Presents
The Bowman Gum Page!
The Bowman Gum Page!
1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider 1953 Bowman B/W #39 Casey Stengel
In between Goudey Gum's pre-war baseball cards and Topps Chewing Gum baseball cards, you had Bowman Gum. Bowman Gum began producing picture cards in 1948 and continued
through 1955. Bowman cards started off small, but evolved into beautiful pieces of Americana that are highly prized today. Bowman's success started a rivalry with Topps, which hastened their
downfall. However the rivalry produced some of the greatest and innovative baseball cards during the 1950's, as each card maker tried to outdo the other. Bowman bubble gum cards cannot be
ignored and are considered "classic" among card enthusiasts (myself included). So here is our tribute to Bowman baseball cards and as an added bonus I might add a few more obscure Bowman
cards as well. Enjoy!
through 1955. Bowman cards started off small, but evolved into beautiful pieces of Americana that are highly prized today. Bowman's success started a rivalry with Topps, which hastened their
downfall. However the rivalry produced some of the greatest and innovative baseball cards during the 1950's, as each card maker tried to outdo the other. Bowman bubble gum cards cannot be
ignored and are considered "classic" among card enthusiasts (myself included). So here is our tribute to Bowman baseball cards and as an added bonus I might add a few more obscure Bowman
cards as well. Enjoy!
1948 Bowman #6 Yogi Berra (Rookie card) (Back view)
1948. Bowman Gum Incorporated produced one of the first mainstream baseball card sets after World War II. The 1948 Bowman set was comprised of (48) black & white cards with
brief biographies on the card backs. The cards are nothing spectacular and are similar to the earlier 1939 Play Ball America cards but are smaller in size. However if you wanted baseball
cards, your only real option was Bowman Gum or Leaf in 1948. Featured in this set are key rookie cards of Yogi Berra (above), Ralph Kiner, Stan Musial, Phil Rizzuto and Warren Spahn.
Noticeably absent from the set are cards of Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams; who were all signed exclusively to Leaf that year.
brief biographies on the card backs. The cards are nothing spectacular and are similar to the earlier 1939 Play Ball America cards but are smaller in size. However if you wanted baseball
cards, your only real option was Bowman Gum or Leaf in 1948. Featured in this set are key rookie cards of Yogi Berra (above), Ralph Kiner, Stan Musial, Phil Rizzuto and Warren Spahn.
Noticeably absent from the set are cards of Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams; who were all signed exclusively to Leaf that year.
1949 Bowman #24 Stan Musial (Back view)
1949. Probably sensing that Leaf's baseball cards were more popular, Bowman added color to their 1949 set. The simply "colorized" black and white photos and the background featured
different colors as well. The cards are still the same size as the previous year but the backs have 2 color text along with mail-in offers for prizes. There are several key rookie cards in the set
including Richie Ashburn, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, Gil Hodges, Satchel Paige, Robin Roberts, and Duke Snider. Some of these were included in the high numbered series and are quite
expensive. Of note is the card of Jackie Robinson (card #50), which is considered his rookie card even though Leaf produced a card of him in their 1948-49 set. The problem is, there is a
debate as to when the Leaf cards were issued. Originally the Leaf cards were thought to have been issued in 1948 as some of the card backs have a 1948 copyright on them. Others have a
1949 copyright. So it was assumed that the set was issued in both 1948 and 1949. Today, they are considered 1949 by some hobby periodicals but I still go with "1948-49 Leaf."
Regardless, both the 1948 (1949) Leaf Jackie Robinson card and the 1949 Bowman Robinson are considered "rookie cards," with the Leaf Robinson the more expensive of the two. Again,, no
Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams cards! However in 1950...
different colors as well. The cards are still the same size as the previous year but the backs have 2 color text along with mail-in offers for prizes. There are several key rookie cards in the set
including Richie Ashburn, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, Gil Hodges, Satchel Paige, Robin Roberts, and Duke Snider. Some of these were included in the high numbered series and are quite
expensive. Of note is the card of Jackie Robinson (card #50), which is considered his rookie card even though Leaf produced a card of him in their 1948-49 set. The problem is, there is a
debate as to when the Leaf cards were issued. Originally the Leaf cards were thought to have been issued in 1948 as some of the card backs have a 1948 copyright on them. Others have a
1949 copyright. So it was assumed that the set was issued in both 1948 and 1949. Today, they are considered 1949 by some hobby periodicals but I still go with "1948-49 Leaf."
Regardless, both the 1948 (1949) Leaf Jackie Robinson card and the 1949 Bowman Robinson are considered "rookie cards," with the Leaf Robinson the more expensive of the two. Again,, no
Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams cards! However in 1950...
1950 Bowman #98 Ted Williams (Back view)
1950. The 1950 Bowman Gum cards were the best yet. They featured beautiful color artwork made from actual photographs. Quite an improvement on their previous efforts. Leaf produced only
the one set in 1948-49 so Bowman was the only one to get in 1950. And finally Bowman inked Ted Williams to a card contract! How frustrating it must have been for kids back then to not be
able to get a Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams card. So Williams was included with all the heavy hitters except for Joe DiMaggio, who never did sign a Bowman or Topps deal. Also mysteriously
missing was Stan Musial, who had appeared in the first two Bowman sets. Key cards include Jackie Robinson (#22; his last Bowman issue) and Ted Williams (#98; see above). The 1950
Bowman cards also picture a 5-Star logo ("Picture Card Collectors Club") on the card backs, the only time Bowman used this logo.
the one set in 1948-49 so Bowman was the only one to get in 1950. And finally Bowman inked Ted Williams to a card contract! How frustrating it must have been for kids back then to not be
able to get a Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams card. So Williams was included with all the heavy hitters except for Joe DiMaggio, who never did sign a Bowman or Topps deal. Also mysteriously
missing was Stan Musial, who had appeared in the first two Bowman sets. Key cards include Jackie Robinson (#22; his last Bowman issue) and Ted Williams (#98; see above). The 1950
Bowman cards also picture a 5-Star logo ("Picture Card Collectors Club") on the card backs, the only time Bowman used this logo.
1951 Bowman #126 Bobby Thomson 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle (Rookie card)
1951. Bowman issued a slightly "taller" card in 1951. Again Bowman used the same beautiful color artwork as they did in '51. In fact, some of the cards feature the same picture as the
previous year (bummer; but Topps would do this later as well). There are 2 key rookie cards in this set: Mickey Mantle (above right) and Willie Mays, and both were included in the
scarcer high numbered series. While the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle is often referred to as his rookie card, it's not. The 1951 Bowman #253 is Mantle's only rookie card. Most of the
key stars are included in the set except for Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Jackie Robinson. The rookie card of Whitey Ford (card #1) leads off the set, while the rookie cards of fan favorites
like Joe Garagiola (card #122) and Jim Piersall (card #306) are also included.
previous year (bummer; but Topps would do this later as well). There are 2 key rookie cards in this set: Mickey Mantle (above right) and Willie Mays, and both were included in the
scarcer high numbered series. While the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle is often referred to as his rookie card, it's not. The 1951 Bowman #253 is Mantle's only rookie card. Most of the
key stars are included in the set except for Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Jackie Robinson. The rookie card of Whitey Ford (card #1) leads off the set, while the rookie cards of fan favorites
like Joe Garagiola (card #122) and Jim Piersall (card #306) are also included.
1952 Bowman #196 Stan Musial (Back view)
1952. The 1952 Bowman cards were the same size as the 1951 Bowman cards and Stan "The Man" Musial returned in 1952! This 1952 Bowman #196 Stan Musial is considered a
hobby classic and is perhaps his best card in terms of eye appeal. The colors are bold and bright and seem to "jump out" at you. Awesome card. Also included in the '52 Bowman set were the
2nd year cards of both Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Ted Williams did not appear in either the Bowman or Topps set that year which must have been a major bummer. Topps issued it's first
mainstream baseball card set in 1952 so Bowman had some serious competition. The Topps cards were highly promoted and advertised as being "GIANT" cards at the store and they proved to
be extremely popular with the kids. Also Topps included the previous year's statistics which was innovative at the time. Another bummer for Bowman was the lack of key rookie cards. Topps
included rookie cards of Billy Martin and Ed Mathews, while Bowman had no major rookie cards. So Bowman had some serious competition and their 1953 effort was to be their finest ever!
hobby classic and is perhaps his best card in terms of eye appeal. The colors are bold and bright and seem to "jump out" at you. Awesome card. Also included in the '52 Bowman set were the
2nd year cards of both Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Ted Williams did not appear in either the Bowman or Topps set that year which must have been a major bummer. Topps issued it's first
mainstream baseball card set in 1952 so Bowman had some serious competition. The Topps cards were highly promoted and advertised as being "GIANT" cards at the store and they proved to
be extremely popular with the kids. Also Topps included the previous year's statistics which was innovative at the time. Another bummer for Bowman was the lack of key rookie cards. Topps
included rookie cards of Billy Martin and Ed Mathews, while Bowman had no major rookie cards. So Bowman had some serious competition and their 1953 effort was to be their finest ever!
1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle
1953. In 1953 Bowman created perhaps the greatest looking baseball cards ever. In my opinion, the 1953 Bowman Color baseball cards are unimprovable. Bowman used Kodachrome
photography and let the pictures do the talking. No player or team names, logos, or facsimile autographs on the card fronts. Just a sharp beautiful color photograph. If you want to see what
Mickey Mantle looked like in 1953, check out this 1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle baseball card (above). The 1953 Bowman cards were their largest size card to date
(taking Topps' idea of "Bigger is Better"). The backs feature a biography along with the past year statistics (1952) and lifetime batting or pitching record. Bowman also printed "This Year"
statistic columns so that you could write in the player's statistics yourself. Pretty cool idea. No key rookie cards, but the set does include key cards of Yogi Berra, Bob Feller, Gil Hodges,
Billy Martin, Stan Musial, Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizzuto, Duke Snider, Warren Spahn, and most of the other stars of the day. No Ted Williams or Willie Mays cards. Williams did not have a
mainstream card in 1953 and Mays had signed with Topps in '53. Nonetheless this is Bowman's ultimate offering and it is considered by many as one of the hobby's best baseball card
sets ever. Bowman also had something else up it's sleeve in 1953...
photography and let the pictures do the talking. No player or team names, logos, or facsimile autographs on the card fronts. Just a sharp beautiful color photograph. If you want to see what
Mickey Mantle looked like in 1953, check out this 1953 Bowman Color #59 Mickey Mantle baseball card (above). The 1953 Bowman cards were their largest size card to date
(taking Topps' idea of "Bigger is Better"). The backs feature a biography along with the past year statistics (1952) and lifetime batting or pitching record. Bowman also printed "This Year"
statistic columns so that you could write in the player's statistics yourself. Pretty cool idea. No key rookie cards, but the set does include key cards of Yogi Berra, Bob Feller, Gil Hodges,
Billy Martin, Stan Musial, Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizzuto, Duke Snider, Warren Spahn, and most of the other stars of the day. No Ted Williams or Willie Mays cards. Williams did not have a
mainstream card in 1953 and Mays had signed with Topps in '53. Nonetheless this is Bowman's ultimate offering and it is considered by many as one of the hobby's best baseball card
sets ever. Bowman also had something else up it's sleeve in 1953...
(Back view)
1953 Bowman Black & White #39 Casey Stengel
1953. Bowman also issued a black & white card set in 1953. These are identical to the Color series except for the lack of color and player selection. Somewhat scarcer than the Bowman Color
cards, I do not know exactly why Bowman chose to offer two different card sets in 1953. It has been said that the high cost of making the Color series was the reason they went black & white but
that is a rumor. In any case, the Bowman Black & White cards are classic in their own right. Can you find a better looking Casey Stengel card then this 1953 Bowman Black & White #39
Casey Stengel? I think not, unless this card was in color but Bowman did not included Stengel in their color set. This is the key card of the black & white set. Other key cards are Johnny Mize,
Jimmy Piersall, and Hoyt Wilhelm.
cards, I do not know exactly why Bowman chose to offer two different card sets in 1953. It has been said that the high cost of making the Color series was the reason they went black & white but
that is a rumor. In any case, the Bowman Black & White cards are classic in their own right. Can you find a better looking Casey Stengel card then this 1953 Bowman Black & White #39
Casey Stengel? I think not, unless this card was in color but Bowman did not included Stengel in their color set. This is the key card of the black & white set. Other key cards are Johnny Mize,
Jimmy Piersall, and Hoyt Wilhelm.
1954 Bowman #66(a) Ted Williams
1954. The 1954 Bowman baseball cards used the same large card size as in 1953. However Bowman did not use the sharp photography they had used for the '53 Color series. So, in a way this was a bit of a let down
from Bowman Gum. The card fronts featured a colored photograph and a colored box near the bottom which contained the player's "signature." Topps had innovated this feature on it's first issue in 1952 so there was
nothing new here. On the plus size, the set included many of the big names, some of which did not appear in Topps 1954 baseball set. For instance, if you wanted a Mickey Mantle card, you had to go Bowman. Both the
1954 Bowman and Topps cards included players like Yogi Berra, Willie Mays, Duke Snider, etc. but Mantle was exclusively Bowman in 1954. Also included in the 1954 Bowman set is one of the top cards of all-time, the
1954 Bowman #66(a) Ted Williams. What makes the card special (besides the fact that it is TED WILLIAMS and there were no Williams' cards in 1953) is that it was issued early on in production but abruptly halted
to do a contract dispute with Topps. It seems Topps beat Bowman to the punch with Williams. Topps signed Ted Williams for an exclusive card contract in 1954 and the jubilant Topps issued two different Ted Williams
cards (both leading off and ending the set, card #1 and #250). So imagine Topps surprise when Bowman issued a card of their exclusive "Teddy Ballgame." Bowman had to halt production of their Ted Williams card and
replaced it on the card sheet with #66(b) Jim Piersall, who was already card #210 in the set. The #66(b) Jim Piersall is scarcer than the #210 Piersall and is exactly the same, except for the card numbers. But even scarcer
is the #66(a) Ted Williams card. At one time this card was considered "rare," but I think "scarce" is more appropriate. Regardless, the 1954 Bowman #66(a)Ted Williams is the most expensive card in the set and in fact is
not considered part of a "complete" set (though I think the Williams is a must-have for a complete set). It is also much scarcer than either of the 1954 Topps Ted Williams' cards, even though the Topps Williams cards have
definite more "eye appeal" with bright orange and yellow card backgrounds. The color Topps used is also more vibrant than the Bowman issue in 1954. As such, Bowman took big hit in 1954, while Topps continued to
soar in terms of popularity. There was no Stan Musial cards by either Bowman or Topps in 1954, 1955, 1956 or 1957! A major disappointment. Also disappointing was the lack of key rookie cards in the '54 Bowman
set. While Topps included rookie cards of both Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Al Kaline and future Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, Bowman countered with rookie cards of Elston Howard and Don Larsen. No offense
as both players had moments of glory (Howard was heir apparent to Yogi Berra at catcher and won the 1963 AL MVP Award, while Larsen is famous for his perfect game in the 1956 World Series) but there is no
comparison to Hall of Famers Aaron, Banks and Kaline. Bowman's days were numbered.
from Bowman Gum. The card fronts featured a colored photograph and a colored box near the bottom which contained the player's "signature." Topps had innovated this feature on it's first issue in 1952 so there was
nothing new here. On the plus size, the set included many of the big names, some of which did not appear in Topps 1954 baseball set. For instance, if you wanted a Mickey Mantle card, you had to go Bowman. Both the
1954 Bowman and Topps cards included players like Yogi Berra, Willie Mays, Duke Snider, etc. but Mantle was exclusively Bowman in 1954. Also included in the 1954 Bowman set is one of the top cards of all-time, the
1954 Bowman #66(a) Ted Williams. What makes the card special (besides the fact that it is TED WILLIAMS and there were no Williams' cards in 1953) is that it was issued early on in production but abruptly halted
to do a contract dispute with Topps. It seems Topps beat Bowman to the punch with Williams. Topps signed Ted Williams for an exclusive card contract in 1954 and the jubilant Topps issued two different Ted Williams
cards (both leading off and ending the set, card #1 and #250). So imagine Topps surprise when Bowman issued a card of their exclusive "Teddy Ballgame." Bowman had to halt production of their Ted Williams card and
replaced it on the card sheet with #66(b) Jim Piersall, who was already card #210 in the set. The #66(b) Jim Piersall is scarcer than the #210 Piersall and is exactly the same, except for the card numbers. But even scarcer
is the #66(a) Ted Williams card. At one time this card was considered "rare," but I think "scarce" is more appropriate. Regardless, the 1954 Bowman #66(a)Ted Williams is the most expensive card in the set and in fact is
not considered part of a "complete" set (though I think the Williams is a must-have for a complete set). It is also much scarcer than either of the 1954 Topps Ted Williams' cards, even though the Topps Williams cards have
definite more "eye appeal" with bright orange and yellow card backgrounds. The color Topps used is also more vibrant than the Bowman issue in 1954. As such, Bowman took big hit in 1954, while Topps continued to
soar in terms of popularity. There was no Stan Musial cards by either Bowman or Topps in 1954, 1955, 1956 or 1957! A major disappointment. Also disappointing was the lack of key rookie cards in the '54 Bowman
set. While Topps included rookie cards of both Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Al Kaline and future Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, Bowman countered with rookie cards of Elston Howard and Don Larsen. No offense
as both players had moments of glory (Howard was heir apparent to Yogi Berra at catcher and won the 1963 AL MVP Award, while Larsen is famous for his perfect game in the 1956 World Series) but there is no
comparison to Hall of Famers Aaron, Banks and Kaline. Bowman's days were numbered.
1955 Bowman #179 Hank Aaron 1955 Bowman #202 Mickey Mantle
1955. The 1955 Bowman baseball cards were it's "Swan Song." The card design was a huge improvement and creative at the same time, using a television design with wood grained
borders. Remember TV was in it's infancy in the 1950's so these cards must have been quite popular. Bowman managed to include Hank Aaron (above left), Ernie Banks, Yogi Berra, Al
Kaline, Willie Mays but so did Topps. Bowman did however ink both Roy Campanella and Mickey Mantle (above right) to an exclusive contract in '55 so if you wanted a Campy or
Mantle card you had to go Bowman. But Topps again beat Bowman in the rookie card department, including key rookie cards of Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew and Sandy Koufax.
Bowman had no major rookie cards except maybe Elston Howard. Of interest, Bowman issued cards of umpires (a first) including famous umpires like Jocko Conlan and Augie Donatelli .
The card of Mickey Mantle is the highest priced card in the set. In 1955 Bowman conceded and were bought out by Topps. So from 1956 to 1980 there was only one mainstream
baseball issue and that name was Topps.
Epilogue. Bowman Gum is no longer around (though Topps did "resurrect" the Bowman name in the late 1980's) but the cards have survived and are considered "classic" today.
Because of Bowman Gum, baseball fans finally could go crazy collecting again after WW II had ended. From 1948 to 1951, Bowman was the major manufacturer of baseball cards. If
you love TOPPS cards and most of us grew up with Topps cards, you have to tip your cap to Bowman. And vice versa. Both inspired each other to make a better baseball card. And while
tobacco cards, candy cards, gum cards all started off making cards as a premium to sell their respective products, today what do you have left? The CARDS! True pieces of America's
Pastime. Today you have modern cards, which in spite of technology are not "better" cards. The cards of the 1930's represent that era well, as do the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's,
and today's cards. But I liken it to the current car market. Cars today pretty much look the same. Nothing stands out, unless it is some "classic" car like a Duesenberg, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air,
a vintage Shelby Mustang Cobra. The same is true with cards. You see a card today and it is nothing special. But look at these Bowman cards and what do you see? A true classic!
borders. Remember TV was in it's infancy in the 1950's so these cards must have been quite popular. Bowman managed to include Hank Aaron (above left), Ernie Banks, Yogi Berra, Al
Kaline, Willie Mays but so did Topps. Bowman did however ink both Roy Campanella and Mickey Mantle (above right) to an exclusive contract in '55 so if you wanted a Campy or
Mantle card you had to go Bowman. But Topps again beat Bowman in the rookie card department, including key rookie cards of Roberto Clemente, Harmon Killebrew and Sandy Koufax.
Bowman had no major rookie cards except maybe Elston Howard. Of interest, Bowman issued cards of umpires (a first) including famous umpires like Jocko Conlan and Augie Donatelli .
The card of Mickey Mantle is the highest priced card in the set. In 1955 Bowman conceded and were bought out by Topps. So from 1956 to 1980 there was only one mainstream
baseball issue and that name was Topps.
Epilogue. Bowman Gum is no longer around (though Topps did "resurrect" the Bowman name in the late 1980's) but the cards have survived and are considered "classic" today.
Because of Bowman Gum, baseball fans finally could go crazy collecting again after WW II had ended. From 1948 to 1951, Bowman was the major manufacturer of baseball cards. If
you love TOPPS cards and most of us grew up with Topps cards, you have to tip your cap to Bowman. And vice versa. Both inspired each other to make a better baseball card. And while
tobacco cards, candy cards, gum cards all started off making cards as a premium to sell their respective products, today what do you have left? The CARDS! True pieces of America's
Pastime. Today you have modern cards, which in spite of technology are not "better" cards. The cards of the 1930's represent that era well, as do the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's,
and today's cards. But I liken it to the current car market. Cars today pretty much look the same. Nothing stands out, unless it is some "classic" car like a Duesenberg, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air,
a vintage Shelby Mustang Cobra. The same is true with cards. You see a card today and it is nothing special. But look at these Bowman cards and what do you see? A true classic!
1953 Bowman Color #33 Pee Wee Reese
| 1948 Bowman Football #22 Sammy Baugh (Rookie) 1952 Bowman Football (Large) |
"How about some FOOTBALL?" Bowman Gum did not just do baseball cards. They also did Football, beginning in 1955 and continuing through 1955. The 1948 Bowman Football cards are
designed like the 1948 Bowman Baseball series, small black & white cards. Pretty simple. Later on, like with their baseball cards, Bowman continued to improve the cards appearance in terms of
color and artwork. Bowman issued the 1952 Football series in 2 different sizes. Of course Hall of Famers and stars are expensive, especially in higher grades. Topps issued their first mainstream
football set in 1955, the 1955 Topps All American series. After Topps purchased Bowman, they continued to produce Football cards up to the present day with the exception of a few years in the
mid-1960's when Philadelphia Gum had the licensing for NFL cards.
designed like the 1948 Bowman Baseball series, small black & white cards. Pretty simple. Later on, like with their baseball cards, Bowman continued to improve the cards appearance in terms of
color and artwork. Bowman issued the 1952 Football series in 2 different sizes. Of course Hall of Famers and stars are expensive, especially in higher grades. Topps issued their first mainstream
football set in 1955, the 1955 Topps All American series. After Topps purchased Bowman, they continued to produce Football cards up to the present day with the exception of a few years in the
mid-1960's when Philadelphia Gum had the licensing for NFL cards.
1949 Bowman Pacific Coast League #22 Tony York
1949 Bowman PCL. In 1949 Bowman produced Pacific Coast League cards. Remember back then there were no major leagues on the West Coast. If you wanted to watch baseball on the West
Coast you had to go to Pacific Coast League games. And the PCL was very much loaded with talent. Players like Joe Cronin, Lefty O' Doul, Paul & Lloyd Waner, the DiMaggio brothers (Vince, Joe,
Dom), Ted Williams and many other big leaguers all got their start in the Pacific Coast League. So Bowman issued these PCL cards, probably just on the West Coast as they are very scarce today; rare
even, when compared to the regular 1949 Bowman Baseball cards. The above 1949 Bowman PCL #22 Tony York card, graded PSA 1 PR-FR (Poor to Fair) has a $100 price tag on eBay (June
2010)!
Coast you had to go to Pacific Coast League games. And the PCL was very much loaded with talent. Players like Joe Cronin, Lefty O' Doul, Paul & Lloyd Waner, the DiMaggio brothers (Vince, Joe,
Dom), Ted Williams and many other big leaguers all got their start in the Pacific Coast League. So Bowman issued these PCL cards, probably just on the West Coast as they are very scarce today; rare
even, when compared to the regular 1949 Bowman Baseball cards. The above 1949 Bowman PCL #22 Tony York card, graded PSA 1 PR-FR (Poor to Fair) has a $100 price tag on eBay (June
2010)!
1948 Bowman Movie Stars #1 Diana Lynn 1948 Bowman Movie Stars #19 Helena Carter 1948 Bowman Movie Stars #29 Jane Greer
1948 Bowman Movie Stars. Another scarce issue by Bowman are these "Movie Star" cards from 1948. I enjoy non-sport cards but don't know as much about them as I do baseball cards.
However I do know these are some fantastic looking cards. These women look glamorous. Today's women aren't glamorous. They are "cute" or "sexy" but they just don't seem to be glamorous.
Maybe Jennifer Connerly, Charlene Therzon or Scarlett Johannson. But in general today it is all about wiggling your ass and fake boobs in your face. It's crude now. Yeah you are probably saying,
"man this guy is old." And you would be right... Anyway these are very captivating cards. At least for me. Pricing on non-sports cards is difficult. These cards don't trade hands that often so there is
no gauge to what these really sell for except to go on eBay and see if any have sold recently (if any are even on there). As with any card, a card is "worth" whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
Someone may pay $50 each for these cards, or someone may think that is too high. Who cares! Terrific cards by Bowman Gum!
However I do know these are some fantastic looking cards. These women look glamorous. Today's women aren't glamorous. They are "cute" or "sexy" but they just don't seem to be glamorous.
Maybe Jennifer Connerly, Charlene Therzon or Scarlett Johannson. But in general today it is all about wiggling your ass and fake boobs in your face. It's crude now. Yeah you are probably saying,
"man this guy is old." And you would be right... Anyway these are very captivating cards. At least for me. Pricing on non-sports cards is difficult. These cards don't trade hands that often so there is
no gauge to what these really sell for except to go on eBay and see if any have sold recently (if any are even on there). As with any card, a card is "worth" whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
Someone may pay $50 each for these cards, or someone may think that is too high. Who cares! Terrific cards by Bowman Gum!
1949 Bowman #70 Carl Furillo (Rookie card)
I hope you enjoyed our BOWMAN GUM Page. Questions? Comments? Email me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim Pulcifer
Carl Furillo was one of those players who would have been a star on any other team but he had the good fortune to be with the Brooklyn Dodgers when they had Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges,
Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider, all Hall of Famers (except for Hodges, who SHOULD be!). So Furillo is somewhat forgotten by today's baseball fans, though he was a
huge fan favorite in Brooklyn. Everyone remembers Jackie Robinson and rightfully so. But when the Brooklyn Dodgers are mentioned you hear the names Robinson, Snider, Campanella, Pee
Wee, Gil Hodges, even Sandy Koufax, before you hear of Carl Furillo. However Furillo was a fixture in right field for those great Dodger teams including the 1955 World Championship
team. He was a career .299 hitter (you might as well round off to .300) and averaged 29 doubles, 5 triples, 17 HRs, and 95 RBIs per season (162 game schedule). He was also one of the
best right fielders of the era and was nicknamed "The Reading Rifle" because of his strong throwing arm. Furillo also won the 1953 NL Batting Crown with a .344 average. Today a player
who bats .300 and averages nearly 100 per season every year would be making 10 Million dollars a year. Furillo, when he retired from baseball, had to go back to work like the rest of us!
What a shame. Thanks to Bowman we have cards of Carl Furillo from 1949 to 1955. Topps issued it's first Furillo card beginning in 1956. For more "Fan Favorites" check out our FAN
FAVORITES PAGE!
Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider, all Hall of Famers (except for Hodges, who SHOULD be!). So Furillo is somewhat forgotten by today's baseball fans, though he was a
huge fan favorite in Brooklyn. Everyone remembers Jackie Robinson and rightfully so. But when the Brooklyn Dodgers are mentioned you hear the names Robinson, Snider, Campanella, Pee
Wee, Gil Hodges, even Sandy Koufax, before you hear of Carl Furillo. However Furillo was a fixture in right field for those great Dodger teams including the 1955 World Championship
team. He was a career .299 hitter (you might as well round off to .300) and averaged 29 doubles, 5 triples, 17 HRs, and 95 RBIs per season (162 game schedule). He was also one of the
best right fielders of the era and was nicknamed "The Reading Rifle" because of his strong throwing arm. Furillo also won the 1953 NL Batting Crown with a .344 average. Today a player
who bats .300 and averages nearly 100 per season every year would be making 10 Million dollars a year. Furillo, when he retired from baseball, had to go back to work like the rest of us!
What a shame. Thanks to Bowman we have cards of Carl Furillo from 1949 to 1955. Topps issued it's first Furillo card beginning in 1956. For more "Fan Favorites" check out our FAN
FAVORITES PAGE!
LEAF GUM COMPANY
1948-49 Leaf All-Star Baseball Gum #1 Joe DiMaggio (Back view)
As a bonus we are going to feature some other non-Topps issues, namely Leaf Gum Company (makers of "All-Star Baseball Gum" and more) and Frank H. Fleer Gum (makers of "Double
Bubble"). Both Bowman Gum and Leaf produced mainstream baseball issues beginning in 1948. While Bowman featured small black and white cards of ballplayers, Leaf printed slightly
larger cards using "colorized" black and white photographs. These are much more "eye-appealing" than the 1948 and 1949 Bowman Gum cards and maybe Leaf's effort was the reason
Bowman went to color starting in '49. Back to the Leaf cards. The set is pretty tough to complete due to many "short prints" which are quite expensive. The set is skip numbered and features
some of the top players of the time. In fact Leaf started the set off with Joe DiMaggio (card number 1, see above). Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Bob Feller (SP), Warren Spahn, and others
are included in the set. Also Leaf produced some all-time greats like Honus Wagner (Wagner was then a Coach for the Pirates) and a special Babe Ruth card as Ruth had passed away in
1948. The Ruth is one of the key cards to the set and as with most vintage Babe Ruth cards is quite expensive. Rookie cards included Jackie Robinson, Phil Rizzuto, Stan Musial, Satchel Paige
(SP) and more. The main problem with Leaf cards was quality control. Many cards you find with the picture out of register (out of focus) and centering is all over the place on these cards.
Regardless, the 1948-49 Leaf cards were important as this was after World War ll and one of the first mainstream baseball card issues since the 1941 Play Ball America cards. They are
considered "classic" today.
Bubble"). Both Bowman Gum and Leaf produced mainstream baseball issues beginning in 1948. While Bowman featured small black and white cards of ballplayers, Leaf printed slightly
larger cards using "colorized" black and white photographs. These are much more "eye-appealing" than the 1948 and 1949 Bowman Gum cards and maybe Leaf's effort was the reason
Bowman went to color starting in '49. Back to the Leaf cards. The set is pretty tough to complete due to many "short prints" which are quite expensive. The set is skip numbered and features
some of the top players of the time. In fact Leaf started the set off with Joe DiMaggio (card number 1, see above). Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Bob Feller (SP), Warren Spahn, and others
are included in the set. Also Leaf produced some all-time greats like Honus Wagner (Wagner was then a Coach for the Pirates) and a special Babe Ruth card as Ruth had passed away in
1948. The Ruth is one of the key cards to the set and as with most vintage Babe Ruth cards is quite expensive. Rookie cards included Jackie Robinson, Phil Rizzuto, Stan Musial, Satchel Paige
(SP) and more. The main problem with Leaf cards was quality control. Many cards you find with the picture out of register (out of focus) and centering is all over the place on these cards.
Regardless, the 1948-49 Leaf cards were important as this was after World War ll and one of the first mainstream baseball card issues since the 1941 Play Ball America cards. They are
considered "classic" today.
1960 Leaf #27 Brooks Robinson
I am not sure why Leaf chose to abandon sports cards after 1949. Maybe they felt Bowman had "cornered the market." Who knows. But Leaf did not issue another mainstream baseball set
until 1960. That year they issued a set of (144) standard size black & white baseball picture cards. Curiously the cards do not refer to "Leaf" at all, but to "Sports Novelties Inc." of Chicago
Illinois. The cards came in a wax pack with a marble (instead of gum) for five cents. The set is pretty drab compared to the colorful 1960 Topps issues. Also the Leaf set suffers from a
serious lack of star power. Only a handful of Hall of Famers are in the set including Sparky Anderson, Luis Aparicio, Jim Bunning, Orlando Cepeda, Brooks Robinson, Duke Snider and
Hoyt Wilhelm. There are no important rookie cards in the set. Probably because of the lack of players like Aaron, Clemente, Maris, Mantle, Mays, etc., the 1960 Leaf cards pretty much
take a "back seat" to Topps. As such you can pick up these cards in nice condition for less than what a similar Topps card would go for. For instance the above 1960 Leaf #27 Brooks
Robinson lists for $25 in ungraded NM condition, while a 1960 Topps #28 Brooks Robinson lists for $40 in the same condition. Of note, there are a couple of error cards in the set.
There are two Jim Grant cards (#25); one actually pictures Brooks Lawrence while the other card correctly pictures Grant. Interestingly the error card (Brooks Lawrence photo) is the more
common of the two. Also there are 3 variations of card number 58 Hal Smith; the regular version has the team and position on back ($9 in ungraded NM condition), while another has the
team missing on back (scarce, lists for $75 in NM). The third example is rare; it has the team blackened out on back and lists for $750 in NM. Leaf was not to produce another mainstream
set until 1981 with the "Donruss" brand name.
until 1960. That year they issued a set of (144) standard size black & white baseball picture cards. Curiously the cards do not refer to "Leaf" at all, but to "Sports Novelties Inc." of Chicago
Illinois. The cards came in a wax pack with a marble (instead of gum) for five cents. The set is pretty drab compared to the colorful 1960 Topps issues. Also the Leaf set suffers from a
serious lack of star power. Only a handful of Hall of Famers are in the set including Sparky Anderson, Luis Aparicio, Jim Bunning, Orlando Cepeda, Brooks Robinson, Duke Snider and
Hoyt Wilhelm. There are no important rookie cards in the set. Probably because of the lack of players like Aaron, Clemente, Maris, Mantle, Mays, etc., the 1960 Leaf cards pretty much
take a "back seat" to Topps. As such you can pick up these cards in nice condition for less than what a similar Topps card would go for. For instance the above 1960 Leaf #27 Brooks
Robinson lists for $25 in ungraded NM condition, while a 1960 Topps #28 Brooks Robinson lists for $40 in the same condition. Of note, there are a couple of error cards in the set.
There are two Jim Grant cards (#25); one actually pictures Brooks Lawrence while the other card correctly pictures Grant. Interestingly the error card (Brooks Lawrence photo) is the more
common of the two. Also there are 3 variations of card number 58 Hal Smith; the regular version has the team and position on back ($9 in ungraded NM condition), while another has the
team missing on back (scarce, lists for $75 in NM). The third example is rare; it has the team blackened out on back and lists for $750 in NM. Leaf was not to produce another mainstream
set until 1981 with the "Donruss" brand name.
1959-1961, 1963 FLEER
1959 Fleer Ted Williams #68 "Jan. 23, 1959 - Ted Signs For 1959" (Back view)
The Frank H. Fleer Corporation out of Philadelphia began producing cards as far back as 1923. But this was a small "strip-card" issue, not a major "mainstream" issue. It wasn't until 1959
that Fleer jumped into the bubble gum picture card market with a 80-card set highlighting the career of Ted Williams. This was significant as they inked Williams to an exclusive card contract
from 1959 thru 1961, which means there were NO Topps cards of Ted Williams during those years. So the last Topps cards to picture Ted Williams were the 1958 Topps #1 Ted Williams
and #485 Ted Williams Sporting News All-Star card. Being that Williams retired at the end of the 1960 season, this means that Williams last card as an active player is actually 1960 Fleer
#72. Back to 1959. So Fleer issued a set devoted exclusively to "Teddy Ballgame." The set is put in chronological order, starting from "Ted's Early Years" (card #1) to "Ted's Goals For 1959"
(card #80). What's great about the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams card is that they are all vintage Ted Williams cards! Not only that but most of the cards list for about $12.50 each (in ungraded
NM condition). There are a few exceptions, notably the above 1959 Fleer Ted Williams #68 "Ted Signs For 1959" card. Topps was not a happy camper in 1959, having lost
Williams to Fleer. So imagine Topps reaction when they found out Fleer issued a trading card picturing Williams with General Manager Bucky Harris, who was under contract with Topps.
Topps immediately contacted Fleer and demanded action. Fleer had to stop production of the card early in the print runs, creating a very scarce Ted Williams card. In fact this card is one of the
most expensive Ted Williams cards; it lists for $575 in graded NM condition and $915 in graded NM-MT condition (according to PSA's SMR Report, Oct. 2009). The card was counterfeited
at some point so if you are looking for one of these it might be wise to purchase one professionally authenticated and graded by a reputable grading service (currently BGS, BVG, PSA, SGC).
Other cards of note are card number 2 "Ted's Idol" (with Babe Ruth), number 11 "1938 - First Spring Training" (with Jimmie Foxx), and card number 70 "Ted Williams & Jim Thorpe." There are
also several cards which depict Williams while serving as a Marine Fighter Pilot during the Korean War. A real American Hero - Ted Williams! You can't go wrong with any of these cards.
that Fleer jumped into the bubble gum picture card market with a 80-card set highlighting the career of Ted Williams. This was significant as they inked Williams to an exclusive card contract
from 1959 thru 1961, which means there were NO Topps cards of Ted Williams during those years. So the last Topps cards to picture Ted Williams were the 1958 Topps #1 Ted Williams
and #485 Ted Williams Sporting News All-Star card. Being that Williams retired at the end of the 1960 season, this means that Williams last card as an active player is actually 1960 Fleer
#72. Back to 1959. So Fleer issued a set devoted exclusively to "Teddy Ballgame." The set is put in chronological order, starting from "Ted's Early Years" (card #1) to "Ted's Goals For 1959"
(card #80). What's great about the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams card is that they are all vintage Ted Williams cards! Not only that but most of the cards list for about $12.50 each (in ungraded
NM condition). There are a few exceptions, notably the above 1959 Fleer Ted Williams #68 "Ted Signs For 1959" card. Topps was not a happy camper in 1959, having lost
Williams to Fleer. So imagine Topps reaction when they found out Fleer issued a trading card picturing Williams with General Manager Bucky Harris, who was under contract with Topps.
Topps immediately contacted Fleer and demanded action. Fleer had to stop production of the card early in the print runs, creating a very scarce Ted Williams card. In fact this card is one of the
most expensive Ted Williams cards; it lists for $575 in graded NM condition and $915 in graded NM-MT condition (according to PSA's SMR Report, Oct. 2009). The card was counterfeited
at some point so if you are looking for one of these it might be wise to purchase one professionally authenticated and graded by a reputable grading service (currently BGS, BVG, PSA, SGC).
Other cards of note are card number 2 "Ted's Idol" (with Babe Ruth), number 11 "1938 - First Spring Training" (with Jimmie Foxx), and card number 70 "Ted Williams & Jim Thorpe." There are
also several cards which depict Williams while serving as a Marine Fighter Pilot during the Korean War. A real American Hero - Ted Williams! You can't go wrong with any of these cards.
| 1960 Fleer #3 Babe Ruth 1961 Fleer #31 Lou Gehrig |
Being that Topps had a monopoly on the baseball card bubble gum picture card market featuring current players, Fleer chose to issue "All Time Baseball Greats" sets in both 1960 and
1961. These sets feature most of the All-Time Greats: Cobb, Foxx, Gehrig, Johnson, Mathewson, Ruth, Wagner, and more including Fleer's "Ace Up Their Sleeve" Ted Williams. I remember
having these cards as a kid and thinking they were really old cards and while they are considered "vintage" today, the 1960-61 Fleer cards are pretty much a "All Time Greats" set; the
cards picture players who mostly had retired (or since died) years or decades before. Many photos picture the players at "Old Timer's Day" or the like. For instance the above 1960 Fleer
#3 Babe Ruth card clearly shows Ruth after his playing days were over and shortly before his death in 1948. Regardless these are some great cards and a "must have" for collector's who
can't afford cards from these players playing days (which are quite expensive). Also the Ted Williams cards from both the 1960 and 1961 Fleer sets are important because there were no
other cards of Williams except for these Fleer cards. As can be expected the most expensive cards from either set is going to be the Ruth and Gehrig cards. Even so, you can pick up a nice
mid-grade (Excellent) Ruth and Gehrig for about $25 each, which is pretty cheap for a "vintage" Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig card.
1961. These sets feature most of the All-Time Greats: Cobb, Foxx, Gehrig, Johnson, Mathewson, Ruth, Wagner, and more including Fleer's "Ace Up Their Sleeve" Ted Williams. I remember
having these cards as a kid and thinking they were really old cards and while they are considered "vintage" today, the 1960-61 Fleer cards are pretty much a "All Time Greats" set; the
cards picture players who mostly had retired (or since died) years or decades before. Many photos picture the players at "Old Timer's Day" or the like. For instance the above 1960 Fleer
#3 Babe Ruth card clearly shows Ruth after his playing days were over and shortly before his death in 1948. Regardless these are some great cards and a "must have" for collector's who
can't afford cards from these players playing days (which are quite expensive). Also the Ted Williams cards from both the 1960 and 1961 Fleer sets are important because there were no
other cards of Williams except for these Fleer cards. As can be expected the most expensive cards from either set is going to be the Ruth and Gehrig cards. Even so, you can pick up a nice
mid-grade (Excellent) Ruth and Gehrig for about $25 each, which is pretty cheap for a "vintage" Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig card.
1963 Fleer #21 Leon Wagner (Back view)
Fleer tried to be a serious contender for baseball cards in 1963. They were able to sign current players and began work on a mainstream baseball card issue. Alas, Topps was able to successfully
halt Fleer's effort at just one series. Fleer had to issue their cards with a cherry cookie instead of gum. However that one series has some important cards including several Hall of Famers: Brooks
Robinson (#4), Willie Mays (#5), Carl Yastrzemski (#8), Don Drysdale (#41), Sandy Koufax (#42), Warren Spahn (#45), Roberto Clemente (#56), Bill Mazeroski (#59), Bob Gibson (#61), and
Orlando Cepeda (#64). Other cards of note are Ron Santo (#32), Maury Wills (#43), Joe Adcock (#46) and an unnumbered Checklist card, which is easily the most expensive card in the set
($400 in graded NM condition). The Checklist card was replaced on the card sheet by Joe Adcock, so the Adcock card is considered a "short print" as well and lists for $150 in graded NM
condition. The Maury Wills card is unique in that Wills did not sign a Topps contract until 1967, so the 1963 Fleer #43 Maury Wills card is the only early mainstream card of him and is
considered his "rookie card." Fleer also noted on the Wills card that he was the "1962 N.L. MVP," which hints that Fleer probably had a Mickey Mantle card planned as Mantle won the 1962
A.L. MVP Award. Regardless, the 1963 Fleer baseball set of 67 cards (with checklist) is a terrific set in it's own right and chock full of nostalgia. It was Fleer's last hurrah until 1981 when both
Donruss (formerly Leaf) and Fleer were allowed to issue regular baseball cards in packs (though without bubble gum). This created a competitive spirit with Topps and each company tried to outdo
the other until the hobby exploded in the 1980's and 1990's with myriads of card manufacturers, most of which are no longer in business. Fleer in fact, surpassed Topps in some respects; notably
the 1984 Fleer Update Set which included rookie cards of Roger Clemens and Kirby Puckett (both absent from Topps in 1984), and 1987 Fleer set (which was far better looking than the 1987
Topps cards). Fleer eventually went bankrupt in 2005 but their place is secure among card collectors with their early baseball issues. I especially like the 1963 Fleer set as I was born that year
and it is fun to go thru and look at the players that were around when I was a kid.
halt Fleer's effort at just one series. Fleer had to issue their cards with a cherry cookie instead of gum. However that one series has some important cards including several Hall of Famers: Brooks
Robinson (#4), Willie Mays (#5), Carl Yastrzemski (#8), Don Drysdale (#41), Sandy Koufax (#42), Warren Spahn (#45), Roberto Clemente (#56), Bill Mazeroski (#59), Bob Gibson (#61), and
Orlando Cepeda (#64). Other cards of note are Ron Santo (#32), Maury Wills (#43), Joe Adcock (#46) and an unnumbered Checklist card, which is easily the most expensive card in the set
($400 in graded NM condition). The Checklist card was replaced on the card sheet by Joe Adcock, so the Adcock card is considered a "short print" as well and lists for $150 in graded NM
condition. The Maury Wills card is unique in that Wills did not sign a Topps contract until 1967, so the 1963 Fleer #43 Maury Wills card is the only early mainstream card of him and is
considered his "rookie card." Fleer also noted on the Wills card that he was the "1962 N.L. MVP," which hints that Fleer probably had a Mickey Mantle card planned as Mantle won the 1962
A.L. MVP Award. Regardless, the 1963 Fleer baseball set of 67 cards (with checklist) is a terrific set in it's own right and chock full of nostalgia. It was Fleer's last hurrah until 1981 when both
Donruss (formerly Leaf) and Fleer were allowed to issue regular baseball cards in packs (though without bubble gum). This created a competitive spirit with Topps and each company tried to outdo
the other until the hobby exploded in the 1980's and 1990's with myriads of card manufacturers, most of which are no longer in business. Fleer in fact, surpassed Topps in some respects; notably
the 1984 Fleer Update Set which included rookie cards of Roger Clemens and Kirby Puckett (both absent from Topps in 1984), and 1987 Fleer set (which was far better looking than the 1987
Topps cards). Fleer eventually went bankrupt in 2005 but their place is secure among card collectors with their early baseball issues. I especially like the 1963 Fleer set as I was born that year
and it is fun to go thru and look at the players that were around when I was a kid.
1954 Bowman #170 Duke Snider
If you enjoyed our Bowman Page, check out our TOPPS BASEBALL PAGE, which describes Topps issues from 1952 to 1980. Questions? Comments?
Email me at: nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim
Email me at: nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim