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1975 Topps #500 Nolan Ryan
1985 Topps Tiffany #220 Fred Lynn
Congratulations to the 2005 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- winners of the ALDS against our common enemy, the New York Yankees! The Angels
got hosed by an umpire in Game 2 of the ALCS vs. Chicago but it is nice to see two teams who don't have the highest payrolls in contention for a
World Series berth. Though I am a Red Sox fan and even a Dodger fan, I do have a spot in my heart for the Angels. If they didn't reside in Anaheim, I
would like them even more but Orange County is home of the nerdy white man and it is downright SCARY going anywhere in Orange County. It is NOT
Los Angeles and actually Orange County was named for it's orange groves which no longer exist thanks to the overpopulation of California. However
the Angels have had some great players since their first year (1961) and this page will feature some of these great, and not so great players who have
at one time or another played for one of the Angels teams. Enjoy!
got hosed by an umpire in Game 2 of the ALCS vs. Chicago but it is nice to see two teams who don't have the highest payrolls in contention for a
World Series berth. Though I am a Red Sox fan and even a Dodger fan, I do have a spot in my heart for the Angels. If they didn't reside in Anaheim, I
would like them even more but Orange County is home of the nerdy white man and it is downright SCARY going anywhere in Orange County. It is NOT
Los Angeles and actually Orange County was named for it's orange groves which no longer exist thanks to the overpopulation of California. However
the Angels have had some great players since their first year (1961) and this page will feature some of these great, and not so great players who have
at one time or another played for one of the Angels teams. Enjoy!
Jimmy Piersall was one of the most colorful ballplayers and is mostly known for his great
fielding and antics as a member of the Boston Red Sox from 1950-1958. He also played
for the Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, New York Mets, and both the Los Angeles
and California Angels (1963-1967). Check out the cap he is wearing on this 1966 Topps
card. There is actually a "halo" on the top of these early Angel caps. This card is one of
Piersall's last as an active player. His last card is 1967 Topps #584. Both the 1966 and
1967 Topps Jim Piersall cards were issued in the high numbered series (the '66 card is
also a short print) so they are somewhat tougher than most of his other issues. The 1966
Topps #565 Piersall lists for $25.00 in NM condition, while the 1967 Topps #584 lists for
$20.
fielding and antics as a member of the Boston Red Sox from 1950-1958. He also played
for the Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, New York Mets, and both the Los Angeles
and California Angels (1963-1967). Check out the cap he is wearing on this 1966 Topps
card. There is actually a "halo" on the top of these early Angel caps. This card is one of
Piersall's last as an active player. His last card is 1967 Topps #584. Both the 1966 and
1967 Topps Jim Piersall cards were issued in the high numbered series (the '66 card is
also a short print) so they are somewhat tougher than most of his other issues. The 1966
Topps #565 Piersall lists for $25.00 in NM condition, while the 1967 Topps #584 lists for
$20.
1966 Topps #565 Jimmy Piersall
Dean Chance was a member of the original Los Angeles Angels whose first year was
1961. Chance was also one of the Angels' first stars. In only his second big league season
(1962) Chance won 14 games, pitched 206 innings and had a nifty 2.96 ERA. He was
even better in 1964, winning 20, losing only 9, striking out 207 with a microscopic 1.65
ERA; stats that earned him the Cy Young Award, topping Larry Jackson and Sandy Koufax
(this was before MLB went to a Cy Young award in each league). Dean Chance won a
total of 74 games as an Angel in only 5 seasons (he actually pitched a total of 18 innings in
1961 so I didn't count that year). He later went on to win 20 games for the 1967 Minnesota
Twins and finished his 11 year career with 128 wins, 115 losses and a fine 2.92 ERA. This
is Chance's first baseball card; check out the "LA" logo on his cap. The Angels did play in
Los Angeles at first. They played at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in 1961, then played
four seasons at Dodger Stadium until the "Big A" was built in 1966.
1961. Chance was also one of the Angels' first stars. In only his second big league season
(1962) Chance won 14 games, pitched 206 innings and had a nifty 2.96 ERA. He was
even better in 1964, winning 20, losing only 9, striking out 207 with a microscopic 1.65
ERA; stats that earned him the Cy Young Award, topping Larry Jackson and Sandy Koufax
(this was before MLB went to a Cy Young award in each league). Dean Chance won a
total of 74 games as an Angel in only 5 seasons (he actually pitched a total of 18 innings in
1961 so I didn't count that year). He later went on to win 20 games for the 1967 Minnesota
Twins and finished his 11 year career with 128 wins, 115 losses and a fine 2.92 ERA. This
is Chance's first baseball card; check out the "LA" logo on his cap. The Angels did play in
Los Angeles at first. They played at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in 1961, then played
four seasons at Dodger Stadium until the "Big A" was built in 1966.
1962 Topps #194 Dean Chance RC
Tony Conigliaro is another Red Sox that later became an Angel. Of course
Tony C gained fame in Boston as a slugger; he won the AL Home Run Crown
in only his second season and in 1967 became the youngest player to reach
100 career home runs. Tony was going great guns that year and headed for a
career year when he was seriously beaned by a Jack Hamilton fastball. It's
ironic that Hamilton pitched for the Angels as by the time Conigliaro was
traded to the Angels in 1971, his career was already over. The damage to his
eyesight worsened as a result of the beaning and Tony C was essentially
finished by the time he reached the Angels. He appeared in only 74 games
that year hitting just 4 home runs and batting a paltry .222. This from a hitter
who averaged 31 home runs and 95 RBIs over a 162 game schedule during
his career. Tony Conigliaro retired after his only season with the Angels but did
attempt a comeback in 1975 with his old team the Boston Red Sox. He hit two
home runs on Opening Day that year but that was to be his last hurrah. He
retired after 21 games hitting just .123. A really sad story. This is his last
appearance on a bubble gum card as an active player.
Tony C gained fame in Boston as a slugger; he won the AL Home Run Crown
in only his second season and in 1967 became the youngest player to reach
100 career home runs. Tony was going great guns that year and headed for a
career year when he was seriously beaned by a Jack Hamilton fastball. It's
ironic that Hamilton pitched for the Angels as by the time Conigliaro was
traded to the Angels in 1971, his career was already over. The damage to his
eyesight worsened as a result of the beaning and Tony C was essentially
finished by the time he reached the Angels. He appeared in only 74 games
that year hitting just 4 home runs and batting a paltry .222. This from a hitter
who averaged 31 home runs and 95 RBIs over a 162 game schedule during
his career. Tony Conigliaro retired after his only season with the Angels but did
attempt a comeback in 1975 with his old team the Boston Red Sox. He hit two
home runs on Opening Day that year but that was to be his last hurrah. He
retired after 21 games hitting just .123. A really sad story. This is his last
appearance on a bubble gum card as an active player.
1971 Topps #105 Tony Conigliaro
Probably the most famous of ALL Angels was the great Nolan Ryan. Ryan always had the
potential; as a New York Met his strikeouts were always more than innings pitched. However he
was wild and the Mets gave up on him prematurely. In 1972 he was traded to the California
Angels for Angel star Jim Fregosi and at the time probably New York thought they got the better
of the deal. They quickly learned they made a BIG mistake. In Ryan's first year as an Angel he
won 19 games, completed 20, pitched 284 innings, struck out 329 batters and fashioned a nifty
2.28 ERA. In 1973 he won 21 games, completed 26 games, pitched 326 innings, set the all-time
season strike out record of 383, and again had a respectable ERA of 2.87, AND had his first 2
no-hitters. In 1974 he won 22 games, had 26 complete games AGAIN, struck out 367 batters
had a 2.89 ERA, and threw another no-hitter. But did he win the Cy Young Award for any of
those seasons? No. Ryan was robbed. But he quickly became a fan favorite in Anaheim and I
remember as a kid every time Ryan pitched there was a legitimate possibility that he would throw
a no-hitter. Why not, he threw 4 no-no's in only 3 seasons as an Angel. Of course he later threw
another with the Astros and 2 more as a member of the Texas Rangers. But it was as an Angel
that Ryan put it all together. The Angels really screwed up letting Ryan go after the 1979
season. Angel GM Buzzie Buvasi said that they could replace Ryan with two .500 pitchers and
Ryan signed as a free agent with Houston. What a major boner by the Angels. Buvasi later
stated he made a grave mistake and well the rest is history. Ryan was the last Angel pitcher to
win 20 games until this very year (2005) when Bartolo Colon won 21. Did I mention Ryan is the
all-time strikeout leader with 5,714 career whiffs? This record in all likely hood will NEVER be
broken. The greatest strikeout and low-hit pitcher of all-time.
potential; as a New York Met his strikeouts were always more than innings pitched. However he
was wild and the Mets gave up on him prematurely. In 1972 he was traded to the California
Angels for Angel star Jim Fregosi and at the time probably New York thought they got the better
of the deal. They quickly learned they made a BIG mistake. In Ryan's first year as an Angel he
won 19 games, completed 20, pitched 284 innings, struck out 329 batters and fashioned a nifty
2.28 ERA. In 1973 he won 21 games, completed 26 games, pitched 326 innings, set the all-time
season strike out record of 383, and again had a respectable ERA of 2.87, AND had his first 2
no-hitters. In 1974 he won 22 games, had 26 complete games AGAIN, struck out 367 batters
had a 2.89 ERA, and threw another no-hitter. But did he win the Cy Young Award for any of
those seasons? No. Ryan was robbed. But he quickly became a fan favorite in Anaheim and I
remember as a kid every time Ryan pitched there was a legitimate possibility that he would throw
a no-hitter. Why not, he threw 4 no-no's in only 3 seasons as an Angel. Of course he later threw
another with the Astros and 2 more as a member of the Texas Rangers. But it was as an Angel
that Ryan put it all together. The Angels really screwed up letting Ryan go after the 1979
season. Angel GM Buzzie Buvasi said that they could replace Ryan with two .500 pitchers and
Ryan signed as a free agent with Houston. What a major boner by the Angels. Buvasi later
stated he made a grave mistake and well the rest is history. Ryan was the last Angel pitcher to
win 20 games until this very year (2005) when Bartolo Colon won 21. Did I mention Ryan is the
all-time strikeout leader with 5,714 career whiffs? This record in all likely hood will NEVER be
broken. The greatest strikeout and low-hit pitcher of all-time.
1974 Topps #20 Nolan Ryan
Chuck Connors, aka. "The Rifleman." I had this card on the Dodgers Page but
decided to move it here. A lot of people don't know that Chuck Connors played
briefly for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He was also a star for the
Pacific Coast League Los Angeles Angels, but imagine how tough it would have
been to replace Gil Hodges at first base for the Dodgers. I guess that's why Chuck
chose acting and he will always be remembered for his role as "Lucas McCain" in
the hit television series "THE RIFLEMAN" in the 1950's through early 1960's.
What's interesting is that Duke Snider, Hall Of Fame outfielder for the Dodgers,
got a bit role as a bad-guy in one of the episodes. Baseball was very good to the
Duke, and acting turned out very well for Chuck Conners. This is one very tough
card of Connors, issued in bags of Mother's Cookies in 1952. For more on Chuck
Connors check out The Chuck Connors Page
decided to move it here. A lot of people don't know that Chuck Connors played
briefly for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He was also a star for the
Pacific Coast League Los Angeles Angels, but imagine how tough it would have
been to replace Gil Hodges at first base for the Dodgers. I guess that's why Chuck
chose acting and he will always be remembered for his role as "Lucas McCain" in
the hit television series "THE RIFLEMAN" in the 1950's through early 1960's.
What's interesting is that Duke Snider, Hall Of Fame outfielder for the Dodgers,
got a bit role as a bad-guy in one of the episodes. Baseball was very good to the
Duke, and acting turned out very well for Chuck Conners. This is one very tough
card of Connors, issued in bags of Mother's Cookies in 1952. For more on Chuck
Connors check out The Chuck Connors Page
1952 Mother's Cookies PCL #4 Chuck
Connors
Connors
Fred Lynn had a lot of great moments; Rookie of the Year AND American League Most
Valuable Player (1975), hitting 3 HRs in a game with 10 RBIs (1975), World Series Home
Run (1975), AL Batting Champ (1979), ALCS MVP (1982), not to mention his stellar Gold
Glove work in centerfield (if you used to watch TWIB during the 1970s-1980s, chances are
you would see an amazing Fred Lynn catch). But if you ask Fred Lynn what his favorite
baseball moment was (and he told me this in an interview for Fredlynn.net) it would be his
Grand Slam HR in the 1983 All-Star Game at old Comisky Park. At the time the American
League had lost several straight games to the National League. Back then the players really
took pride in beating the rival league. The games would really mean something. Now they
are just love-fests even though MLB says that "Now they mean something." Back to the '83
contest, up to that point no one in All-Star Game history had EVER hit a Grand Slam HR.
Not Babe Ruth, not Joe D, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, or Willie Mays. But
Fred Lynn socked one in that game and the AL won the game for the first time in 11 years.
Btw, this was not Lynn's first All-Star Game HR. He also hit HRs in the 1976, 1979, and 1980
All-Star contests. I was at the 1980 game and was thrilled to be there. Thanks for the great
memories Fred!!!
Valuable Player (1975), hitting 3 HRs in a game with 10 RBIs (1975), World Series Home
Run (1975), AL Batting Champ (1979), ALCS MVP (1982), not to mention his stellar Gold
Glove work in centerfield (if you used to watch TWIB during the 1970s-1980s, chances are
you would see an amazing Fred Lynn catch). But if you ask Fred Lynn what his favorite
baseball moment was (and he told me this in an interview for Fredlynn.net) it would be his
Grand Slam HR in the 1983 All-Star Game at old Comisky Park. At the time the American
League had lost several straight games to the National League. Back then the players really
took pride in beating the rival league. The games would really mean something. Now they
are just love-fests even though MLB says that "Now they mean something." Back to the '83
contest, up to that point no one in All-Star Game history had EVER hit a Grand Slam HR.
Not Babe Ruth, not Joe D, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, or Willie Mays. But
Fred Lynn socked one in that game and the AL won the game for the first time in 11 years.
Btw, this was not Lynn's first All-Star Game HR. He also hit HRs in the 1976, 1979, and 1980
All-Star contests. I was at the 1980 game and was thrilled to be there. Thanks for the great
memories Fred!!!
Wire photo of Angels' Fred Lynn hitting the first Grand-
Slam in All-Star history (Old Comisky Park, Chicago, 1983)
Slam in All-Star history (Old Comisky Park, Chicago, 1983)
Trivia answer: The background is old Wrigley Field in LOS ANGELES. The Los Angeles Angels played there briefly and also at Dodger Stadium
before Anaheim Stadium was constructed. Wrigley Field Los Angeles was also the site of the television show "Home Run Derby" in 1959.
before Anaheim Stadium was constructed. Wrigley Field Los Angeles was also the site of the television show "Home Run Derby" in 1959.
Proudly presents
The Angels Page
The Angels Page
1972 Topps #19 Billy Cowan 1963 Fleer #21 Leon Wagner
Check out this 1972 Topps Billy Cowan card (above left). The reason I picked it up is not because of Billy Cowan, who may or may not have been a fine
player. But I thought this was very clever of the Topps photographer to picture Cowan with the BIG A halo over his head. Anaheim Stadium was nicknamed
"The Big A" for that hugh A with the halo. However seats were added to the stadium for the LA Rams and the Big A was moved farther out in the parking lot.
You can still see the giant A with the halo off the 57 and 5 freeways. If you were standing where that Topps photographer is in the picture today you would
barely see the Big A. What you see now are the bullpens, seats, advertising and even a giant waterfall (corny, courtesy of Disney when they owned the
Anaheim Angels).
Leon Wagner ("Daddy Wags") was an original member of the Los Angeles Angels and probably their best hitter. Daddy Wags played 3 seasons for the Los
Angeles Angels; check out these stats: 1961- .280 BA, 28 HR, 79 RBI, 1962- .268 BA, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 1963- .291 BA, 26 HR, 90 RBI. According to the back
of this 1963 Fleer card (above right), "on April 30 (1962), he hit one of the longest homers in the history of LA's Wrigley Field- 473 1/2 feet. He is tied for the
club record of 8 RBIs in one game, and in '61 he batted across 13 runs in three games." Why the Angels traded him is a mystery to me, but they did get an
older slugger (Joe Adcock who was near the end of his career). I think I would have hung on to Daddy Wags. Even just for the nickname.
player. But I thought this was very clever of the Topps photographer to picture Cowan with the BIG A halo over his head. Anaheim Stadium was nicknamed
"The Big A" for that hugh A with the halo. However seats were added to the stadium for the LA Rams and the Big A was moved farther out in the parking lot.
You can still see the giant A with the halo off the 57 and 5 freeways. If you were standing where that Topps photographer is in the picture today you would
barely see the Big A. What you see now are the bullpens, seats, advertising and even a giant waterfall (corny, courtesy of Disney when they owned the
Anaheim Angels).
Leon Wagner ("Daddy Wags") was an original member of the Los Angeles Angels and probably their best hitter. Daddy Wags played 3 seasons for the Los
Angeles Angels; check out these stats: 1961- .280 BA, 28 HR, 79 RBI, 1962- .268 BA, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 1963- .291 BA, 26 HR, 90 RBI. According to the back
of this 1963 Fleer card (above right), "on April 30 (1962), he hit one of the longest homers in the history of LA's Wrigley Field- 473 1/2 feet. He is tied for the
club record of 8 RBIs in one game, and in '61 he batted across 13 runs in three games." Why the Angels traded him is a mystery to me, but they did get an
older slugger (Joe Adcock who was near the end of his career). I think I would have hung on to Daddy Wags. Even just for the nickname.
1978 Hostess #101 Frank Tanana
The Angels had a dynamite starting duo in the 1970's; Nolan Ryan and lefty Frank Tanana. Tanana pitched for the halos from 1973 to 1980. During one 5 year
stretch he won 14, 16, 19, 15, & 18 games. Three times he had an ERA of less than 3 runs per game (2.62, 2.44, 2.54 led league). In 1975 Tanana wiffed even
more batters than Nolan Ryan, leading the AL in strikeouts with 269. In 1977 he also led the AL in shutouts with 7. Today Tanana would be easily a $10 million a
year pitcher. Unfortunately Tanana hurt his arm and was never the same pitcher; though he did manage to hang on and win over 200 games. This card was cut
by myself back in 1978 from a Hostess box. My dad worked for Hostess for a couple years and though he never brought us Twinkies or Ding Dongs, he did bring
some cards back for us to have. Thanks Pop!
stretch he won 14, 16, 19, 15, & 18 games. Three times he had an ERA of less than 3 runs per game (2.62, 2.44, 2.54 led league). In 1975 Tanana wiffed even
more batters than Nolan Ryan, leading the AL in strikeouts with 269. In 1977 he also led the AL in shutouts with 7. Today Tanana would be easily a $10 million a
year pitcher. Unfortunately Tanana hurt his arm and was never the same pitcher; though he did manage to hang on and win over 200 games. This card was cut
by myself back in 1978 from a Hostess box. My dad worked for Hostess for a couple years and though he never brought us Twinkies or Ding Dongs, he did bring
some cards back for us to have. Thanks Pop!
1971 Topps #709 Rookie Outfielders (Dusty Baker, Don Baylor RC)
Don Baylor was the first Angel to win the Most Valuable Player Award (1979). He
batted .296 with 186 hits, 33 doubles, 36 home runs, 120 runs (led league), and 139
RBIs (also led league). It was no coincidence that the Angels went to the playoffs (vs.
Baltimore) for the first time in team history. Don Baylor was also on the 1982 Angels
team, which also went to the ALCS vs. Milwaukee (when the Brewers were in the
American League). However Gene Autry's team came up short both times. Baylor
went on to hit 338 HRs in his career with 1276 RBIs. He is a member of the Angels
Hall of Fame. This is Baylor's first card; it also features Dusty Baker's first
appearance on a baseball card as well.
The 1971 Topps cards are my favorite cards from the 1970's. I believe this was the
first time Topps featured game action shots on a lot of the cards. Topps had used
highlight or "in action" cards before, but these were usually colorized from black &
white wire photos. The following year, 1972, Topps went back to posed shots;
however they did feature "In Action" cards of the popular players. Another thing I like
about the 1971 Topps cards is the black borders. It seems to make the photos stand
out better and it is tough to find them in high grade (which makes for a challenge if
you are working on a high grade set). Topps best effort of the 1970's (in my opinion).
batted .296 with 186 hits, 33 doubles, 36 home runs, 120 runs (led league), and 139
RBIs (also led league). It was no coincidence that the Angels went to the playoffs (vs.
Baltimore) for the first time in team history. Don Baylor was also on the 1982 Angels
team, which also went to the ALCS vs. Milwaukee (when the Brewers were in the
American League). However Gene Autry's team came up short both times. Baylor
went on to hit 338 HRs in his career with 1276 RBIs. He is a member of the Angels
Hall of Fame. This is Baylor's first card; it also features Dusty Baker's first
appearance on a baseball card as well.
The 1971 Topps cards are my favorite cards from the 1970's. I believe this was the
first time Topps featured game action shots on a lot of the cards. Topps had used
highlight or "in action" cards before, but these were usually colorized from black &
white wire photos. The following year, 1972, Topps went back to posed shots;
however they did feature "In Action" cards of the popular players. Another thing I like
about the 1971 Topps cards is the black borders. It seems to make the photos stand
out better and it is tough to find them in high grade (which makes for a challenge if
you are working on a high grade set). Topps best effort of the 1970's (in my opinion).
1977-79 Sportscaster #23-04 Nolan Ryan
From 1977 through 1979, these large, colorful cards were issued via mail subscription. The entire set was huge, featuring over 2,000 different subjects. Needless to
say, most did not complete their subscriptions... However included among them were 140 baseball subjects including this cool Nolan Ryan issue. It is very inexpensive,
listing for $7 in NM condition. I really don't know why they call these cards "Sportcaster" as I don't believe that word is even mentioned on the cards at all.
say, most did not complete their subscriptions... However included among them were 140 baseball subjects including this cool Nolan Ryan issue. It is very inexpensive,
listing for $7 in NM condition. I really don't know why they call these cards "Sportcaster" as I don't believe that word is even mentioned on the cards at all.
1972 Venezuelan Stickers #184 Nolan Ryan (rare)
Just when you think you had all the Nolan Ryan cards... This is a very rare Ryan issue from the 1972 Venezuelan Stickers issue. Most of the stickers are of
players in the Venezuelan League; however there are a number of major league players with Ryan being the most important. The "Express" was also featured
in the 1968 Venezuela Topps set, which happens to be his rookie card. So if you want the most difficult Nolan Ryan cards, you are going to have to get a 1968
Venezuela Topps #177 Mets Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan) and this very difficult 1972 Venezuelan Sticker #184. Note that due to the common
practice in Venezuela to glue or paste both cards and stickers in albums, any Venezuelan issue is rare, not only just to find one, but in high grades especially.
The above example appears to have once been pasted unto something. Also note the picture of Ryan is the same that Topps used in their 1972 Topps #595
Nolan Ryan card.
players in the Venezuelan League; however there are a number of major league players with Ryan being the most important. The "Express" was also featured
in the 1968 Venezuela Topps set, which happens to be his rookie card. So if you want the most difficult Nolan Ryan cards, you are going to have to get a 1968
Venezuela Topps #177 Mets Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan) and this very difficult 1972 Venezuelan Sticker #184. Note that due to the common
practice in Venezuela to glue or paste both cards and stickers in albums, any Venezuelan issue is rare, not only just to find one, but in high grades especially.
The above example appears to have once been pasted unto something. Also note the picture of Ryan is the same that Topps used in their 1972 Topps #595
Nolan Ryan card.
1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale
Are you paying attention??? Sure, Don Drysdale never did pitch for the Angels. However he was a color commentator for them in the 1970's before he went back to
the Dodgers alongside Vin Scully in the radio/tv booth. However the reason I put this 1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale was not because of "Big D" but more the
background. Notice the ivy covered outfield fence with rooftops visible in the background. Angel Stadium? Nope. Anaheim Stadium was not even built yet in 1961.
Dodger Stadium. Nope. Dodger Stadium was built in 1962. So where was this shot taken? Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the answer.
the Dodgers alongside Vin Scully in the radio/tv booth. However the reason I put this 1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale was not because of "Big D" but more the
background. Notice the ivy covered outfield fence with rooftops visible in the background. Angel Stadium? Nope. Anaheim Stadium was not even built yet in 1961.
Dodger Stadium. Nope. Dodger Stadium was built in 1962. So where was this shot taken? Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the answer.
1962 Topps #132a Angels Team (with inset photos) 1962 Topps #132b Angels Team (no inset photos)
In 1962 Topps produced two variations of card number 132 (Los Angeles Angels team); one with inset photos (top left), and one without (top right). The card with the
inset photos is much more difficult to obtain. I have never seen one of these with a clear picture (it always appears blurry) so maybe Topps corrected the photo and
did without the inset photos in trying to correct the card. Who knows, but it still is a cool variation. I just picked up these for $7 on eBay.
inset photos is much more difficult to obtain. I have never seen one of these with a clear picture (it always appears blurry) so maybe Topps corrected the photo and
did without the inset photos in trying to correct the card. Who knows, but it still is a cool variation. I just picked up these for $7 on eBay.