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! For more Maris, check out our ROGER MARIS
PAGE!
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! For more Maris, check out our ROGER MARIS
PAGE!
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. For more Yaz, check out our YAZ PAGE!
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. For more Yaz, check out our YAZ PAGE!
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. For more
players who should be in the Hall Of Fame check out Nobatting19's Hall Of Fame
Page!
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. Check out our
new Boxing 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. For more
players who should be in the Hall Of Fame check out Nobatting19's Hall Of Fame
Page!
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. Check out our
new Boxing 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 (left) 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. It's too bad he didn't take care of himself. The guy coulda been
a Hall Of Famer!
My favorite catcher growing up was Carlton Fisk (right). He played the game the way it was
supposed to be played. Fisk played to win and if you had a problem with that, Fisk had a
problem with YOU. Tough and smart, Fisk was an all-star catcher who went on to become the
all-time home run leader among catchers (since broken). Of course everyone remembers the
1975 World Series Game 6 home run; but Fisk was much more than that. For more Fisk as
well as other catching greats like Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Johnny Bench and more
please see our CATCHERS PAGE!
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. It's too bad he didn't take care of himself. The guy coulda been
a Hall Of Famer!
My favorite catcher growing up was Carlton Fisk (right). He played the game the way it was
supposed to be played. Fisk played to win and if you had a problem with that, Fisk had a
problem with YOU. Tough and smart, Fisk was an all-star catcher who went on to become the
all-time home run leader among catchers (since broken). Of course everyone remembers the
1975 World Series Game 6 home run; but Fisk was much more than that. For more Fisk as
well as other catching greats like Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Johnny Bench and more
please see our CATCHERS PAGE!
| 1971 O-Pee-Chee #513 Nolan Ryan 1948 Swell Sport Thrills #20 Rifle Arm! Carl Furillo SP |
During the 1970's it seemed that every time Nolan Ryan (left) pitched there was a good
chance he could throw a no-hitter. And 4 times during the 1970's he did just that (not to
mention several 1-hitters). Ryan, of course went on to throw 7 no-hitters in his career and
pretty much has the all-time strikeout mark for pitchers locked up (pitchers today don't pitch
enough innings to allow them to catch Ryan). I remember as a kid listening to the radio when
Ryan pitched while with the Angels and one time I almost got to tape a no-hitter (I would
record the broadcast on a tape recorder) but I think it was Mitchell Page who broke it up. I also
had a cool Sports Illustrated poster of Ryan in my room (along with Fred Lynn and Pete
Rose). I took my son Maxwell to see Ryan's last game in Anaheim and even took pictures but
like a dope I left my camera at a park, never to be seen again...
Carl Furillo was one of the unheralded stars on a star studded Brooklyn Dodgers team in the
1940's through 1950's. He would average about 20 Home Runs a season, bat .300 and drive
in 90 or so RBI's. Not bad considering you had a lineup of Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Gil
Hodges, and Roy Campanella. Furillo had a "Rifle Arm" as the 1948 Swell Sport Thrills card
(right) describes. Furillo won the NL batting crown in 1953, and finished his career with the
Los Angeles Dodgers in 1960. This 1948 Carl Furillo baseball card pre-dates his 1949
Bowman rookie card.
chance he could throw a no-hitter. And 4 times during the 1970's he did just that (not to
mention several 1-hitters). Ryan, of course went on to throw 7 no-hitters in his career and
pretty much has the all-time strikeout mark for pitchers locked up (pitchers today don't pitch
enough innings to allow them to catch Ryan). I remember as a kid listening to the radio when
Ryan pitched while with the Angels and one time I almost got to tape a no-hitter (I would
record the broadcast on a tape recorder) but I think it was Mitchell Page who broke it up. I also
had a cool Sports Illustrated poster of Ryan in my room (along with Fred Lynn and Pete
Rose). I took my son Maxwell to see Ryan's last game in Anaheim and even took pictures but
like a dope I left my camera at a park, never to be seen again...
Carl Furillo was one of the unheralded stars on a star studded Brooklyn Dodgers team in the
1940's through 1950's. He would average about 20 Home Runs a season, bat .300 and drive
in 90 or so RBI's. Not bad considering you had a lineup of Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Gil
Hodges, and Roy Campanella. Furillo had a "Rifle Arm" as the 1948 Swell Sport Thrills card
(right) describes. Furillo won the NL batting crown in 1953, and finished his career with the
Los Angeles Dodgers in 1960. This 1948 Carl Furillo baseball card pre-dates his 1949
Bowman rookie card.
1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider 1968 Topps #110 Hank Aaron
I never did get to see Duke Snider play (I was born in 1963, just about the time the Duke was
hanging up his spikes) but I love the Dodgers and of course if you are a Dodgers fan you have
to know their history. The thing about Duke Snider I like is that he signed several autographs for
me in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium when I was a kid. A real gracious fellow, Duke Snider. I
also know that he was a California kid. So coming to Los Angeles from Brooklyn must have been
nice for him (though Duke's home run output went down playing in the spacious L.A. Coliseum).
Regardless the Duke is one of baseball's all-time greats! You would have to be to be compared
to the great Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays (all three were New York centerfielders during the
1950's). This 1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider baseball card (left) is my favorite Snider
card.
My first recollection of baseball cards was somewhere around 1968 when my dad brought home
a Milton Bradley game that included baseball cards, football cards and maybe some car cards? I
remember specifically having a 1968 Topps Ed Mathews, Jim Davenport, Ed Brinkman and this
very cool 1968 Topps #110 Hank Aaron (why I remembered Davenport is beyond me but I
think I remember Brinkman for his anemic batting average and his long "giraffe" neck). I saved
and collected more cards as I got older and eventually sold my first collection to buy my first car
in 1977 (a used '65 VW beetle). So this Hank Aaron card means a lot to me. For more on 1968
Topps Milton Bradley baseball cards (they are different than the regular Topps cards) see my
Oddball Page
hanging up his spikes) but I love the Dodgers and of course if you are a Dodgers fan you have
to know their history. The thing about Duke Snider I like is that he signed several autographs for
me in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium when I was a kid. A real gracious fellow, Duke Snider. I
also know that he was a California kid. So coming to Los Angeles from Brooklyn must have been
nice for him (though Duke's home run output went down playing in the spacious L.A. Coliseum).
Regardless the Duke is one of baseball's all-time greats! You would have to be to be compared
to the great Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays (all three were New York centerfielders during the
1950's). This 1953 Bowman Color #117 Duke Snider baseball card (left) is my favorite Snider
card.
My first recollection of baseball cards was somewhere around 1968 when my dad brought home
a Milton Bradley game that included baseball cards, football cards and maybe some car cards? I
remember specifically having a 1968 Topps Ed Mathews, Jim Davenport, Ed Brinkman and this
very cool 1968 Topps #110 Hank Aaron (why I remembered Davenport is beyond me but I
think I remember Brinkman for his anemic batting average and his long "giraffe" neck). I saved
and collected more cards as I got older and eventually sold my first collection to buy my first car
in 1977 (a used '65 VW beetle). So this Hank Aaron card means a lot to me. For more on 1968
Topps Milton Bradley baseball cards (they are different than the regular Topps cards) see my
Oddball Page
1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson 1962 Topps Mars Attacks! #21 Prize Captive
Every collection has to have at least 1 card of Jackie Robinson. The first African American
allowed to play in the big leagues, Robinson set the standard for players even today. He played
hard and off the field you didn't hear about Robinson going to jail for carrying a gun or for having
dog fights at his house. He paved the way for players like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks,Larry Doby,
Willie Mays, even today's superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. What did he get in return? A helluva lot
of abuse. I don't know if you have ever seen pictures of Jackie Robinson after retirement but that
guy aged in a hurry, prematurely even. He died on October 24, 1972 and he was only 53 years
old. This 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson (left) is my personal favorite and it was included in
the tough high number series.
I love to collect non-sportscards as well. Among my favorites are 1933 Indian Gum, 1936 Gum
Inc. "G-Men & Heroes of the Law," 1959 Fleer The 3 Stooges, and the 1962 Bubble Inc. (Topps
Chewing Gum) Mars Attacks! cards. Tim Burton made the motion picture "Mars Attacks!"
based on the popular with kids (but not adults) trading cards.
allowed to play in the big leagues, Robinson set the standard for players even today. He played
hard and off the field you didn't hear about Robinson going to jail for carrying a gun or for having
dog fights at his house. He paved the way for players like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks,Larry Doby,
Willie Mays, even today's superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. What did he get in return? A helluva lot
of abuse. I don't know if you have ever seen pictures of Jackie Robinson after retirement but that
guy aged in a hurry, prematurely even. He died on October 24, 1972 and he was only 53 years
old. This 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson (left) is my personal favorite and it was included in
the tough high number series.
I love to collect non-sportscards as well. Among my favorites are 1933 Indian Gum, 1936 Gum
Inc. "G-Men & Heroes of the Law," 1959 Fleer The 3 Stooges, and the 1962 Bubble Inc. (Topps
Chewing Gum) Mars Attacks! cards. Tim Burton made the motion picture "Mars Attacks!"
based on the popular with kids (but not adults) trading cards.
1962 Topps #1 Johnny Unitas 1962 Post Cereal #124 Joey Jay (Blue line variation)
Johnny Unitas was the first football player I remember. He was the "greatest
quarterback ever" at the time. I remember having some sort of "Johnny Unitas
Football Game" back in the 1960's. Unitas was famous for his passing, crew
cut, and black high tops. He played in one of the most memorable football
contests of all time, the 1959 Championship Game vs. the New York Giants
(Colts won) and when he retired in 1973 he had set just about every passing
record imaginable. This is my favorite Johhny U card from the 1962 Topps
set. Topps thought highly of Unitas as well; he was featured as the number 1
card in several Topps' football sets.
Variation and error cards are very fun issues to collect. There are numerous
examples of errors and variations going back to the beginning of baseball
cards. My personal favorite is this 1962 Post Cereal #124 Joey Jay (with
blue lines around stats; the correct version has red lines around stats area). It
was the hardest card for me to find to complete my set. Post also issued "blue
line" variations on both Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax's cards as well
but for me the Joey Jay was the toughest one to get.
quarterback ever" at the time. I remember having some sort of "Johnny Unitas
Football Game" back in the 1960's. Unitas was famous for his passing, crew
cut, and black high tops. He played in one of the most memorable football
contests of all time, the 1959 Championship Game vs. the New York Giants
(Colts won) and when he retired in 1973 he had set just about every passing
record imaginable. This is my favorite Johhny U card from the 1962 Topps
set. Topps thought highly of Unitas as well; he was featured as the number 1
card in several Topps' football sets.
Variation and error cards are very fun issues to collect. There are numerous
examples of errors and variations going back to the beginning of baseball
cards. My personal favorite is this 1962 Post Cereal #124 Joey Jay (with
blue lines around stats; the correct version has red lines around stats area). It
was the hardest card for me to find to complete my set. Post also issued "blue
line" variations on both Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax's cards as well
but for me the Joey Jay was the toughest one to get.
1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench 1964 Topps #550 Ken Hubbs (In Memoriam)
Johnny Bench, to me, is the greatest catcher of all time. He revolutionized the
catcher position, hit for power and was a leader behind the plate and in the dugout.
While Carlton Fisk is my personal favorite, Johnny Bench was even better and I
enjoyed watching him play. Bench was instrumental in getting the Cincinnati Reds
World Championships in 1975 and 1976. Like Yogi Berra and Roy Campanella,
Bench also won two Most Valuable Player Awards (1970 and 1972). He was inducted
into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. This 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench is my
favorite and is almost as expensive as his 1968 Topps #247 rookie card. It was
included in the scarce high numbered series.
There is something about tragic figures that appeals to me. Guys like Herb Score,
Tony Conigliaro, Ken Hubbs, Don Wilson, Thurman Munson, Lyman Bostock...
Some were injured playing the game, some like Hubbs, Munson, Wilson, and Bostock
died tragically and you have to wonder if they would have been Hall of Fame players
(Munson should already be in the Hall of Fame and it's a real shame he isn't).
Roberto Clemente died tragically as well but he was also at the end of his career and
was a sure Hall of Famer. Some of these other players you have to wonder... "what
if..." Ken Hubbs has only 3 cards (technically 4 as Topps mistakenly used his picture
on a 1966 Dick Ellsworth card) as he was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1963.
Topps produced a special "In Memoriam" card of Ken Hubbs in their 1964 set (see
right). It was a class move by Topps. I don't collect newer cards, but I don't think it's
been done since (though Topps has produced "Commemorative" issues like the
1996 Topps Mickey Mantle Commemorative cards after his death in 1995).
catcher position, hit for power and was a leader behind the plate and in the dugout.
While Carlton Fisk is my personal favorite, Johnny Bench was even better and I
enjoyed watching him play. Bench was instrumental in getting the Cincinnati Reds
World Championships in 1975 and 1976. Like Yogi Berra and Roy Campanella,
Bench also won two Most Valuable Player Awards (1970 and 1972). He was inducted
into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. This 1970 Topps #660 Johnny Bench is my
favorite and is almost as expensive as his 1968 Topps #247 rookie card. It was
included in the scarce high numbered series.
There is something about tragic figures that appeals to me. Guys like Herb Score,
Tony Conigliaro, Ken Hubbs, Don Wilson, Thurman Munson, Lyman Bostock...
Some were injured playing the game, some like Hubbs, Munson, Wilson, and Bostock
died tragically and you have to wonder if they would have been Hall of Fame players
(Munson should already be in the Hall of Fame and it's a real shame he isn't).
Roberto Clemente died tragically as well but he was also at the end of his career and
was a sure Hall of Famer. Some of these other players you have to wonder... "what
if..." Ken Hubbs has only 3 cards (technically 4 as Topps mistakenly used his picture
on a 1966 Dick Ellsworth card) as he was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1963.
Topps produced a special "In Memoriam" card of Ken Hubbs in their 1964 set (see
right). It was a class move by Topps. I don't collect newer cards, but I don't think it's
been done since (though Topps has produced "Commemorative" issues like the
1996 Topps Mickey Mantle Commemorative cards after his death in 1995).
1970 Topps #630 Ernie Banks 1964 Venezuela Topps #247 Red Sox Rookie Stars
(Tony Conigliaro RC)
(Tony Conigliaro RC)
This 1970 Topps #630 Ernie Banks card is my personal favorite. Look at the smile. He was
37 years old in 1970 and one year away from retirement. Is it any wonder Ernie Banks is
famous for the quote "Let's Play Two!" For more on Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs check
out our new Cubs Page!
While many are content to collect regular Topps cards, some collectors prefer to collect
scarce, regional and test issues. Such collectors are sometimes called "Advanced Collectors"
and while I don't agree with the term ("Advanced" collectors is another term for guys who have
more money than they don't know to do with and so will pay ridiculous amounts for these types
of cards) I do enjoy collecting regional issues like the Bell Brand Dodgers cards, and also
these scarce Venezuela Topps cards that were issued in 1959-1960, 1962, 1964, 1966,
1967 and 1968 (see the 1964 Venezuela Topps #247 Red Sox Rookie Stars card, right).
These cards are very similar to the regular Topps cards but were printed on different card
stock and some are even printed "en espanol." There are differences in each year but the fact
remains that these cards were printed in very limited quantities (compared to regular Topps
cards in the States) and low grades are the norm for the Venezuela Topps cards. These cards
were intended to be pasted in albums or scrapbooks and most Venezuela Topps cards you
find show evidence of this. Expect to pay premiums for mid to high grades, especially Hall of
Famers and stars. For more on Venezuela Topps and other scarce cards see our Oddball
Page!
37 years old in 1970 and one year away from retirement. Is it any wonder Ernie Banks is
famous for the quote "Let's Play Two!" For more on Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs check
out our new Cubs Page!
While many are content to collect regular Topps cards, some collectors prefer to collect
scarce, regional and test issues. Such collectors are sometimes called "Advanced Collectors"
and while I don't agree with the term ("Advanced" collectors is another term for guys who have
more money than they don't know to do with and so will pay ridiculous amounts for these types
of cards) I do enjoy collecting regional issues like the Bell Brand Dodgers cards, and also
these scarce Venezuela Topps cards that were issued in 1959-1960, 1962, 1964, 1966,
1967 and 1968 (see the 1964 Venezuela Topps #247 Red Sox Rookie Stars card, right).
These cards are very similar to the regular Topps cards but were printed on different card
stock and some are even printed "en espanol." There are differences in each year but the fact
remains that these cards were printed in very limited quantities (compared to regular Topps
cards in the States) and low grades are the norm for the Venezuela Topps cards. These cards
were intended to be pasted in albums or scrapbooks and most Venezuela Topps cards you
find show evidence of this. Expect to pay premiums for mid to high grades, especially Hall of
Famers and stars. For more on Venezuela Topps and other scarce cards see our Oddball
Page!
Carl Yastrzemski (left), unidentified Red Sox fielder (Rick Burleson?, center), and Fred Lynn (right)
