The Gallery Page - Tim's Favorites
1982 O-Pee-Chee #250 Fred Lynn
1975 Topps Tim Pulcifer RC (Very Rare!)
You have found Nowbatting19's Gallery Page (Tim's Favorites!). These are some of my favorite all-time players and/or cards. Obviously Fred Lynn is my
all-time hero, so you will find quite a few cards on this site featuring him (see The Fred Lynn Page!). Enjoy! Tim
all-time hero, so you will find quite a few cards on this site featuring him (see The Fred Lynn Page!). Enjoy! Tim
Fred Lynn (#19) is my all-time favorite player. He could do it all; hit, run, and field. In his era,
he was the best centerfielder in baseball. Miracle diving catches and bone-jarring crashes into
outfield walls; outfielders today can thank Fred Lynn because now they have padded walls.
His sweet left-handed swing was made for Fenway Park. Lynn was the first player to win both
the Most Valuable Player AND Rookie of the Year Award in the same season (1975). Ichiro
with Seattle also accomplished this feat but keep in mind Ichiro Suzuki was no "rookie," having
played several years as a star in Japan. Lynn batted .331, hit 47 doubles, 21 home runs, and
knocked in 105 runs. He also won the first of four Gold Glove awards for defensive excellence
in centerfield. Btw, the 1991 Topps Desert Shield card to the right is very scarce, having been
issued to servicemen in Iraq during "Operation Desert Shield/ Storm.
he was the best centerfielder in baseball. Miracle diving catches and bone-jarring crashes into
outfield walls; outfielders today can thank Fred Lynn because now they have padded walls.
His sweet left-handed swing was made for Fenway Park. Lynn was the first player to win both
the Most Valuable Player AND Rookie of the Year Award in the same season (1975). Ichiro
with Seattle also accomplished this feat but keep in mind Ichiro Suzuki was no "rookie," having
played several years as a star in Japan. Lynn batted .331, hit 47 doubles, 21 home runs, and
knocked in 105 runs. He also won the first of four Gold Glove awards for defensive excellence
in centerfield. Btw, the 1991 Topps Desert Shield card to the right is very scarce, having been
issued to servicemen in Iraq during "Operation Desert Shield/ Storm.
1976 Topps #50 Fred Lynn
1991 Topps Desert Shield Fred Lynn
(scarce issue)
(scarce issue)
Roger Maris should be in the Hall of Fame. He won back-to-back MVP Awards
while with the Yankees including the record breaking 1961 season when he
crashed 61 Home Runs. Keep in mind this was in the pitcher dominant 1960's and
performance enhancing drugs where unheard of. Maris suffered a serious hand
injury which limited his power, but he still managed to hit 275 HR's in only 12
seasons. In fact Maris would have AVERAGED 30 HR's and 94 RBI's per season
over 162 games. That was no small potatoes in that era. It is also no small
coincidence that Maris played on 7 pennant winners during his career. He was
also an excellent right fielder winning a Gold Glove Award in 1960. Critics claim he
had only a "few" good seasons, but if you check out the records so did Dizzy
Dean & Sandy Koufax and both of them are in the Hall of Fame! The 1962 Maris
card (right) cut from a Post Cereal box in 1962 is a real bargain; not only does it
show his historic 61 dingers (steroid free), but it is also cheap! You can get a
really nice one for $25 or less!
while with the Yankees including the record breaking 1961 season when he
crashed 61 Home Runs. Keep in mind this was in the pitcher dominant 1960's and
performance enhancing drugs where unheard of. Maris suffered a serious hand
injury which limited his power, but he still managed to hit 275 HR's in only 12
seasons. In fact Maris would have AVERAGED 30 HR's and 94 RBI's per season
over 162 games. That was no small potatoes in that era. It is also no small
coincidence that Maris played on 7 pennant winners during his career. He was
also an excellent right fielder winning a Gold Glove Award in 1960. Critics claim he
had only a "few" good seasons, but if you check out the records so did Dizzy
Dean & Sandy Koufax and both of them are in the Hall of Fame! The 1962 Maris
card (right) cut from a Post Cereal box in 1962 is a real bargain; not only does it
show his historic 61 dingers (steroid free), but it is also cheap! You can get a
really nice one for $25 or less!
1962 Post #6 Roger Maris AD version (from LIFE
Magazine)
Magazine)
1958 Topps #47 Roger Maris RC
Rocky Colavito (left) is another player who should be in baseball's Hall of Fame. He was
one of the most feared sluggers in the game in the late 1950's to late 1960's. Colavito had
more 100+ RBI seasons than Mickey Mantle! He crushed 374 HR's (including 4 in a
9-inning game) and knocked in 1159 runs in only 14 big league seasons. Don't "knock
the Rock." The Rock belongs in the Hall of Fame. The 1958 Topps card to the left is his
second baseball card.
Al Kaline (right) played his entire Major League career with the Detroit Tigers and pretty
much had the whole package. He could hit (lifetime .297, including an AL Batting
Championship in 1955), hit for power (lifetime 399 Home Runs), drive in runs (1583 RBIs),
and field (10 Gold Gloves). Kaline never won an MVP award but did finish in the top 5 in 5
different seasons! He also won a Word Championship with the 1968 Tiger team. He
batted .379 in that series, with 11 hits, 2 doubles, 2 Home Runs, and 8 RBIs! A 15 time
All-Star and a member of the 3,000 hit club, number 6 was quite a player!
one of the most feared sluggers in the game in the late 1950's to late 1960's. Colavito had
more 100+ RBI seasons than Mickey Mantle! He crushed 374 HR's (including 4 in a
9-inning game) and knocked in 1159 runs in only 14 big league seasons. Don't "knock
the Rock." The Rock belongs in the Hall of Fame. The 1958 Topps card to the left is his
second baseball card.
Al Kaline (right) played his entire Major League career with the Detroit Tigers and pretty
much had the whole package. He could hit (lifetime .297, including an AL Batting
Championship in 1955), hit for power (lifetime 399 Home Runs), drive in runs (1583 RBIs),
and field (10 Gold Gloves). Kaline never won an MVP award but did finish in the top 5 in 5
different seasons! He also won a Word Championship with the 1968 Tiger team. He
batted .379 in that series, with 11 hits, 2 doubles, 2 Home Runs, and 8 RBIs! A 15 time
All-Star and a member of the 3,000 hit club, number 6 was quite a player!
1958 Topps #368 Rocky Colavito
1963 Topps #25 Al Kaline
TED WILLIAMS! (see card, left) You just can't say enough about "Teddy
Ballgame." Not only was he one of the greatest hitters the game has ever
seen, but more importantly was his service to his country. Ted Williams
spent over 5 years of his prime serving in both World War l AND Korea.
These were no "cushion" jobs Williams had either. While some ballplayers
during this time had office jobs or were playing ball for the troops, Williams
was serving as a Marine Fighter Pilot. The 1954 Bowman card to the left is
considered scarce as it was pulled early in production due to a contract
dispute with rival card company Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. The Williams card
was replaced by #66b Jim Piersall and remains one of the most sought after
post-war cards among collectors. But probably the TOUGHEST Ted
Williams issue is the 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams. Last one I saw on
ebay (graded EX) went for well over $5,000. If you want to purchase a
vintage Ted Williams card on a budget, your best bests are his 1969-1972
Topps issues when he was a manager of the Washington Senators/ Texas
Rangers. These run from around $15-$20 each.
The guy who replaced Ted Williams in left field was no slouch either. Carl
Yastrzemski (right) is one of my all-time favorites as not only could he hit but
he was a great defensive outfielder, winning several Gold Gloves throughout
his career. He played the Green Monster at Fenway like a master and
Manny Ramirez (God bless him) is a great hitter but a far cry from
Yastrzemski in left field. Another thing I liked about Yaz was the fact that he,
like Williams, played his entire career with one team! Sadly, you just wont
see that anymore.
Ballgame." Not only was he one of the greatest hitters the game has ever
seen, but more importantly was his service to his country. Ted Williams
spent over 5 years of his prime serving in both World War l AND Korea.
These were no "cushion" jobs Williams had either. While some ballplayers
during this time had office jobs or were playing ball for the troops, Williams
was serving as a Marine Fighter Pilot. The 1954 Bowman card to the left is
considered scarce as it was pulled early in production due to a contract
dispute with rival card company Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. The Williams card
was replaced by #66b Jim Piersall and remains one of the most sought after
post-war cards among collectors. But probably the TOUGHEST Ted
Williams issue is the 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams. Last one I saw on
ebay (graded EX) went for well over $5,000. If you want to purchase a
vintage Ted Williams card on a budget, your best bests are his 1969-1972
Topps issues when he was a manager of the Washington Senators/ Texas
Rangers. These run from around $15-$20 each.
The guy who replaced Ted Williams in left field was no slouch either. Carl
Yastrzemski (right) is one of my all-time favorites as not only could he hit but
he was a great defensive outfielder, winning several Gold Gloves throughout
his career. He played the Green Monster at Fenway like a master and
Manny Ramirez (God bless him) is a great hitter but a far cry from
Yastrzemski in left field. Another thing I liked about Yaz was the fact that he,
like Williams, played his entire career with one team! Sadly, you just wont
see that anymore.
1962 Post cereal #61 Carl Yastrzemski
1954 Bowman #66a Ted Williams
JIMMY PIERSALL! Speaking of Jim Piersall, well here he is! (See left) One of the most
colorful and entertaining players in baseball, both as a player and later as a "color"
analyst with the Chicago White Sox (with Harry Carry). Jimmy Piersall even had a movie
based on his life called "FEAR STRIKES OUT," starring Anthony Perkins (of "PSYCHO"
fame) as Piersall. Some highlights of Piersall's career include his getting 6 hits in a
game, having a nervous breakdown, getting accosted by two unruly fans in the outfield
and kicking their butts, running around the bases backwards after hitting his 100th
career HR, getting into fistfights with Billy Martin, and later as a color commentator
calling White Sox players "horny bitches" and the Sox owner's wife "a colossal bore" on
the air (By the way, Piersall got fired after that). You just gotta love Jimmy Piersall.
Roberto Clemente (right) is a collector favorite. He was probably the best right fielder
in the game during his career. An exciting player and deservedly in Baseball's Hall Of
Fame. However Clemente is one of my favorites because not only was he a special
player but he was a special human being as well. He was killed on December 31, 1972
when the plane he chartered to deliver supplies to earthquake ravaged Nicaragua
crashed into the sea.
colorful and entertaining players in baseball, both as a player and later as a "color"
analyst with the Chicago White Sox (with Harry Carry). Jimmy Piersall even had a movie
based on his life called "FEAR STRIKES OUT," starring Anthony Perkins (of "PSYCHO"
fame) as Piersall. Some highlights of Piersall's career include his getting 6 hits in a
game, having a nervous breakdown, getting accosted by two unruly fans in the outfield
and kicking their butts, running around the bases backwards after hitting his 100th
career HR, getting into fistfights with Billy Martin, and later as a color commentator
calling White Sox players "horny bitches" and the Sox owner's wife "a colossal bore" on
the air (By the way, Piersall got fired after that). You just gotta love Jimmy Piersall.
Roberto Clemente (right) is a collector favorite. He was probably the best right fielder
in the game during his career. An exciting player and deservedly in Baseball's Hall Of
Fame. However Clemente is one of my favorites because not only was he a special
player but he was a special human being as well. He was killed on December 31, 1972
when the plane he chartered to deliver supplies to earthquake ravaged Nicaragua
crashed into the sea.
1954 Bowman #66b Jimmy Piersall
1972 Topps #309 Roberto Clemente
This GIL HODGES card to the left is one of my favorites. It is his last card and much
tougher than the regular Topps card. It also mentions Hodges' tragic death on April
2, 1972. Long over due for Baseball's Hall of Fame, Gil Hodges is probably the best
player (besides Joe Jackson and Pete Rose) that is NOT enshrined.
Besides baseball cards, I also enjoy collecting vintage boxing cards. This 1948
Leaf Gum (Issuers of "Knock-Out Bubble Gum") Jack Dempsey (see card to the
right) is probably my favorite. Dempsey was a hugh sports icon, probably about as
popular as Babe Ruth himself. Dempsey to me represents the tough blue-collar
attributes of hard working Americans who helped build this nation. This is not only a
#1 card (which makes it more difficult to find in top grades) but just a great card
period. Another great boxing set is the 1951 Topps Ringside cards (you can view a
Ray Robinson from this set by going to the ABOUT US Page.
tougher than the regular Topps card. It also mentions Hodges' tragic death on April
2, 1972. Long over due for Baseball's Hall of Fame, Gil Hodges is probably the best
player (besides Joe Jackson and Pete Rose) that is NOT enshrined.
Besides baseball cards, I also enjoy collecting vintage boxing cards. This 1948
Leaf Gum (Issuers of "Knock-Out Bubble Gum") Jack Dempsey (see card to the
right) is probably my favorite. Dempsey was a hugh sports icon, probably about as
popular as Babe Ruth himself. Dempsey to me represents the tough blue-collar
attributes of hard working Americans who helped build this nation. This is not only a
#1 card (which makes it more difficult to find in top grades) but just a great card
period. Another great boxing set is the 1951 Topps Ringside cards (you can view a
Ray Robinson from this set by going to the ABOUT US Page.
1948 Leaf Boxing #1 Jack Dempsey
1972 O-Pee-Chee #465 Gil Hodges MG
1967 Venezuela Topps #162 Sandy Koufax
If there was ever a perfect pitcher, you would have to go with Sandy Koufax in the 1960's. Cy
Young Awards, Most Valuable Player Award, ERA, Wins, Strikeouts, No Hitters, Perfect Game...
Koufax did it all. I was born in 1963 (the year he won both the NL Cy Young Award AND MVP
Award) so I did not get to see him pitch in person; however I have NEVER heard anyone say
that he does not belong in Baseball's Hall Of Fame (he was enshrined in 1972) and essentially
he was voted into the Hall based on just 6 of his 12 big league seasons. But were those 6
seasons (1961-1966) something! For more on Sandy Koufax, see our DODGERS PAGE!
(The 1967 Venezuela Topps Sandy Koufax card (left) is very scarce. Most are found in low
grades. However this is the last Koufax card issued by Topps and is very desirable today. This
low grade example sold for $2,950 on eBay recently (July 2007).
Willie Mays (right) is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. He could hit, run,
throw, and is considered by most to be the greatest centerfielder ever. What I find amazing
about Mays is that he spent most of his career playing in Candlestick Park in San Francisco
and STILL put up huge numbers. This is the first Topps card to feature Willie in the #1 spot;
Mays had won his second MVP award in 1965 so Topps chose to honor Wilie by leading him
off in their 1966 set. Tough card! By the way, you will see a few Willie Mays card on this
website.
Young Awards, Most Valuable Player Award, ERA, Wins, Strikeouts, No Hitters, Perfect Game...
Koufax did it all. I was born in 1963 (the year he won both the NL Cy Young Award AND MVP
Award) so I did not get to see him pitch in person; however I have NEVER heard anyone say
that he does not belong in Baseball's Hall Of Fame (he was enshrined in 1972) and essentially
he was voted into the Hall based on just 6 of his 12 big league seasons. But were those 6
seasons (1961-1966) something! For more on Sandy Koufax, see our DODGERS PAGE!
(The 1967 Venezuela Topps Sandy Koufax card (left) is very scarce. Most are found in low
grades. However this is the last Koufax card issued by Topps and is very desirable today. This
low grade example sold for $2,950 on eBay recently (July 2007).
Willie Mays (right) is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. He could hit, run,
throw, and is considered by most to be the greatest centerfielder ever. What I find amazing
about Mays is that he spent most of his career playing in Candlestick Park in San Francisco
and STILL put up huge numbers. This is the first Topps card to feature Willie in the #1 spot;
Mays had won his second MVP award in 1965 so Topps chose to honor Wilie by leading him
off in their 1966 set. Tough card! By the way, you will see a few Willie Mays card on this
website.
1966 Topps #1 Willie Mays
1965 Topps #350 Mickey Mantle
I never got to see Mickey Mantle play; but I did love baseball and I used to read about the great players. I learned how to switch hit because Mickey Mantle was a switch hitter.
Mickey Mantle is a mythical, iconic figure. Kind of like part Babe Ruth, part Achillies, part movie star all rolled up in one. This is a somewhat affordable Mantle card from the 1960's.
It was double-printed, hence you can pick up a really nice mid-grade example for less than $100.
Mickey Mantle is a mythical, iconic figure. Kind of like part Babe Ruth, part Achillies, part movie star all rolled up in one. This is a somewhat affordable Mantle card from the 1960's.
It was double-printed, hence you can pick up a really nice mid-grade example for less than $100.
