium, blue sky and all. THIS is a baseball card
and one of the best ever!