| All-Time Catchers Page! |
Welcome to Nowbatting19's All-Time Catchers page! On this page we will feature some of baseball's greatest catchers, especially my two personal favorites, Johnny Bench
and Carlton Fisk. Enjoy!
and Carlton Fisk. Enjoy!
1969 O-Pee-Chee #95 Johnny Bench
Johnny Bench is considered to be the quintessential backstop. He not only could hit with power, but he also was a potent defensive threat, winning 10 Gold Glove awards in his career. He was nicknamed "The Little General" as
there was no doubt as to who was in charge behind the plate. Bench went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award (1968), 2 National League Most Valuable Player awards (1970, 1972), and helped the Reds to 4
World Series (including 2 Champions; 1975, 1976). He was the MVP of the 1976 World Series, batting .533 with 8 hits, including a double, triple, 2 Home Runs, and 6 RBI's in sweeping the New York Yankees. Johnny Bench retired
in 1983 as the All-Time leader in career Home Runs by a catcher (Bench hit a total of 389 career home runs), though that record has since been broken by Carlton Fisk and later, Mike Piazza. Over a 162 game schedule, Johnny Bench
would have averaged 29 HRs and 103 RBIs per season! I would have to say that if I were to pick an all-time catcher I would have to go with #5 of the Cincinnati Reds, Johnny Bench.
Here are two classic Johnny Bench cards: The 1969 O-Pee-Chee #95 Johnny Bench (above, left) is Bench's second year card. The 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench baseball card (above right) is from the high numbered
series. Hence, it is somewhat difficult to obtain and almost as expensive as his 1968 rookie card (1968 Topps #247 Reds Rookie Stars).
there was no doubt as to who was in charge behind the plate. Bench went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award (1968), 2 National League Most Valuable Player awards (1970, 1972), and helped the Reds to 4
World Series (including 2 Champions; 1975, 1976). He was the MVP of the 1976 World Series, batting .533 with 8 hits, including a double, triple, 2 Home Runs, and 6 RBI's in sweeping the New York Yankees. Johnny Bench retired
in 1983 as the All-Time leader in career Home Runs by a catcher (Bench hit a total of 389 career home runs), though that record has since been broken by Carlton Fisk and later, Mike Piazza. Over a 162 game schedule, Johnny Bench
would have averaged 29 HRs and 103 RBIs per season! I would have to say that if I were to pick an all-time catcher I would have to go with #5 of the Cincinnati Reds, Johnny Bench.
Here are two classic Johnny Bench cards: The 1969 O-Pee-Chee #95 Johnny Bench (above, left) is Bench's second year card. The 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench baseball card (above right) is from the high numbered
series. Hence, it is somewhat difficult to obtain and almost as expensive as his 1968 rookie card (1968 Topps #247 Reds Rookie Stars).
1975 Topps #80 Carlton Fisk
Carlton Fisk was the American League's answer to Johnny Bench. Like Bench, Carlton Fisk won the Rookie of the Year Award (American League, 1972). He posted similar 162 game averages as
Bench; 24 Home Runs and 85 RBI's averaged over 162 games. Considering Fisk suffered several serious injuries, including a broken arm in 1974, so this is quite an accomplishment. Fisk went on to hit
376 career home runs. He also is the leader in career games caught by a backstop (2226 games). Of course when speaking of Carlton Fisk, you always remember Game 6 of the 1975 World Series
(against Bench's Big Red Machine) when he hit a game winning shot off the left field foul pole. One of the all-time great baseball moments. Why I really like Fisk was his intensity. Like Bench, Fisk was IN
CHARGE behind the plate. In fact, Fisk (along with Thurman Munson) helped start the Red Sox/ Yankee rivalry of the 1970's. On August 1, 1973 in a game against the Yankees, Fisk was involved in a
collision at the plate by rival AL catcher Thurman Munson. A brawl ensued and this game is pinpointed as fuel for the fire in the Bosox - Yanks rivalry. This was not your current, tame, Red Sox Yankees
rivalry where you have players on opposite teams hugging each other before the games. The Red Sox players of the 1970's HATED the New York Yankees and vice versa. Another favorite Fisk moment
was when he was with the Chicago White Sox and in a game against the Yankees (of course), Deon "Prime Time" Sanders did not run out a pop fly. Fisk, professional veteran that he was, yelled at
Sanders to run it out. Another brawl almost occurred but that incident goes to show exactly what kind of players both Fisk (and Deon) Sanders were. One is in the Hall of Fame and the other is not and
never will be. There is a right way to play the game and a wrong way and Carlton Fisk played the game the RIGHT way.
This 1975 Topps Carlton Fisk baseball card (above left) is hard to acquire in high grade (MINT or better). This is because the '75 is very condition sensitive; the brightly colored borders show the slightest
bit of wear. I picked up this card for five bucks on eBay. Worth every penny in my book.
Bench; 24 Home Runs and 85 RBI's averaged over 162 games. Considering Fisk suffered several serious injuries, including a broken arm in 1974, so this is quite an accomplishment. Fisk went on to hit
376 career home runs. He also is the leader in career games caught by a backstop (2226 games). Of course when speaking of Carlton Fisk, you always remember Game 6 of the 1975 World Series
(against Bench's Big Red Machine) when he hit a game winning shot off the left field foul pole. One of the all-time great baseball moments. Why I really like Fisk was his intensity. Like Bench, Fisk was IN
CHARGE behind the plate. In fact, Fisk (along with Thurman Munson) helped start the Red Sox/ Yankee rivalry of the 1970's. On August 1, 1973 in a game against the Yankees, Fisk was involved in a
collision at the plate by rival AL catcher Thurman Munson. A brawl ensued and this game is pinpointed as fuel for the fire in the Bosox - Yanks rivalry. This was not your current, tame, Red Sox Yankees
rivalry where you have players on opposite teams hugging each other before the games. The Red Sox players of the 1970's HATED the New York Yankees and vice versa. Another favorite Fisk moment
was when he was with the Chicago White Sox and in a game against the Yankees (of course), Deon "Prime Time" Sanders did not run out a pop fly. Fisk, professional veteran that he was, yelled at
Sanders to run it out. Another brawl almost occurred but that incident goes to show exactly what kind of players both Fisk (and Deon) Sanders were. One is in the Hall of Fame and the other is not and
never will be. There is a right way to play the game and a wrong way and Carlton Fisk played the game the RIGHT way.
This 1975 Topps Carlton Fisk baseball card (above left) is hard to acquire in high grade (MINT or better). This is because the '75 is very condition sensitive; the brightly colored borders show the slightest
bit of wear. I picked up this card for five bucks on eBay. Worth every penny in my book.
1953 Topps #27 Roy Campanella
Another all-time catcher is this Dodger great, Roy Campanella ("Campy"). Roy Campanella played only 10 years due to tragic auto accident that paralyzed him prior to the Dodgers move to
Los Angeles in 1958. However Campy made the most of those 10 years, winning 3 National League MVP Awards (1951, 1953, 1955). He batted .276 lifetime (career high .325 in 1951) with
242 Home Runs (career high 41 HR in 1953) and 856 RBIs (led NL with 142 in 1953). Over a 162 game schedule Campy would have averaged 32 HRs and 114 RBIs! Campanella was a
huge part of the great Brooklyn Dodger teams of the late 1940's through 1950's. The Dodgers went to the World Series 5 times with Campy behind the plate (World Champions in 1955). Roy
Campanella was honored in Los Angeles in 1959 on "Roy Campanella Night." He was escorted on the field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum by former Dodger captain and teammate Pee
Wee Reese and the packed house (over 90,000) all lit matches in honor of Roy. It was a moving tribute. Campy stayed on with the Dodgers throughout his life as a part time coach and helped
teach future Dodger catchers like Mike Piazza. Roy Campanella passed away on June 26, 1993. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
This 1953 Topps baseball card of Roy Campanella (above) is one of my all-time favorites. Just look at that smile! And this was BEFORE 10 million dollar a year contracts!
Los Angeles in 1958. However Campy made the most of those 10 years, winning 3 National League MVP Awards (1951, 1953, 1955). He batted .276 lifetime (career high .325 in 1951) with
242 Home Runs (career high 41 HR in 1953) and 856 RBIs (led NL with 142 in 1953). Over a 162 game schedule Campy would have averaged 32 HRs and 114 RBIs! Campanella was a
huge part of the great Brooklyn Dodger teams of the late 1940's through 1950's. The Dodgers went to the World Series 5 times with Campy behind the plate (World Champions in 1955). Roy
Campanella was honored in Los Angeles in 1959 on "Roy Campanella Night." He was escorted on the field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum by former Dodger captain and teammate Pee
Wee Reese and the packed house (over 90,000) all lit matches in honor of Roy. It was a moving tribute. Campy stayed on with the Dodgers throughout his life as a part time coach and helped
teach future Dodger catchers like Mike Piazza. Roy Campanella passed away on June 26, 1993. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
This 1953 Topps baseball card of Roy Campanella (above) is one of my all-time favorites. Just look at that smile! And this was BEFORE 10 million dollar a year contracts!
1955 Topps #198 Yogi Berra
A lot of younger fans might not know who Yogi Berra is, except maybe for the fact that he is that guy who talks funny on that AFLAC commercial ("And it pays you money, which is just
as good as cash..."). "Yogi-isms" aside, Yogi Berra is considered to be one of the greatest backstops ever. Like his counterpart in the National League, Roy Campanella, Yogi won 3 American
League MVP Awards (1951, 1954, 1955). In fact, Berra finished in the top 3 in MVP balloting a total of FOUR other years! No small feat considering you are playing on a team with a guy
named Mickey Mantle. Berra played a total of 19 years in the big leagues, mostly as a New York Yankee. 11 different times he hit 20 or more HRs, and at the time of his retirement in 1965,
he was the all-time leader in home runs by a catcher (since beaten by Bench, Fisk, and Piazza). However this does not diminish Berra's legacy. Berra is endeared by not just Yankee fans,
but ALL baseball fans (myself included, and I HATE the damn Yankees). He was a clutch performer, Most Valuable Player and a Hall of Famer (inducted in 1972). Check out his stats if
you don't believe me (courtesy of baseballreference.com)
as good as cash..."). "Yogi-isms" aside, Yogi Berra is considered to be one of the greatest backstops ever. Like his counterpart in the National League, Roy Campanella, Yogi won 3 American
League MVP Awards (1951, 1954, 1955). In fact, Berra finished in the top 3 in MVP balloting a total of FOUR other years! No small feat considering you are playing on a team with a guy
named Mickey Mantle. Berra played a total of 19 years in the big leagues, mostly as a New York Yankee. 11 different times he hit 20 or more HRs, and at the time of his retirement in 1965,
he was the all-time leader in home runs by a catcher (since beaten by Bench, Fisk, and Piazza). However this does not diminish Berra's legacy. Berra is endeared by not just Yankee fans,
but ALL baseball fans (myself included, and I HATE the damn Yankees). He was a clutch performer, Most Valuable Player and a Hall of Famer (inducted in 1972). Check out his stats if
you don't believe me (courtesy of baseballreference.com)
1971 Topps #5 Thurman Munson (second year card)
| 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench |
Thurman Munson is not in the Hall of Fame. But I think he should be. First, Munson brought the Yankees back to contention. Leader? He was honored by being appointed the Yankees team captain. Fielding?
3 Gold Gloves. Hitting? Try .292 lifetime, with 1558 hits, 229 doubles, 113 HRs, & 701 RBIs in only 11 seasons. Champion? Yes, 3 times Munson led the Yankees to the World Series (1976, 1977,
1978), with the Yankees winning in both '77 & '78. Tragically he was killed in an airplane crash on August 2, 1979. He was only 32 years old. As much as I don't like the Yankees I do know a great player
when I see one and Thurman Munson belongs in the Hall of Fame. It's a real shame he is not. However we put Thurman Munson in our own Nowbatting19's Hall Of Fame.
This is Munson's second year card from the tough, condition-sensitive 1971 Topps set. The jet black borders show the tiniest bits of wear. This is probably Munson's toughest card to find in high grade. Even
NM examples like the one above sell for about $115, which is even more than his rookie card (1970 Topps #189 Yankees Rookie Stars) which lists for $75 in graded NM condition!
3 Gold Gloves. Hitting? Try .292 lifetime, with 1558 hits, 229 doubles, 113 HRs, & 701 RBIs in only 11 seasons. Champion? Yes, 3 times Munson led the Yankees to the World Series (1976, 1977,
1978), with the Yankees winning in both '77 & '78. Tragically he was killed in an airplane crash on August 2, 1979. He was only 32 years old. As much as I don't like the Yankees I do know a great player
when I see one and Thurman Munson belongs in the Hall of Fame. It's a real shame he is not. However we put Thurman Munson in our own Nowbatting19's Hall Of Fame.
This is Munson's second year card from the tough, condition-sensitive 1971 Topps set. The jet black borders show the tiniest bits of wear. This is probably Munson's toughest card to find in high grade. Even
NM examples like the one above sell for about $115, which is even more than his rookie card (1970 Topps #189 Yankees Rookie Stars) which lists for $75 in graded NM condition!
1973 O-Pee-Chee #380 Johnny Bench 1973 Topps #193 Carlton Fisk
1962 Post Canadian #152 Joe Torre
I bet a lot of you don't know that Joe Torre was actually a pretty damn good player, before he became a pretty good manager for the New York Yankees. Torre started his career with the Milwaukee Braves and was a terrific hitter. In
1971 he won the NL Most Valuable Player Award with the St. Louis Cardinals by leading the league in hitting (.363 batting average), 230 hits, and 137 runs batted in. Among those 230 hits were 34 doubles, 8 triples, and 24 home
runs. Joe Torre played 18 seasons, batted .297 lifetime, with 2342 hits, 344 doubles, 59 triples, 252 HRs (with a career high of 36 in 1966), and 1185 RBIs (including 5 seasons of 100+ RBIs). Not bad at all. While most think
Torre has a good shot at the Hall of Fame as a Manager, you could make a very good argument for Torre to be a Hall of Famer as a player. His lifetime batting mark is the same as Mickey Mantle and while he did not hit as many HRs
as Mantle he did play a more demanding position and had more 100 RBI seasons than Mantle (Torre had 5 compared to Mantle's 4). Granted Mantle had injuries but what catcher does not get beat up during a game? They don't call it
"tools of ignorance" for nothing. I think Joe Torre should be in the HOF as a player.
This 1962 Joe Torre baseball card is from the 1962 Post Cereal Canadian issue. The cards were issued on the backs of Post cereal in Canada and are somewhat similar to the 1962 Post Cereal U.S. version, though the Post
Canadian cards feature text in English and French and the U.S cards feature blue or red areas around the stats (blue for American League and Red for National League). Both issues were printed on the boxes of Post cereal and were
intended to be cut out with scissors. It is very difficult today to find well-cut examples.
1971 he won the NL Most Valuable Player Award with the St. Louis Cardinals by leading the league in hitting (.363 batting average), 230 hits, and 137 runs batted in. Among those 230 hits were 34 doubles, 8 triples, and 24 home
runs. Joe Torre played 18 seasons, batted .297 lifetime, with 2342 hits, 344 doubles, 59 triples, 252 HRs (with a career high of 36 in 1966), and 1185 RBIs (including 5 seasons of 100+ RBIs). Not bad at all. While most think
Torre has a good shot at the Hall of Fame as a Manager, you could make a very good argument for Torre to be a Hall of Famer as a player. His lifetime batting mark is the same as Mickey Mantle and while he did not hit as many HRs
as Mantle he did play a more demanding position and had more 100 RBI seasons than Mantle (Torre had 5 compared to Mantle's 4). Granted Mantle had injuries but what catcher does not get beat up during a game? They don't call it
"tools of ignorance" for nothing. I think Joe Torre should be in the HOF as a player.
This 1962 Joe Torre baseball card is from the 1962 Post Cereal Canadian issue. The cards were issued on the backs of Post cereal in Canada and are somewhat similar to the 1962 Post Cereal U.S. version, though the Post
Canadian cards feature text in English and French and the U.S cards feature blue or red areas around the stats (blue for American League and Red for National League). Both issues were printed on the boxes of Post cereal and were
intended to be cut out with scissors. It is very difficult today to find well-cut examples.
1935 Wheaties Series 1 Mickey Cochrane
One of the best catchers in the 1920's thru 1930's was Gordon Stanley Cochrane, or "Mickey" Cochrane. Cochrane played backstop for both the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers, and it is no coincidence
that both teams went to the World Series (A's with Cochrane went in 1929 through 1931 and the Tigers went in 1934 and 1935). Cochrane only played 13 seasons, so getting to the World Series 5 different times during
his career tells you something about Mr. Mickey Cochrane. What also stands out about Cochrane was hit batting marks. He hit .320 LIFETIME, including a career high .357 in 1930. Mickey played catcher his entire
career with the exception of 1 game where he played outfield. His lifetime fielding mark stands at a respectable .985. I believe Mickey Cochrane had to retire early because of a bad beaning (remember, back then players
did not wear helmets) but even in spite of his short career, he was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1947. Another tidbit about Cochrane. One fan was so impressed with Mickey Cochrane that he named his son "Mickey"
after the great catcher. Mutt Mantle's son, of course grew up to become the great Mickey Mantle.
Yes, Wheaties, "The Breakfast of Champions," has been around for quite awhile. This Wheaties "card" of Mickey Cochrane was cut from the cereal box back in 1935. With a printed "frame" I imagine most of these were
pinned or taped to the walls of aspiring ballplayers.
that both teams went to the World Series (A's with Cochrane went in 1929 through 1931 and the Tigers went in 1934 and 1935). Cochrane only played 13 seasons, so getting to the World Series 5 different times during
his career tells you something about Mr. Mickey Cochrane. What also stands out about Cochrane was hit batting marks. He hit .320 LIFETIME, including a career high .357 in 1930. Mickey played catcher his entire
career with the exception of 1 game where he played outfield. His lifetime fielding mark stands at a respectable .985. I believe Mickey Cochrane had to retire early because of a bad beaning (remember, back then players
did not wear helmets) but even in spite of his short career, he was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1947. Another tidbit about Cochrane. One fan was so impressed with Mickey Cochrane that he named his son "Mickey"
after the great catcher. Mutt Mantle's son, of course grew up to become the great Mickey Mantle.
Yes, Wheaties, "The Breakfast of Champions," has been around for quite awhile. This Wheaties "card" of Mickey Cochrane was cut from the cereal box back in 1935. With a printed "frame" I imagine most of these were
pinned or taped to the walls of aspiring ballplayers.
1971 Topps #117 Ted Simmons (Rookie card)
You don't hear too often about this terrific catcher, Ted Simmons. Probably because he played during the same time as Johnny Bench, he seems to be largely ignored by both fans and the baseball writers.
You never hear about Ted Simmons. But I remember he was a good hitter and a switch hitter too. Very similar to Jason Varitek today of the Boston Red Sox. Varitek is a great catcher and a team leader, but I
seriously doubt he will post similar career numbers as Simmons. Simmons was able to enjoy a long career, playing 21 years in the big leagues. He batted .285 lifetime, with almost 2,500 hits (2,472), 483
doubles, 248 Home Runs (including six different seasons of 20 or more HR's), 1,074 runs, 1,389 RBI's, and had 855 walks compared to only 694 career strikeouts. His fielding average was .986. Ted
Simmons appeared in one World Series (1982 Brewers) and had 2 HR's and 3 RBI's in a losing effort. One of the very under appreciated players of the 1970's and early 1980's.
You never hear about Ted Simmons. But I remember he was a good hitter and a switch hitter too. Very similar to Jason Varitek today of the Boston Red Sox. Varitek is a great catcher and a team leader, but I
seriously doubt he will post similar career numbers as Simmons. Simmons was able to enjoy a long career, playing 21 years in the big leagues. He batted .285 lifetime, with almost 2,500 hits (2,472), 483
doubles, 248 Home Runs (including six different seasons of 20 or more HR's), 1,074 runs, 1,389 RBI's, and had 855 walks compared to only 694 career strikeouts. His fielding average was .986. Ted
Simmons appeared in one World Series (1982 Brewers) and had 2 HR's and 3 RBI's in a losing effort. One of the very under appreciated players of the 1970's and early 1980's.
1974 Topps #105 Carlton Fisk 1982 O-Pee-Chee Carlton Fisk In Action
| 1977 Carlton Fisk Wire Photo (August 15, 1977; tagging out Dan Meyer of Seattle in a 11-1 Boston win) |
"You're OUT!!!"
1956 Topps #208 Elston Howard
Who replaced Yogi Berra behind the plate? Elston Howard. Elston Howard played 14 seasons (mostly for the Yankees), batting .274 with 167 HRs and 762 RBIs. Keep in mind he was platooned by manager
Casey Stengel early during his career and only once did Howard have over 500 at bats in a season. But Howard was very productive for the Yankees. 3 times he slugged 20 or more HRs, hitting 21-21-28 from
1961-63. In 1963, on a team with Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris, who do you think won AL MVP that year? That's right, Elston Howard. He batted .287 with a .528 slugging average, 21
doubles, 6 triples, 28 HRs, 75 runs, and 85 RBIs to lead the Yanks to the pennant. In the 1963 World Series, Howard batted .333 against pitchers like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, who shut down the
Yankees in 4 games. In 10 World Series, Elston Howard clubbed 5 HRs, drove in 19, and at one time was 10th all-time in World Series hits with 42 (it still may be a record but I am not sure). Used primarily as a
catcher, Howard also played in the outfield and first base when needed. His lifetime fielding mark is .992!
The 1956 Topps baseball cards were similar to the 1955 effort; however with a noticeable difference. The backgrounds included full color action pictures of the player. Very innovative from the people at Topps.
This was before actual game photographs were used (Topps began using actual game photography in 1971). A lot of time and effort went into producing these beautiful cards. You can say vintage cards are
kind of like the old vintage cartoons like Looney Tunes, or early Disney, when they used to spend a lot of time drawing and being creative. They took a lot of time to make their features and it showed. Today
cartoons are mostly computerized in some way or form and I still think the old classic Disney films are much better than the new stuff they put out. Same with cards. Compare this 1956 Topps baseball card to a
1996 or 2006 baseball card and it just isn't the same. This one will stand up as being classic while the others get forgotten with time. It's a shame. This is Elston Howard's second bubble gum card. His first
(rookie) card was in the 1955 Bowman Gum set (#68). Howard was not included in the 1955 Topps set, so this is 1956 Topps #208 Elston Howard would be his first Topps card. His last card as an active
player was 1968 Topps #167.
Casey Stengel early during his career and only once did Howard have over 500 at bats in a season. But Howard was very productive for the Yankees. 3 times he slugged 20 or more HRs, hitting 21-21-28 from
1961-63. In 1963, on a team with Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris, who do you think won AL MVP that year? That's right, Elston Howard. He batted .287 with a .528 slugging average, 21
doubles, 6 triples, 28 HRs, 75 runs, and 85 RBIs to lead the Yanks to the pennant. In the 1963 World Series, Howard batted .333 against pitchers like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, who shut down the
Yankees in 4 games. In 10 World Series, Elston Howard clubbed 5 HRs, drove in 19, and at one time was 10th all-time in World Series hits with 42 (it still may be a record but I am not sure). Used primarily as a
catcher, Howard also played in the outfield and first base when needed. His lifetime fielding mark is .992!
The 1956 Topps baseball cards were similar to the 1955 effort; however with a noticeable difference. The backgrounds included full color action pictures of the player. Very innovative from the people at Topps.
This was before actual game photographs were used (Topps began using actual game photography in 1971). A lot of time and effort went into producing these beautiful cards. You can say vintage cards are
kind of like the old vintage cartoons like Looney Tunes, or early Disney, when they used to spend a lot of time drawing and being creative. They took a lot of time to make their features and it showed. Today
cartoons are mostly computerized in some way or form and I still think the old classic Disney films are much better than the new stuff they put out. Same with cards. Compare this 1956 Topps baseball card to a
1996 or 2006 baseball card and it just isn't the same. This one will stand up as being classic while the others get forgotten with time. It's a shame. This is Elston Howard's second bubble gum card. His first
(rookie) card was in the 1955 Bowman Gum set (#68). Howard was not included in the 1955 Topps set, so this is 1956 Topps #208 Elston Howard would be his first Topps card. His last card as an active
player was 1968 Topps #167.
1974 was the first year Topps stopped issuing baseball cards in series. Hence, no more scarce high numbers, etc. I believe 1974 was the first year Topps produced factory sets. Regardless, the set
features many of the great players of the time at affordable prices (in fact, most 1970's Topps cards are very underappreciated, especially compared to today's cards). The set includes a Hank Aaron
All-Time HR King (card #1), a Hank Aaron Special "sub-set," All-Star cards, League Leaders, notable rookies (Dave Winfield, Dave Parker, Frank Tanana, Ken Griffey) and some terrific 2nd year cards
(Mike Schmidt, Goose Gossage, Dwight Evans). The 1974 Topps set also included some variations including "Washington Nationals" cards (Topps went with a rumor that the San Diego Padres were
moving to Washington; they didn't), and they also included a few horizontal format cards like this beautiful 1974 Topps #105 Carlton Fisk card (above left). This is one of my favorite Fisk cards.
Another favorite of mine is this 1982 O-Pee-Chee (or Topps) Carlton Fisk In Action card (above right) which shows him going all out for a foul pop.
features many of the great players of the time at affordable prices (in fact, most 1970's Topps cards are very underappreciated, especially compared to today's cards). The set includes a Hank Aaron
All-Time HR King (card #1), a Hank Aaron Special "sub-set," All-Star cards, League Leaders, notable rookies (Dave Winfield, Dave Parker, Frank Tanana, Ken Griffey) and some terrific 2nd year cards
(Mike Schmidt, Goose Gossage, Dwight Evans). The 1974 Topps set also included some variations including "Washington Nationals" cards (Topps went with a rumor that the San Diego Padres were
moving to Washington; they didn't), and they also included a few horizontal format cards like this beautiful 1974 Topps #105 Carlton Fisk card (above left). This is one of my favorite Fisk cards.
Another favorite of mine is this 1982 O-Pee-Chee (or Topps) Carlton Fisk In Action card (above right) which shows him going all out for a foul pop.
1977 O-Pee-Chee #137 Carlton Fisk
This 1977 O-Pee-Chee #137 Carlton Fisk might be my favorite Fisk card (or the Topps version; both use the same picture). Terrific action shot of a close play at the plate. Like the above '74 Topps Fisk,
this one depicts the Yankees again (that is Willie Randolph sliding home, #30). Topps knew a good thing when it saw one; the Red Sox/ Yankees during the 1970's was pretty intense. Much more so than
later. Now players love each other, but back then they hated each other. There was no "Wild Card" back then. Either you won the division or you went home. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the Yankees won the
pennant in 1976, '77, and '78. The 1978 pennant was a heartbreaker; both teams finished in a tie and a one game "playoff" was held at Fenway Park. This was to be known as the "Bucky Dent Game."
Uggh.
this one depicts the Yankees again (that is Willie Randolph sliding home, #30). Topps knew a good thing when it saw one; the Red Sox/ Yankees during the 1970's was pretty intense. Much more so than
later. Now players love each other, but back then they hated each other. There was no "Wild Card" back then. Either you won the division or you went home. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the Yankees won the
pennant in 1976, '77, and '78. The 1978 pennant was a heartbreaker; both teams finished in a tie and a one game "playoff" was held at Fenway Park. This was to be known as the "Bucky Dent Game."
Uggh.
1975 World Series Wire Photo ("Fred Lynn out at plate" with Johnny Bench)
Terrific action shot of Johnny Bench having just tagged out Fred Lynn (#19) at the plate in the 1975 World Series. Bench had a good Series in 1975, but he was to have an even better one the following
season against the New York Yankees in the '76 Fall Classic.
season against the New York Yankees in the '76 Fall Classic.
1977 Venezuela Baseball Sticker #178 Thurman Munson
Topps issued a set of baseball stickers in 1977 for the Venezuelan market. Called "1977 Venezuela Baseball Stickers," these fragile stickers were intended to be pasted in a scrapbook (also provided by
Topps). These stickers are quite rare and are usually found in low grades. This 1977 Venenzuela Baseball Stickers #178 Thurman Munson is one of his rarest cards to acquire. Several of the
major league stickers (like the Munson above) are similar to the regular 1977 Topps baseball cards but the paper is very thin, the printing is crude, and they are somewhat smaller than the regular Topps
cards. Card numbers are also different and the position is missing in the "pennant" area. Being these are rare, they are much more expensive than the regular Topps cards.
Topps). These stickers are quite rare and are usually found in low grades. This 1977 Venenzuela Baseball Stickers #178 Thurman Munson is one of his rarest cards to acquire. Several of the
major league stickers (like the Munson above) are similar to the regular 1977 Topps baseball cards but the paper is very thin, the printing is crude, and they are somewhat smaller than the regular Topps
cards. Card numbers are also different and the position is missing in the "pennant" area. Being these are rare, they are much more expensive than the regular Topps cards.
1968 Topps #247 Reds Rookie Stars (Johnny Bench, Ron Tomkins) 1972 O-Pee-Chee #79 Red Sox Rookie Stars (Garman, Cooper, Fisk)
1952 Bowman #27 Joe Garagiola Original Artwork
1961 Topps #502 Clarence "Choo-Choo" Coleman
My two personal favorite catchers as I grew up in 1970's are Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk. Their rookie cards used to sell for over $300 (Bench) and Fisk ($150) in ungraded NM condition. This was during the hobby's peak beginning in
the 1980's. Everybody wanted "rookie cards." Everyone wanted to get in the hobby and there was a lot of money to be spent. Most of it by Yuppies who sold out their ideals of the 1960's and became CEO's, Wall Street pimps and the
"establishment." All of a sudden you had a card (the T206 Honus Wagner) that was graded by an upstart company called PSA and given the highest grade (PSA 8 NM-MT) and sold in auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars. More
than most houses cost at that time. So everybody thought sports cards and related memorabilia was a gold mine. And for awhile it was and a lot of people made a sickening amount of money trading cardboard gold for green U.S. dollars.
It is a sad tale of decrepit, unethical, and just plain ugly American greed. Today, as with the economy, inflated prices of just about everything have come back down to earth. Which is good for collectors. You want a 1968 Topps #247
Reds Rookie Stars Johnny Bench? You can pick up a graded NM example for about $100-$125. Carlton Fisk? His 1972 Topps #79 Red Sox Rookie Stars (with Cecil Cooper) sells for about $35 in graded NM condition. The
price guides say $50 in NM, but you can still get some great deals on this card. I picked up one for as low as $25 in graded NM. So while it may not be a good idea to buy right now, it can be a good time to pick up your favorites as a
collector (not an investor). Note the above Carlton Fisk rookie card is not a Topps card, but O-Pee-Chee, which were issued in Canada. The fronts are identical but the backs feature text in both English and French along with a O.P.C.
copyright. The card stock used is also different than the Topps cards.
the 1980's. Everybody wanted "rookie cards." Everyone wanted to get in the hobby and there was a lot of money to be spent. Most of it by Yuppies who sold out their ideals of the 1960's and became CEO's, Wall Street pimps and the
"establishment." All of a sudden you had a card (the T206 Honus Wagner) that was graded by an upstart company called PSA and given the highest grade (PSA 8 NM-MT) and sold in auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars. More
than most houses cost at that time. So everybody thought sports cards and related memorabilia was a gold mine. And for awhile it was and a lot of people made a sickening amount of money trading cardboard gold for green U.S. dollars.
It is a sad tale of decrepit, unethical, and just plain ugly American greed. Today, as with the economy, inflated prices of just about everything have come back down to earth. Which is good for collectors. You want a 1968 Topps #247
Reds Rookie Stars Johnny Bench? You can pick up a graded NM example for about $100-$125. Carlton Fisk? His 1972 Topps #79 Red Sox Rookie Stars (with Cecil Cooper) sells for about $35 in graded NM condition. The
price guides say $50 in NM, but you can still get some great deals on this card. I picked up one for as low as $25 in graded NM. So while it may not be a good idea to buy right now, it can be a good time to pick up your favorites as a
collector (not an investor). Note the above Carlton Fisk rookie card is not a Topps card, but O-Pee-Chee, which were issued in Canada. The fronts are identical but the backs feature text in both English and French along with a O.P.C.
copyright. The card stock used is also different than the Topps cards.
What am I doing here???
Joe Garagiola was a pretty decent catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates but he is more well known as an author, sports commentator (I remember him on NBC's
Game of the Week) and as guy with a terrific sense of humor and insight. I miss him on TV. The above "card" (above left) is the actual artwork Bowman Gum used to create his 1952
Bowman #27 bubble gum card. I lifted this image off eBay (as I do most of the images you see on this site) as I thought you would enjoy seeing it. I know I do. Remember the early 1950's
Bowman and Topps cards actually used artists paintings from actual photographs to create the cards. Think about that and how time consuming it was. Today the cards are considered
pieces of "art" in their own right and they are classic. I'll take one of these cards any day over some shiny, high tech modern card today.
There are not many Joe Garagiola issues from his playing days. He began playing in the 1940's when baseball cards were limited in production because of WW II. So Joe's rookie card
was not produced until 1951 by Bowman. He appeared on 4 Bowman cards (1951-1954) and one Topps card (1952) as a player. Topps also created a special card for Joe Garagiola in 1976
(above right). These cards used the same format as the 1973 Topps cards but the backs are like a business card for Joe. It lists his employer (NBC) and his phone number. It's a great card,
you don't see them that often.
Game of the Week) and as guy with a terrific sense of humor and insight. I miss him on TV. The above "card" (above left) is the actual artwork Bowman Gum used to create his 1952
Bowman #27 bubble gum card. I lifted this image off eBay (as I do most of the images you see on this site) as I thought you would enjoy seeing it. I know I do. Remember the early 1950's
Bowman and Topps cards actually used artists paintings from actual photographs to create the cards. Think about that and how time consuming it was. Today the cards are considered
pieces of "art" in their own right and they are classic. I'll take one of these cards any day over some shiny, high tech modern card today.
There are not many Joe Garagiola issues from his playing days. He began playing in the 1940's when baseball cards were limited in production because of WW II. So Joe's rookie card
was not produced until 1951 by Bowman. He appeared on 4 Bowman cards (1951-1954) and one Topps card (1952) as a player. Topps also created a special card for Joe Garagiola in 1976
(above right). These cards used the same format as the 1973 Topps cards but the backs are like a business card for Joe. It lists his employer (NBC) and his phone number. It's a great card,
you don't see them that often.
1976 Topps NBC All-Stars #1 Joe Garagiola |
1965 Topps #519 Bob Uecker
Ok, ok, so Bob Uecker was not a "great" catcher. He likes to boast about his "exploits," or rather, lack of them. So while he will not be a Hall of Fame catcher, Bob Uecker is still one of the most beloved sports personalities. Who
else could get so much out of so little? Did Johnny Bench ever have his own TV "Sitcom," appear in a major Motion Picture ("Major League" and more)? Uecker did. He is now a sports "color" man and don't you think for a minute
there is a better man for the job. Bob Uecker brings a sense of humor to the game that is generally lacking any sort of real emotion except on a game winning hit or a strikeout pitch. Fans like me love to see a player show something
out of the ordinary. How about Jimmy Piersall? Marv Throneberry? Jim Bouton? Bill Lee? Mark "The Bird" Fidrych? The game and the fans need these guys to remind us that we are all human. Bob Uecker makes fun of his ballplaying
days and while we laugh at his short bits, all of us wish we could have gotten even one Major League at-bat. Guys like Uecker make us feel like WE could have been major leaguers. And I think you Bob for that. Sincerely, Tim
Pulcifer
else could get so much out of so little? Did Johnny Bench ever have his own TV "Sitcom," appear in a major Motion Picture ("Major League" and more)? Uecker did. He is now a sports "color" man and don't you think for a minute
there is a better man for the job. Bob Uecker brings a sense of humor to the game that is generally lacking any sort of real emotion except on a game winning hit or a strikeout pitch. Fans like me love to see a player show something
out of the ordinary. How about Jimmy Piersall? Marv Throneberry? Jim Bouton? Bill Lee? Mark "The Bird" Fidrych? The game and the fans need these guys to remind us that we are all human. Bob Uecker makes fun of his ballplaying
days and while we laugh at his short bits, all of us wish we could have gotten even one Major League at-bat. Guys like Uecker make us feel like WE could have been major leaguers. And I think you Bob for that. Sincerely, Tim
Pulcifer
May 29, 1972 Sport Magazine Photo Carlton Fisk In Action
1969 Sport Magazine Photo Johnny Bench In Action (Vada Pinson sliding)
1939 Play Ball #30 Bill Dickey 1952 Topps #400 Bill Dickey (Back view)
Bill Dickey was one of the all-time great catchers from 1928 to 1946. He played with the Yankees during his entire career, both as a player and coach. Dickey was an 11-Time All-Star and finished in the top ten for Most
Valuable Player on 5 different occasions (including runner up in 1938). Not easy to win an MVP when you are in a league with players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, etc. With Dickey behind the
plate, the Yankees won 8 pennants and 7 World Series! Dickey could hit; his lifetime batting mark was .313, which is very high for a catcher. His best season was probably 1936 when he batted .362 (career high) with 22
HRs and 107 RBIs. Seven times Dickey batted .320 or higher! Most times he struck out in a season? 37. That is just ridiculous. Bill Dickey was elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1954.
The 1939 Play Ball #30 Bill Dickey (above left) is a nice looking card and lists for $90 in a PSA 5 EX holder, even less ungraded. The classic 1952 Topps baseball set included a card of Bill Dickey in the scarce high
numbered series; hence it is one of his most expensive cards ($450 in graded EX condition). The above 1952 Topps #400 Bill Dickey card (graded SGC 60 EX; above right) currently has a price tag of over $700 on eBay
(October 2010).
Valuable Player on 5 different occasions (including runner up in 1938). Not easy to win an MVP when you are in a league with players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, etc. With Dickey behind the
plate, the Yankees won 8 pennants and 7 World Series! Dickey could hit; his lifetime batting mark was .313, which is very high for a catcher. His best season was probably 1936 when he batted .362 (career high) with 22
HRs and 107 RBIs. Seven times Dickey batted .320 or higher! Most times he struck out in a season? 37. That is just ridiculous. Bill Dickey was elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1954.
The 1939 Play Ball #30 Bill Dickey (above left) is a nice looking card and lists for $90 in a PSA 5 EX holder, even less ungraded. The classic 1952 Topps baseball set included a card of Bill Dickey in the scarce high
numbered series; hence it is one of his most expensive cards ($450 in graded EX condition). The above 1952 Topps #400 Bill Dickey card (graded SGC 60 EX; above right) currently has a price tag of over $700 on eBay
(October 2010).
If you enjoyed this page, check out our Pitchers Page! Also be sure to check out all of our pages by going to the Table of Contents. Simply go to the home
page, and scroll down to the Table of Contents. We have over 30 pages to choose from!
page, and scroll down to the Table of Contents. We have over 30 pages to choose from!
1975 UPI Wire Photo Carlton Fisk makes spectacular catch in American League Championship Game 1 (10/4/75)