| About Nowbatting19 Sports Cards (& More!)... |
1975 Topps Tim Pulcifer Fred Lynn RC (Rare!)
1951 Topps Ringside Ray Robinson
| About Us |
We started this website out of love. Love of cards and collecting. I chose the name "Nowbatting 19" after my favorite player, Fred Lynn, who wore #19 for the Boston Red Sox. I have been collecting cards since around 1970. I was 7
years old. The Vietnam War was going on, the Civil Rights movement was in full-swing, people were getting it on (freely) and I was oblivious to all. I was into baseball and baseball cards. How did I get started? My dad brought
home a Milton Bradley board game called "Win A Card." In the game was Topps trading cards including baseball, football and I think there was some car trading cards as well. I went to my first card show in the mid 1970's and
with $50 I bought a 1955 Topps #2 Ted Williams, 1955 Bowman Ed Mathews, and a couple other cards. I would also buy from trading publications like the "Trader Speaks," "Sports Collector's Digest" and advertisements in the
local Recycler Classified Ads. Back then there was no eBay or card shops; you had to either go to a card show or buy via mail order companies. I sold my first collection in 1979 to buy my first car (a 1965 Volkswagen Bug that I
was to later roll on the Glendale Freeway). I got back into collecting; put the cards away in my grandmother's closet and joined the Army. Three years later I got out and wouldn't you know my grandmother did not throw my cards
out! So I have been collecting since. Now the mess in Iraq, Afghanistan, and God knows where else is going on and I am not so oblivious anymore. Though I would sure like to be. So we created this site to bring you back to your
childhood memories; a beat-up leather glove, a ball cap, and soft grass under your feat. When you played baseball, all other things were forgotten...
Fred has been collecting cards since he was kid in the 1950's. Unfortunately Fred was not 7 years old during the Vietnam conflict, so he went over there and served proudly. Fred and I met on the old Prodigy Baseball Cards Bulletin
Boards. We met a lot of cool people on there including Gino Oliveri (Hey Gino! Where are you!) and Peter Eilenberg (PK Cards). Fred and I have been pals ever since even though he lives in Denver and I live in California. We
sincerely hope you enjoy this site!
If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to email us. Thank you for visiting! Tim Pulcifer & Fred Mauro
years old. The Vietnam War was going on, the Civil Rights movement was in full-swing, people were getting it on (freely) and I was oblivious to all. I was into baseball and baseball cards. How did I get started? My dad brought
home a Milton Bradley board game called "Win A Card." In the game was Topps trading cards including baseball, football and I think there was some car trading cards as well. I went to my first card show in the mid 1970's and
with $50 I bought a 1955 Topps #2 Ted Williams, 1955 Bowman Ed Mathews, and a couple other cards. I would also buy from trading publications like the "Trader Speaks," "Sports Collector's Digest" and advertisements in the
local Recycler Classified Ads. Back then there was no eBay or card shops; you had to either go to a card show or buy via mail order companies. I sold my first collection in 1979 to buy my first car (a 1965 Volkswagen Bug that I
was to later roll on the Glendale Freeway). I got back into collecting; put the cards away in my grandmother's closet and joined the Army. Three years later I got out and wouldn't you know my grandmother did not throw my cards
out! So I have been collecting since. Now the mess in Iraq, Afghanistan, and God knows where else is going on and I am not so oblivious anymore. Though I would sure like to be. So we created this site to bring you back to your
childhood memories; a beat-up leather glove, a ball cap, and soft grass under your feat. When you played baseball, all other things were forgotten...
Fred has been collecting cards since he was kid in the 1950's. Unfortunately Fred was not 7 years old during the Vietnam conflict, so he went over there and served proudly. Fred and I met on the old Prodigy Baseball Cards Bulletin
Boards. We met a lot of cool people on there including Gino Oliveri (Hey Gino! Where are you!) and Peter Eilenberg (PK Cards). Fred and I have been pals ever since even though he lives in Denver and I live in California. We
sincerely hope you enjoy this site!
If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to email us. Thank you for visiting! Tim Pulcifer & Fred Mauro
1956 Adventure Gum Audie Murphy
| Our 2 Cents |
Our feelings on collecting cards is that YOU SHOULD COLLECT WHAT YOU WANT! Don't listen to someone telling YOU what YOU
should collect! Some hobby periodicals make you feel like your cards are worthless and that only the highest graded cards should be
acquired. This is HORSE$^#$! If you have lots of dough to spend and that's what you want to do then feel free to spend like there is no
tomorrow. If you don't have that kind of dough (like us) then just buy what you can afford and enjoy. I like the saying by Max Keddy (Max
K's Cards); "I never met a card I didn't like." So enjoy them! Remember, you can't take 'em with you!
AUDIE MURPHY (above) was one of the most decorated soldiers in WWll, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor and a
battlefield commission to Officer for his heroics in combat. He was to gain fame later as an actor, even playing himself in the move "To
Hell And Back." Audie Murphy died tragically in a plane crash in 1971. The above card of Murphy was produced by Gum Products
"Adventure" series in 1956 and depicts Murphy's heroics in WWII.
should collect! Some hobby periodicals make you feel like your cards are worthless and that only the highest graded cards should be
acquired. This is HORSE$^#$! If you have lots of dough to spend and that's what you want to do then feel free to spend like there is no
tomorrow. If you don't have that kind of dough (like us) then just buy what you can afford and enjoy. I like the saying by Max Keddy (Max
K's Cards); "I never met a card I didn't like." So enjoy them! Remember, you can't take 'em with you!
AUDIE MURPHY (above) was one of the most decorated soldiers in WWll, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor and a
battlefield commission to Officer for his heroics in combat. He was to gain fame later as an actor, even playing himself in the move "To
Hell And Back." Audie Murphy died tragically in a plane crash in 1971. The above card of Murphy was produced by Gum Products
"Adventure" series in 1956 and depicts Murphy's heroics in WWII.
1957 Topps Hit Stars #71 James Dean
Graded cards. If you haven't already, check out our "We Grade Them! Page" where we grade the grading services. While there is a definite need for such third-party services, keep in mind
that in most cases the only graded cards that sell for premiums are HIGH graded cards (such as NM/MT and above for vintage cards), or cards that are rare or desirable. Keep that in mind
when sending in your cards to these companies. Also beware of grading services that are not reputable; there are several out there who are in for their "piece of the pie" (well, they ALL are!!!)
but these companies do you a disservice by OVERGRADING your cards. You can find these graded cards all day long on ebay and they usually sell at much lower prices than the big 3 (PSA,
SGC, Becketts) so be aware of this.
In 1957 Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. not only issued cards of baseball, football, and basketball players, but a series called "Hit Stars." These cards featured big names in both music and
entertainment like Elvis, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean (above), who was tragically killed in a car crash just 2 years earlier. There are actually four different James Dean cards in the
series; here is one of them. The 1957 Topps Hit Stars #71 card above pictures Dean from his last picture, "GIANT."
that in most cases the only graded cards that sell for premiums are HIGH graded cards (such as NM/MT and above for vintage cards), or cards that are rare or desirable. Keep that in mind
when sending in your cards to these companies. Also beware of grading services that are not reputable; there are several out there who are in for their "piece of the pie" (well, they ALL are!!!)
but these companies do you a disservice by OVERGRADING your cards. You can find these graded cards all day long on ebay and they usually sell at much lower prices than the big 3 (PSA,
SGC, Becketts) so be aware of this.
In 1957 Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. not only issued cards of baseball, football, and basketball players, but a series called "Hit Stars." These cards featured big names in both music and
entertainment like Elvis, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean (above), who was tragically killed in a car crash just 2 years earlier. There are actually four different James Dean cards in the
series; here is one of them. The 1957 Topps Hit Stars #71 card above pictures Dean from his last picture, "GIANT."
1936 Gum Inc. G-Men & Heroes Of The Law #151 "Death
Among The Gravestones"
Among The Gravestones"
1936 Gum Inc. G-Men & Heroes Of The Law #10
(John Dillinger)
(John Dillinger)
Among my favorite non-sports cards are these "G-Men & Heroes of the Law" cards issued by Gum, Inc. in 1936. These cards feature some notorious gangsters like "Machine
Gun Kelly," "Pretty Boy Floyd," and Public Enemy #1 John Dillinger (above left). Really cool looking cards and great write-ups on the backs. Very fun issue to collect. For
more non-sports cards see our Non Sports Card Page!
Gun Kelly," "Pretty Boy Floyd," and Public Enemy #1 John Dillinger (above left). Really cool looking cards and great write-ups on the backs. Very fun issue to collect. For
more non-sports cards see our Non Sports Card Page!
1911 T206 White Border Honus Wagner
1935 Wheaties (Series 1) Lou Gehrig (cut from cereal box)
Lou Gehrig baseball cards are very expensive. Among his most desirable among main-stream issues are the 1933 & 1934 Goudey cards. However these are very expensive even in low grades. An
affordable example, and a good one at that, is this 1935 Gehrig issued on Wheaties cereal boxes (above left). In EX condition it lists at $235 in the 2006 SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards.
Compare that to the same condition Goudey cards which will run you over a thousand dollars for an EX Gehrig. Get more Gehrig for your hard earned bucks!
Speaking of big bucks, this 1911 T206 Honus Wagner (above right) is considered to be the HOLY GRAIL of baseball cards. Only about 50 specimens are known to exist. That coupled with the
fact that Wagner is a first tier Hall of Famer and the fact that the T206 set is considered THE classic tobacco set is the reason this card lists for $90,000 in POOR condition! Ouch. By the way, I
don't have one and probably never will, but it's nice to see what a T206 Wagner looks like! Enjoy!
affordable example, and a good one at that, is this 1935 Gehrig issued on Wheaties cereal boxes (above left). In EX condition it lists at $235 in the 2006 SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards.
Compare that to the same condition Goudey cards which will run you over a thousand dollars for an EX Gehrig. Get more Gehrig for your hard earned bucks!
Speaking of big bucks, this 1911 T206 Honus Wagner (above right) is considered to be the HOLY GRAIL of baseball cards. Only about 50 specimens are known to exist. That coupled with the
fact that Wagner is a first tier Hall of Famer and the fact that the T206 set is considered THE classic tobacco set is the reason this card lists for $90,000 in POOR condition! Ouch. By the way, I
don't have one and probably never will, but it's nice to see what a T206 Wagner looks like! Enjoy!
1911 T205 Gold Border Christy Mathewson
Another classic early baseball card issue is the 1911 T205 Gold Border cards, so named for their gold leaf borders. As you might expect from an early baseball card that was inserted in a
pack of tobacco nearly 100 years ago, these cards are very difficult to find in high grade. Regardless of condition, any baseball card fan should have an early tobacco card in their collection.
Not only is it historical, but also a piece of Americana (after all, baseball IS the National Pastime!). It is also an example of where baseball cards came from and a must have for any collection!
Who was Christy Mathewson? Well for those of you who do not know, Christy Mathewson was one of the first early baseball superstars. An idol to millions of kids, Christy pitched for the New
York Giants and compiled a lifetime record of 373-188 with a low Earned Run Average of 2.13. He won 30 or more games 4 times, and 20 or more wins 9 times. He was also of good character
and he tried to be an exemplary role model for kids. What more could you ask for? To check out Christy Mathewson's lifetime baseball record please click here!
pack of tobacco nearly 100 years ago, these cards are very difficult to find in high grade. Regardless of condition, any baseball card fan should have an early tobacco card in their collection.
Not only is it historical, but also a piece of Americana (after all, baseball IS the National Pastime!). It is also an example of where baseball cards came from and a must have for any collection!
Who was Christy Mathewson? Well for those of you who do not know, Christy Mathewson was one of the first early baseball superstars. An idol to millions of kids, Christy pitched for the New
York Giants and compiled a lifetime record of 373-188 with a low Earned Run Average of 2.13. He won 30 or more games 4 times, and 20 or more wins 9 times. He was also of good character
and he tried to be an exemplary role model for kids. What more could you ask for? To check out Christy Mathewson's lifetime baseball record please click here!
1972 Topps #343 Joe Namath Pro Action
I love to collect vintage football cards as well. This is one of my favorite football cards, a 1972 Topps #343 Joe Namath Pro Action card. This is one of Namath's tougher issues to acquire as it
was released in the scarce high numbered series. At one time this card in a PSA 8 holder was selling for about $250 but today you can pick one up for less than $150. For more on football
cards, check out our Gridiron Greats Page!
was released in the scarce high numbered series. At one time this card in a PSA 8 holder was selling for about $250 but today you can pick one up for less than $150. For more on football
cards, check out our Gridiron Greats Page!
WANTED !!!
Below is a list of cards we are currently looking to purchase or trade for:
1939-46 Exhibit Ted Williams (#9 showing)
1952 Berk Ross Ted Williams
1953 Mother's Cookies Audie Murphy
1953 Fargo Moorhead Twins Roger Maris ("Maras"); 2 versions
1959 Home Run Derby (Rocky Colavito, Duke Snider, etc.)
1961 7-11 (Roger Maris, Willie Mays, etc.)
1962 Bubbles Inc. (Topps) Mars Attacks! including Checklist
1962 Post Cereal (need about 50 well cut commons in VG-EX or better condition; inquire)
1967 Topps Red Sox Stickers Carl Yastrzemski (any)
1967 Venezuela Topps Roger Maris
1968 Topps Milton Bradley Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan RC, stars)
1973 Topps "1953" Reprints
1974 Topps Deckle Edge Carlton Fisk
1976 Playboy Press "Who Was Harry Steinfeldt?" baseball cards
1980 Pepsi Fred Lynn
Bazooka (well cut cards)
Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers
Venezuela Topps Carl Yastrzemski (any)
If you have any of the above cards for sale or trade, or any obscure vintage cards of Tony Conigliaro, Carlton Fisk, Gil Hodges,
Roger Maris, Jim Piersall, Eddie Waitkus or Carl Yastrzemski that I don't already have, please email me @ nowbatting19@yahoo.com
1939-46 Exhibit Ted Williams (#9 showing)
1952 Berk Ross Ted Williams
1953 Mother's Cookies Audie Murphy
1953 Fargo Moorhead Twins Roger Maris ("Maras"); 2 versions
1959 Home Run Derby (Rocky Colavito, Duke Snider, etc.)
1961 7-11 (Roger Maris, Willie Mays, etc.)
1962 Bubbles Inc. (Topps) Mars Attacks! including Checklist
1962 Post Cereal (need about 50 well cut commons in VG-EX or better condition; inquire)
1967 Topps Red Sox Stickers Carl Yastrzemski (any)
1967 Venezuela Topps Roger Maris
1968 Topps Milton Bradley Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan RC, stars)
1973 Topps "1953" Reprints
1974 Topps Deckle Edge Carlton Fisk
1976 Playboy Press "Who Was Harry Steinfeldt?" baseball cards
1980 Pepsi Fred Lynn
Bazooka (well cut cards)
Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers
Venezuela Topps Carl Yastrzemski (any)
If you have any of the above cards for sale or trade, or any obscure vintage cards of Tony Conigliaro, Carlton Fisk, Gil Hodges,
Roger Maris, Jim Piersall, Eddie Waitkus or Carl Yastrzemski that I don't already have, please email me @ nowbatting19@yahoo.com
1974 Topps Original Negative Hank Aaron (Topps Vault)
What a great picture this is. The great Henry Aaron signing autographs for fans in 1974. This original Topps color negative was used for Aaron's 1974 Deckle Edge card or the 1974 Topps
Puzzles issue. I know it was used on at least one of them (or maybe even both). Aaron, of course, beat Babe Ruth's all-time Home Run mark in 1974, hitting his 715th HR vs. Al Downing and
the Dodgers on National television. Topps made a special card for Hank in their regular baseball card set, "All-Time HR King," and it was given the special #1 spot in the set. Also included in
the same set was a series of Hank Aaron "Special" cards, which featured pictures of every one of Hank's regular Topps issues from 1954-1974.
Puzzles issue. I know it was used on at least one of them (or maybe even both). Aaron, of course, beat Babe Ruth's all-time Home Run mark in 1974, hitting his 715th HR vs. Al Downing and
the Dodgers on National television. Topps made a special card for Hank in their regular baseball card set, "All-Time HR King," and it was given the special #1 spot in the set. Also included in
the same set was a series of Hank Aaron "Special" cards, which featured pictures of every one of Hank's regular Topps issues from 1954-1974.
HELP!!! Does anyone out there have any information on this 1932 black & white (or sepia toned) "Champions of the O. R. V. L. Pulcifer 1932" photo? I bought this on
eBay a couple years ago as I love baseball and this team has my last name (Pulcifer). But I have no idea what sort of league this was or what O. R. V. L. means. There is a
"Pulcifer Wisconsin" but I can't find any information on any baseball league there. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated; please email me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com if
you have any information regarding this. THANK YOU!!! Tim Pulcifer
eBay a couple years ago as I love baseball and this team has my last name (Pulcifer). But I have no idea what sort of league this was or what O. R. V. L. means. There is a
"Pulcifer Wisconsin" but I can't find any information on any baseball league there. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated; please email me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com if
you have any information regarding this. THANK YOU!!! Tim Pulcifer
WANTED !!! Information on this photo - Champions of the O.R.V.L. PULCIFER 1932
1973 Topps Puzzle Nolan Ryan
Another fun aspect of this hobby is collecting more "obscure" issues like Topps Test issues (Topps would occassionally experiment with new ideas for cards, like the above 1973 Topps Puzzle
Nolan Ryan above), "Regional" issues (cards that were issued specifically in certain areas, like the Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers cards), and "Food" Issues (Red Heart Dog Food, Dan Dee
Potato Chips, Wilson Wieners, Post Cereal, Jell-O, Kelloggs 3-D, etc.). There are also related non-card issues; for instance Topps issued "coins" of baseball and football stars as well as stickers,
tatoos, rub ons, even candy lids. So there is much more out there then simply baseball cards. Collectors who collect scare or rare issues and spend huge sums of money for high grade examples
are known as self proclaimed "Advanced Collectors." I am certainly not rich, nor do I desire the finest graded example known on the planet earth. I do love collecting and trading so I consider
myself not an "Advanced Collector" but simply a "collector." For more on obscure card issues please check out our Oddball, Regional, Test Issues & More Page!
Nolan Ryan above), "Regional" issues (cards that were issued specifically in certain areas, like the Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers cards), and "Food" Issues (Red Heart Dog Food, Dan Dee
Potato Chips, Wilson Wieners, Post Cereal, Jell-O, Kelloggs 3-D, etc.). There are also related non-card issues; for instance Topps issued "coins" of baseball and football stars as well as stickers,
tatoos, rub ons, even candy lids. So there is much more out there then simply baseball cards. Collectors who collect scare or rare issues and spend huge sums of money for high grade examples
are known as self proclaimed "Advanced Collectors." I am certainly not rich, nor do I desire the finest graded example known on the planet earth. I do love collecting and trading so I consider
myself not an "Advanced Collector" but simply a "collector." For more on obscure card issues please check out our Oddball, Regional, Test Issues & More Page!
1963 Jell-O #187 Bob Aspromonte SP
Among my favorite cards to collect are the 1961-1963 Post cereal & Jell-O cards (1962-63). These cards are usually found hand cut from cereal (or Jell-O) boxes, so finding well cut examples
presents a challenge from the get-go. You have to consider that these cards were cut out by enthusiastic kids and back then baseball cards were essentially not "worth" anything. The cards were meant
to be cut out, collected and traded. That simple. Times have changed. Now vintage cards are "worth" money, big money even when it comes to high graded cards. The above 1963 Jell-O #187 Bob
Aspromonte was recently seen on eBay for an asking price of over $1000! This card was short printed (probably on unpopular Jell-O flavors) and is one of the scarcest cards in the set. Same goes
with the 1963 Post #187 Bob Aspromonte as both issues were intended to be collected together. While the cards are nearly identical, the Jell-O cards are 1/4" narrower than the slightly larger
Post cereal cards (if well cut). Both are tough to find in high grades and while the 1963 Post cereal set is considered that companies' toughest to complete, the 1963 Jell-O cards are even tougher.
Expect to pay some high prices, even for short printed "commons."
presents a challenge from the get-go. You have to consider that these cards were cut out by enthusiastic kids and back then baseball cards were essentially not "worth" anything. The cards were meant
to be cut out, collected and traded. That simple. Times have changed. Now vintage cards are "worth" money, big money even when it comes to high graded cards. The above 1963 Jell-O #187 Bob
Aspromonte was recently seen on eBay for an asking price of over $1000! This card was short printed (probably on unpopular Jell-O flavors) and is one of the scarcest cards in the set. Same goes
with the 1963 Post #187 Bob Aspromonte as both issues were intended to be collected together. While the cards are nearly identical, the Jell-O cards are 1/4" narrower than the slightly larger
Post cereal cards (if well cut). Both are tough to find in high grades and while the 1963 Post cereal set is considered that companies' toughest to complete, the 1963 Jell-O cards are even tougher.
Expect to pay some high prices, even for short printed "commons."
1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays (First Topps card) (Back view)
Once costing a penny or nickel per pack, vintage baseball cards can be expensive to acquire today, especially in high grades. The reason for this is simple: supply & demand. There is simply a limited
supply of vintage cards, especially in high grades so demand for these cards makes for some expensive cardboard. Old baseball cards were once premiums for another product, like tobacco, candy
or gum. But as baseball got bigger it became more about the players and less about the product. The 1950's brought in the era of the "modern" baseball card. Specifically, Topps Chewing Gum of
Brooklyn New York. Topps issued the most important post war set with it's first major issue in 1952. It's larger sized cards (called "Giant Size" by Topps) player information, bio and complete season
statistics were a first for bubble gum cards and within 5 years, Topps put rival Bowman Gum out of business. Topps established a baseball card "monopoly" that lasted until 1981. Chances are, if you
collected baseball cards in the 1950's, 1960's or 1970's, the cards you have (or had) were Topps baseball cards. The above 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays (above) and #311 Mickey Mantle
are often confused as being their "Rookie cards." However while they are Mantle & Mays' first TOPPS baseball cards, their true rookie cards were actually released in the 1951 BOWMAN high
numbered series. You can't go wrong with any of these cards; almost regardless of condition they will still bring some impressive prices.
supply of vintage cards, especially in high grades so demand for these cards makes for some expensive cardboard. Old baseball cards were once premiums for another product, like tobacco, candy
or gum. But as baseball got bigger it became more about the players and less about the product. The 1950's brought in the era of the "modern" baseball card. Specifically, Topps Chewing Gum of
Brooklyn New York. Topps issued the most important post war set with it's first major issue in 1952. It's larger sized cards (called "Giant Size" by Topps) player information, bio and complete season
statistics were a first for bubble gum cards and within 5 years, Topps put rival Bowman Gum out of business. Topps established a baseball card "monopoly" that lasted until 1981. Chances are, if you
collected baseball cards in the 1950's, 1960's or 1970's, the cards you have (or had) were Topps baseball cards. The above 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays (above) and #311 Mickey Mantle
are often confused as being their "Rookie cards." However while they are Mantle & Mays' first TOPPS baseball cards, their true rookie cards were actually released in the 1951 BOWMAN high
numbered series. You can't go wrong with any of these cards; almost regardless of condition they will still bring some impressive prices.
1958 Press photograph Johnny Unitas
"Now batting... number 19... FRED LYNN!!!"
While many are familiar with the Kellogg's 3-D cards from the 1970's-1980's, many do not know that Topps experimented with 3-D baseball cards even earlier. In 1968 Topps produced these
fantastic 3-D cards as a "test issue." For whatever reason, they were never released which is a real shame. The rare test cards that are out there are highly sought after and command a major
premium. In other words, these cards sell big big money!
Being I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I am of course a Dodgers fan. Check out our DODGERS PAGE for some great Dodgers cards and related items.
fantastic 3-D cards as a "test issue." For whatever reason, they were never released which is a real shame. The rare test cards that are out there are highly sought after and command a major
premium. In other words, these cards sell big big money!
Being I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I am of course a Dodgers fan. Check out our DODGERS PAGE for some great Dodgers cards and related items.
| 1968 Topps 3-D Willie Davis 1968 Topps 3-D Ron Fairly |
| 1961 Topps #401 Babe Ruth Hits 60th Homer 1962 Topps #313 Maris Blasts 61st (Roger Maris) |
It's interesting the Topps chose to include a special Babe Ruth card (1961 Topps #401 Babe Ruth Hits 60th Homer) in it's 1961 baseball set. At the time, Ruth's single season record of 60 Home
Runs as well as his career 714 HRs were considered "unbreakable." Then the unthinkable happened; Roger Maris hit 61 HRs that same season the Ruth card was issued. So Topps had to do
something special for it's 1962 issue and they produced not just the regular Maris card (Topps gave Maris the honor of leading off the set; card #1), but a AL Home Run Leaders card (#53), a
World Series Highlight card (#234), and a special "Highlight" card of Maris hitting HR number 61 (#313). Not only did Topps offer those four Maris cards, but they also made a special subset of
10 "Babe Ruth Special" cards (#'s135-144) which highlighted Ruth's great career. In fact these Topps Babe Ruth cards are very affordable compared to Ruth cards from his playing days. You can
pick up the 1962 Topps Babe Ruth Special cards in ungraded NM condition for $20-$35 each, which is considerably less than the thousands of dollars you would pay for an ungraded NM Babe
Ruth card from his playing days (his last regular card as an active player is 1935 Goudey 4-in-1; lists for $2900 in ungraded NM). Topps also produced Ruth cards in 1973 (#1 All-Time HR
Leaders with Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, #474 All-Time RBI Leader) and 1976 (#345 Sporting News All-Time Outfielder). These cards are also very affordable ranging from $15 to $40 in
ungraded NM condition. For more on Roger Maris check out our Roger Maris Tribute Page!
Runs as well as his career 714 HRs were considered "unbreakable." Then the unthinkable happened; Roger Maris hit 61 HRs that same season the Ruth card was issued. So Topps had to do
something special for it's 1962 issue and they produced not just the regular Maris card (Topps gave Maris the honor of leading off the set; card #1), but a AL Home Run Leaders card (#53), a
World Series Highlight card (#234), and a special "Highlight" card of Maris hitting HR number 61 (#313). Not only did Topps offer those four Maris cards, but they also made a special subset of
10 "Babe Ruth Special" cards (#'s135-144) which highlighted Ruth's great career. In fact these Topps Babe Ruth cards are very affordable compared to Ruth cards from his playing days. You can
pick up the 1962 Topps Babe Ruth Special cards in ungraded NM condition for $20-$35 each, which is considerably less than the thousands of dollars you would pay for an ungraded NM Babe
Ruth card from his playing days (his last regular card as an active player is 1935 Goudey 4-in-1; lists for $2900 in ungraded NM). Topps also produced Ruth cards in 1973 (#1 All-Time HR
Leaders with Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, #474 All-Time RBI Leader) and 1976 (#345 Sporting News All-Time Outfielder). These cards are also very affordable ranging from $15 to $40 in
ungraded NM condition. For more on Roger Maris check out our Roger Maris Tribute Page!
A favorite number 19 of mine...
More favorite number 19's...
But my absolute favorite number 19 is...
1976 O-Pee-Chee #316 Robin Yount 1995 Bowman's Best #21 Tony Gywnn Red
Both of these guys wore #19, both won MVP Awards, both had over 3,000 career hits, and both are in the Hall of Fame. I apologize for the "newer" card of Tony Gywnn (above right), but I
couldn't find an early card showing him with #19. His 1983 Topps rookie card (#482) shows him wearing number fifty-something. He later changed to his more familiar #19. The Robin Yount
card (above left) is his second year issue but the O-Pee-Chee (Topps counterpart in Canada) card is much scarcer than the Topps card. The fronts are identical but the backs have printing in both
English and French as well as different card stock than the Topps cards. You can't go wrong with any of these guy's cards.
couldn't find an early card showing him with #19. His 1983 Topps rookie card (#482) shows him wearing number fifty-something. He later changed to his more familiar #19. The Robin Yount
card (above left) is his second year issue but the O-Pee-Chee (Topps counterpart in Canada) card is much scarcer than the Topps card. The fronts are identical but the backs have printing in both
English and French as well as different card stock than the Topps cards. You can't go wrong with any of these guy's cards.
| 1973 Topps #50 Roberto Clemente |
Everyone is looking for a good deal; especially in today's economy. Personally, I feel that baseball cards from the 1970's are a terrific bargain. They are much more affordable than cards from the
1950's and '60s and even high grade cards are affordable. You have bona fide Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, Rod Carew, Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson, Al Kaline,
Harmon Killebrew, Willie Mays, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Yaz and more. There are numerous Hall of Fame rookie cards of players like Carlton Fisk, Mike Schmidt, Rich Gossage, Dave Winfield,
George Brett, Gary Carter, Robin Yount, Jim Rice, Dennis Eckersley, Andre Dawson, Paul Molitor, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson. Then you have hundreds of stars like Joe Torre, Pete Rose, Bert
Blyleven, Steve Garvey, J.R. Richard, Bobby Murcer, Bobby Bonds, Dave Parker, Fred Lynn, Ron Guidry, and manager cards of Gil Hodges, Leo Durocher, Walt Alston, Billy Martin, Ted Williams.
And most of these cards are cheap; some for as little as a couple bucks each. You can buy a 1972 Topps Ted Williams card for about $10 in ungraded NM condition! Or how about a 1972
Topps #79 Red Sox Rookie Stars Carlton Fisk (and Cecil Cooper) rookie card for about $25-$35 in graded NM condition. That is a bargain!
The 1973 Topps baseball set is famous for it's rookie cards of Goose Gossage and Mike Schmidt, but it also included a couple of last hurrah cards of the great Willie Mays and Roberto
Clemente. Mays was pictured as a New York Met and it is his last regular card as an active player (card #305). Roberto Clemente appeared on card number 50, his last card as a player (see
above). Both the Mays and Clemente cards can be found in NM condition for about $20. That is a real steal in my book.
Even Basketball, Football and Hockey cards are very affordable from the 1970's. Players like Jerry West, Pete Maravich, Julius Erving, Joe Namath, Gale Sayers, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and
more can be had for about $20 in nice condition. Sometimes even less. So don't think because you can't afford thousands of dollars for a Willie Mays, Joe Namath or Bobby Orr rookie card that
you can't collect vintage cards of these players. Because you can. One great source for picking up vintage cards at good prices is eBay. You can usually buy cards at less than retail price (or what a
dealer would charge you). And with the economy the way it is at the present state, there are deals out there to be had. So go for it! Go with what you can afford and collect your favorite players. Don't
let someone tell you what to collect. That is no fun. I can't tell you how many times I heard to pick up a certain players card. "He is a sure Hall of Famer." I got burned before on guys like Phil Plantier
and Steve Decker (the next Johnny Bench). So I just collect my favorite players. Collect your favorites at prices you can afford and you will have loads of fun. A bonus is if you ever decide to sell them
you can probably get close to what you paid for them or better yet make a little profit. Either way they are yours to enjoy or pass on to your own children or grand kids.
1950's and '60s and even high grade cards are affordable. You have bona fide Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Johnny Bench, Rod Carew, Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson, Al Kaline,
Harmon Killebrew, Willie Mays, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Yaz and more. There are numerous Hall of Fame rookie cards of players like Carlton Fisk, Mike Schmidt, Rich Gossage, Dave Winfield,
George Brett, Gary Carter, Robin Yount, Jim Rice, Dennis Eckersley, Andre Dawson, Paul Molitor, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson. Then you have hundreds of stars like Joe Torre, Pete Rose, Bert
Blyleven, Steve Garvey, J.R. Richard, Bobby Murcer, Bobby Bonds, Dave Parker, Fred Lynn, Ron Guidry, and manager cards of Gil Hodges, Leo Durocher, Walt Alston, Billy Martin, Ted Williams.
And most of these cards are cheap; some for as little as a couple bucks each. You can buy a 1972 Topps Ted Williams card for about $10 in ungraded NM condition! Or how about a 1972
Topps #79 Red Sox Rookie Stars Carlton Fisk (and Cecil Cooper) rookie card for about $25-$35 in graded NM condition. That is a bargain!
The 1973 Topps baseball set is famous for it's rookie cards of Goose Gossage and Mike Schmidt, but it also included a couple of last hurrah cards of the great Willie Mays and Roberto
Clemente. Mays was pictured as a New York Met and it is his last regular card as an active player (card #305). Roberto Clemente appeared on card number 50, his last card as a player (see
above). Both the Mays and Clemente cards can be found in NM condition for about $20. That is a real steal in my book.
Even Basketball, Football and Hockey cards are very affordable from the 1970's. Players like Jerry West, Pete Maravich, Julius Erving, Joe Namath, Gale Sayers, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr and
more can be had for about $20 in nice condition. Sometimes even less. So don't think because you can't afford thousands of dollars for a Willie Mays, Joe Namath or Bobby Orr rookie card that
you can't collect vintage cards of these players. Because you can. One great source for picking up vintage cards at good prices is eBay. You can usually buy cards at less than retail price (or what a
dealer would charge you). And with the economy the way it is at the present state, there are deals out there to be had. So go for it! Go with what you can afford and collect your favorite players. Don't
let someone tell you what to collect. That is no fun. I can't tell you how many times I heard to pick up a certain players card. "He is a sure Hall of Famer." I got burned before on guys like Phil Plantier
and Steve Decker (the next Johnny Bench). So I just collect my favorite players. Collect your favorites at prices you can afford and you will have loads of fun. A bonus is if you ever decide to sell them
you can probably get close to what you paid for them or better yet make a little profit. Either way they are yours to enjoy or pass on to your own children or grand kids.