| 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!
Johnny Bench 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).
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).
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) 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.
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) 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!
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!
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)
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)
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.
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!
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.
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!
1939 Play Ball #30 Bill Dickey 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1974 Topps #105 Carlton Fisk
| 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.
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.
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. This is one of my favorite Fisk cards.
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. This is one of my favorite Fisk cards.
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.
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.
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.
one the following 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.
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.
1968 Topps #247 Reds Rookie Stars (Johnny Bench, Ron Tomkins)
