| Nowbatting19's Card of the Month |
| Nowbatting19's Card(s) Of The Month February 2012 |
| 1948-49 Leaf #146 Harold Reiser SP 1975 Topps #622 Rookie Outfielders Tim Pulcifer RC |
| On this page we feature our "card of the month." The card may be an expensive or rare card, or it may even be worth a penny and a "common." It doesn't matter. A favorite quote of mine is from a friend and fellow collector Max Keddy, who said "I never met a card I didn't like." I feel much the same way. Essentially, if you do not get enjoyment out of your cards, you are in the wrong hobby. If you love baseball (like I do), then you gotta love the cards. So, expensive or cheap, what you see is what you get on our CARD OF THE MONTH PAGE! Enjoy! |
Champions of the O.R.V.L. Pulcifer 1932
Wanted!! Any information regarding the 1932 baseball team photo below. I am looking to know what "O.R.V.L.." means or anything else regarding
"Pulcifer" or this photo. If you have any information please email me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim Pulcifer
"Pulcifer" or this photo. If you have any information please email me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim Pulcifer
In Memorium 2011
It is with great sadness that I write this. Dodgers great Edwin "Duke" Snider died yesterday (Feb. 27) and I had the great fortune to meet the Duke on more than one occasion. Back when I was a kid I used to hang
out in the parking lot behind the Left and Right Field Pavillion in the hopes of obtaining player autographs (back then the players would park behind there). While I did get autographs of current Dodgers players, the
biggest thrill for me was meeting Duke Snider. I had never seen him play, but I was a big baseball fan and knew quite a bit about the history of baseball and it's stars. Plus while Duke was primarily known as a
"Brooklyn Dodger," I knew he was originally from Southern California (I think I learned that from the back of one of his bubble gum cards) and had once owned an Avocado Farm in Fallbrook (I believe). Anyway the
Duke was gracious enough to sign my ticket and another time he signed an autograph book for me. I also met him prior to the All-Star Game in Los Angeles at the hotel he was staying at along with former and current
All-Stars, so I got his autograph there too. Still have them. They are not "worth" a great deal of money; in fact I get tired of people asking me how much their card(s) are "worth." It shouldn't be about the money. It
should be about meeting a hero from your childhood and bringing back memories. So I treasure those signatures I obtained and remember when I thought baseball was the greatest game on the planet (I still do, though
it is now about money and business and then the game). Anyway I am sorry that Duke Snider has passed away. A great gentleman and baseball player!
Duke Snider did something not even contemporary sluggers Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays did; he had 5 consecutive seasons (1953-57) of 40 or more Home Runs! Even HR King Hank Aaron never accomplished this.
The Duke hit most of his career 407 HRs while with Brooklyn. When the Dodgers moved to L.A., Snider had the spacious L.A. Coliseum to hit in and his power number were significantly diminished. Snider's last season
in Dodger Blue was 1962, the first year of Dodger Stadium. Sadly the Dodgers sold the Duke to the New York Mets in 1963 and Snider finished his career with the rival Giants in 1964. As Duke said later, it was odd to
see "Giants" across his chest but back then he (like most players) needed the money. Ballplayers were not making 10 million dollars a year back then. Snider in fact never made more than $42,000 in one season. World
Series. The Duke was instrumental in the Dodgers first World Championship in 1955. He batted .320 with 4 HRs and 7 RBIs against the Yankees that magical season. Snider also batted .345 with 4 HRs and 8 RBIs in
the '52 World Series, though the Dodgers lost to the Yankees (yet again). Snider also contributed a HR for the Dodgers first World Championship in Los Angeles (1959 vs. Chicago White Sox). All told, the Duke played
in 6 World Series batting .286 with 11 HRs, 8 doubles and 26 RBIs. Duke Snider was enshrined forever in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.
out in the parking lot behind the Left and Right Field Pavillion in the hopes of obtaining player autographs (back then the players would park behind there). While I did get autographs of current Dodgers players, the
biggest thrill for me was meeting Duke Snider. I had never seen him play, but I was a big baseball fan and knew quite a bit about the history of baseball and it's stars. Plus while Duke was primarily known as a
"Brooklyn Dodger," I knew he was originally from Southern California (I think I learned that from the back of one of his bubble gum cards) and had once owned an Avocado Farm in Fallbrook (I believe). Anyway the
Duke was gracious enough to sign my ticket and another time he signed an autograph book for me. I also met him prior to the All-Star Game in Los Angeles at the hotel he was staying at along with former and current
All-Stars, so I got his autograph there too. Still have them. They are not "worth" a great deal of money; in fact I get tired of people asking me how much their card(s) are "worth." It shouldn't be about the money. It
should be about meeting a hero from your childhood and bringing back memories. So I treasure those signatures I obtained and remember when I thought baseball was the greatest game on the planet (I still do, though
it is now about money and business and then the game). Anyway I am sorry that Duke Snider has passed away. A great gentleman and baseball player!
Duke Snider did something not even contemporary sluggers Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays did; he had 5 consecutive seasons (1953-57) of 40 or more Home Runs! Even HR King Hank Aaron never accomplished this.
The Duke hit most of his career 407 HRs while with Brooklyn. When the Dodgers moved to L.A., Snider had the spacious L.A. Coliseum to hit in and his power number were significantly diminished. Snider's last season
in Dodger Blue was 1962, the first year of Dodger Stadium. Sadly the Dodgers sold the Duke to the New York Mets in 1963 and Snider finished his career with the rival Giants in 1964. As Duke said later, it was odd to
see "Giants" across his chest but back then he (like most players) needed the money. Ballplayers were not making 10 million dollars a year back then. Snider in fact never made more than $42,000 in one season. World
Series. The Duke was instrumental in the Dodgers first World Championship in 1955. He batted .320 with 4 HRs and 7 RBIs against the Yankees that magical season. Snider also batted .345 with 4 HRs and 8 RBIs in
the '52 World Series, though the Dodgers lost to the Yankees (yet again). Snider also contributed a HR for the Dodgers first World Championship in Los Angeles (1959 vs. Chicago White Sox). All told, the Duke played
in 6 World Series batting .286 with 11 HRs, 8 doubles and 26 RBIs. Duke Snider was enshrined forever in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.
1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider
Edwin "Duke" Snider 1926 - 2011
| 1962 Topps 316 Killebrew Sends One Into Orbit (Harmon Killebrew In Action) |
One of the All-Time great sluggers and by all accounts an even nicer guy is the man they called "KILLER," Harmon Killebrew. Killebrew was a basher of Mickey Mantle type power. You always hear the name of
the great Mickey Mantle, but not so much with Killebrew. Maybe it was because Mantle played in New York, while Killebrew played with the lowly Senators and later the small-market Minnesota Twins. But with
Killebrew as the "franchise player" the Twins became contenders during the 1960's and with young players like Bobby Allison, Tony Oliva, Jim Katt, Jim "Mudcat" Grant and Jim Perry, the Twins reached the 1965
World Series. Unfortunately for the Twins, they had to face the Dodgers and their ace Sandy Koufax. However Killebrew continued to smash baseballs at an even greater frequency than Mickey Mantle. Killebrew
averaged 38 dingers and 105 RBIs per season (over 162 game schedule) while injury prone Mantle averaged 36 HRs and 102 RBIs. The only drawback for Killebrew was his batting average (.256 lifetime compared
to Mantle's .298) but you also have to consider that Mantle played on better teams with the New York Yankees. The "Killer" also led the American League in Home Runs 6 times (Mantle led 4 times). So for a decade
these two sluggers led the AL in home runs. Pretty impressive. Even more impressive was Killebrew's 1969 season. He led the AL with 49 HRs, 140 RBIs, 145 BB, and a .427 OBP (on base percentage), while
leading the Twins to the AL to the first Divisional Playoffs. 6 times he finished in the top 4 for Most Valuable Player. Killebrew's last season was 1975 with the Kansas City Royals. He still managed to hit 14 HRs in
only 312 at-bats, leaving him with 573 career Home Runs. At one time, Killebrew was the 5th All-Time Leading Home Run slugger, but as since been passed up by players suspected of using PED's. Killebrew didn't
need them. Sadly Harmon Killebrew has passed away. Maybe up in heaven God will give him some of his baseball's back; check out the power swing of the "Killer" on this 1962 Topps #316 "Killebrew Sends
One Into Orbit" bubble gum card.
the great Mickey Mantle, but not so much with Killebrew. Maybe it was because Mantle played in New York, while Killebrew played with the lowly Senators and later the small-market Minnesota Twins. But with
Killebrew as the "franchise player" the Twins became contenders during the 1960's and with young players like Bobby Allison, Tony Oliva, Jim Katt, Jim "Mudcat" Grant and Jim Perry, the Twins reached the 1965
World Series. Unfortunately for the Twins, they had to face the Dodgers and their ace Sandy Koufax. However Killebrew continued to smash baseballs at an even greater frequency than Mickey Mantle. Killebrew
averaged 38 dingers and 105 RBIs per season (over 162 game schedule) while injury prone Mantle averaged 36 HRs and 102 RBIs. The only drawback for Killebrew was his batting average (.256 lifetime compared
to Mantle's .298) but you also have to consider that Mantle played on better teams with the New York Yankees. The "Killer" also led the American League in Home Runs 6 times (Mantle led 4 times). So for a decade
these two sluggers led the AL in home runs. Pretty impressive. Even more impressive was Killebrew's 1969 season. He led the AL with 49 HRs, 140 RBIs, 145 BB, and a .427 OBP (on base percentage), while
leading the Twins to the AL to the first Divisional Playoffs. 6 times he finished in the top 4 for Most Valuable Player. Killebrew's last season was 1975 with the Kansas City Royals. He still managed to hit 14 HRs in
only 312 at-bats, leaving him with 573 career Home Runs. At one time, Killebrew was the 5th All-Time Leading Home Run slugger, but as since been passed up by players suspected of using PED's. Killebrew didn't
need them. Sadly Harmon Killebrew has passed away. Maybe up in heaven God will give him some of his baseball's back; check out the power swing of the "Killer" on this 1962 Topps #316 "Killebrew Sends
One Into Orbit" bubble gum card.
Harmon Killebrew 1936-2011
1970 Topps Super Glossy #28 Bob Griese
Ah, the Super Bowl is almost upon us, with the New England Patriots vs. the New York Giants. Yes, we are going to be deluged with commercials. Yes, we may see one of Madonna's boobs. And if the Patriots
play anything like they did against the Baltimore Ravens a week or so ago, it is going to be a Super Dud. But we can dream that it will be a super game. I hope so. This month our card of the month is a 1970
Topps Super Glossy #28 Bob Griese. These cards feature bright colors and as the name suggests, high gloss. The cards featured some of the top stars and rookies of the day, like Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath,
Bart Starr, O.J. Simpson and many more. They were issued as inserts in regular packs of 1970 Topps football cards (1 card per pack). The backs simply have the player name, card number and the Topps
copyright. I remember getting these out of the packs back in 1970. I really liked the bright colors. Wish I still had them! I sold them with my entire collection in 1977 or so to buy my first car (a used 1965 VW Bug
that I later rolled on the Glendale Freeway here in Los Angeles). At the time I got $1500 for my collection, which was a lot of money at the time. $1500 might buy you a couple bags of groceries today. Anyway
back to our card... it features the great Bob Griese, who didn't get all the accolades like contemporaries Johnny U. and "Broadway" Joe. But he did something neither Unitas or Namath did. In fact it hasn't been
done since, but Bob Griese did not lose a game in 1972. The Miami Dolphins went undefeated that season including the Super Bowl, and it almost happened in 2007? when Tom Brady and the Patriots went 19-0
but lost to, you got it, Eli Manning and the Giants in the Super Bowl. So let's see what happens on Sunday. More on Griese, yes he is in the Football Hall of Fame! And while I'm on the subject, can someone
please tell me why Ken Stabler or Jim Plunkett are NOT in the Hall of Fame??? I'd really like to know.
play anything like they did against the Baltimore Ravens a week or so ago, it is going to be a Super Dud. But we can dream that it will be a super game. I hope so. This month our card of the month is a 1970
Topps Super Glossy #28 Bob Griese. These cards feature bright colors and as the name suggests, high gloss. The cards featured some of the top stars and rookies of the day, like Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath,
Bart Starr, O.J. Simpson and many more. They were issued as inserts in regular packs of 1970 Topps football cards (1 card per pack). The backs simply have the player name, card number and the Topps
copyright. I remember getting these out of the packs back in 1970. I really liked the bright colors. Wish I still had them! I sold them with my entire collection in 1977 or so to buy my first car (a used 1965 VW Bug
that I later rolled on the Glendale Freeway here in Los Angeles). At the time I got $1500 for my collection, which was a lot of money at the time. $1500 might buy you a couple bags of groceries today. Anyway
back to our card... it features the great Bob Griese, who didn't get all the accolades like contemporaries Johnny U. and "Broadway" Joe. But he did something neither Unitas or Namath did. In fact it hasn't been
done since, but Bob Griese did not lose a game in 1972. The Miami Dolphins went undefeated that season including the Super Bowl, and it almost happened in 2007? when Tom Brady and the Patriots went 19-0
but lost to, you got it, Eli Manning and the Giants in the Super Bowl. So let's see what happens on Sunday. More on Griese, yes he is in the Football Hall of Fame! And while I'm on the subject, can someone
please tell me why Ken Stabler or Jim Plunkett are NOT in the Hall of Fame??? I'd really like to know.
1972 Chicago Tribune wire photo (Ron Santo with young fan)
This, my friends, is what it is all about. The above image captures a Hall of Fame moment where a young Cubs fan gets a autograph from the great Ron Santo. Santo has since passed, but he will forever be
enshrined in Cooperstown. But this photo captures a special moment where a fan gets to meet his hero. Do you think those smiles are fake? Not on your life. Do you think Santo charged the kid for his autograph?
Not on your life. This is just a great photograph courtesy of the Chicago Tribune Archives.
enshrined in Cooperstown. But this photo captures a special moment where a fan gets to meet his hero. Do you think those smiles are fake? Not on your life. Do you think Santo charged the kid for his autograph?
Not on your life. This is just a great photograph courtesy of the Chicago Tribune Archives.