Oddball, Regional,
Test issues & more!
Test issues & more!
On this page, we feature oddball cards, regional & food issues, test issues, and some other fun and fascinating cards. "Oddball" issues are more obscure issues than
your regular Topps cards. Not bubble gum cards like Topps, oddball issues were usually issued with some other product. Also they are much cheaper than Topps
cards and collectors, especially collectors of a certain player are always on the lookout for any issue with a picture of their favorite player. Examples of oddball issues
would be Exhibit Supply Company cards (issued in arcade machines) Kellogg's, SSPC, TCMA, etc. Regional issues were issued in specific areas only, such as the Bell
Brand or Morrell Meats Los Angeles Dodger cards and 1962 Jell-O (issued in the mid-west only) cards. Food issues, like the name implies, were issued with some food
product. Examples would be Jell-O, Post cereal, Wheaties, etc. Some food issues are quite rare, like the 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams card (above left)
and as such are quite expensive. Test issues were cards that may or may not have been issued; usually some innovative Topps product like the 1968 Topps 3-D
Roberto Clemente card (above, right). The above example recently sold for over $17,500 on eBay!
your regular Topps cards. Not bubble gum cards like Topps, oddball issues were usually issued with some other product. Also they are much cheaper than Topps
cards and collectors, especially collectors of a certain player are always on the lookout for any issue with a picture of their favorite player. Examples of oddball issues
would be Exhibit Supply Company cards (issued in arcade machines) Kellogg's, SSPC, TCMA, etc. Regional issues were issued in specific areas only, such as the Bell
Brand or Morrell Meats Los Angeles Dodger cards and 1962 Jell-O (issued in the mid-west only) cards. Food issues, like the name implies, were issued with some food
product. Examples would be Jell-O, Post cereal, Wheaties, etc. Some food issues are quite rare, like the 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams card (above left)
and as such are quite expensive. Test issues were cards that may or may not have been issued; usually some innovative Topps product like the 1968 Topps 3-D
Roberto Clemente card (above, right). The above example recently sold for over $17,500 on eBay!
Any kid growing up in the 1950's through 1970's knew what Bazooka was, bubble gum. Bazooka bubble gum was (and still is) a nifty little 1" x 1/4" (approx.) pink rectangle
of sugary chewery (I made that word up) produced by, of course, Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. It also came with a cool little comic of Bazooka Joe & his pals. You could send the
comics in for prizes. The above 1963 Bazooka Bubble Gum box contained 25 pieces of gum, 5 "Golden Edition" baseball cards plus 3 cards on the bottom of the box. Bazooka
cards were issued from 1959 through 1971. The pictures are usually different than the regular Topps cards and the cards themselves are usually smaller than Topps cards and
have blank backs. The 1959 Bazooka cards are especially tough, with prices well above their Topps counterparts (scroll down the page to see an example of a 1959 Bazooka
Mickey Mantle). The 1963 Bazooka cards were extensively counterfeited a few years ago. Most were slabbed and graded (most are high grades like NM/MT to GEM MINT) by
FGA (Foremost Grading Authority) which fortunately is out of business. However their cards can still be found on eBay and other online sites, and EXTREME caution should be
taken when purchasing a card from FGA or any other 3rd rate "grading service."
of sugary chewery (I made that word up) produced by, of course, Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. It also came with a cool little comic of Bazooka Joe & his pals. You could send the
comics in for prizes. The above 1963 Bazooka Bubble Gum box contained 25 pieces of gum, 5 "Golden Edition" baseball cards plus 3 cards on the bottom of the box. Bazooka
cards were issued from 1959 through 1971. The pictures are usually different than the regular Topps cards and the cards themselves are usually smaller than Topps cards and
have blank backs. The 1959 Bazooka cards are especially tough, with prices well above their Topps counterparts (scroll down the page to see an example of a 1959 Bazooka
Mickey Mantle). The 1963 Bazooka cards were extensively counterfeited a few years ago. Most were slabbed and graded (most are high grades like NM/MT to GEM MINT) by
FGA (Foremost Grading Authority) which fortunately is out of business. However their cards can still be found on eBay and other online sites, and EXTREME caution should be
taken when purchasing a card from FGA or any other 3rd rate "grading service."
I really don't know much about this issue, but it is a Puerto Rican winter league set issued between
1950-1951. I have an older SCD Standard Catalog (2004 Edition) and they list 1947-1950 Toleteros
cards; which are black & white issues, but not these. Maybe the new 2006 Edition includes these
rare cards but one thing is for sure- this card of Negro League star Josh Gibson is cardboard GOLD!
Recently this SGC graded example was listed on eBay and went unsold at $21,200 (reserve was not
met). A high grade Gibson (SGC 88 NM/MT), sold in a June Leland's.com auction this year for almost
$70,000. The card was referred to as the Black Honus Wagner." (See Sports Collector's Digest,
November 25, 2005, Vintage Market Report, pg. 26 for more details).
1950-1951. I have an older SCD Standard Catalog (2004 Edition) and they list 1947-1950 Toleteros
cards; which are black & white issues, but not these. Maybe the new 2006 Edition includes these
rare cards but one thing is for sure- this card of Negro League star Josh Gibson is cardboard GOLD!
Recently this SGC graded example was listed on eBay and went unsold at $21,200 (reserve was not
met). A high grade Gibson (SGC 88 NM/MT), sold in a June Leland's.com auction this year for almost
$70,000. The card was referred to as the Black Honus Wagner." (See Sports Collector's Digest,
November 25, 2005, Vintage Market Report, pg. 26 for more details).
1950-51 Toleteros Joshua "Josh" Gibson 1976 Topps NBC Al-Stars #1 Joe Garagiola
This is another scarce card. In 1976 Topps produced a limited amount of baseball cards of
NBC broadcaster and former backstop Joe Garagiola for use as business cards (his phone
number is printed on the back). The cards are similar to the 1973 Topps cards. Garagiola
was a major league catcher but gained fame for his colorful NBC "Game of the Week"
telecasts. My brother Jeff says I should get Garagiola to autograph this card...right on Joe's
ample forehead! Regardless I posted this "card" as many of you might never have seen one
before.
NBC broadcaster and former backstop Joe Garagiola for use as business cards (his phone
number is printed on the back). The cards are similar to the 1973 Topps cards. Garagiola
was a major league catcher but gained fame for his colorful NBC "Game of the Week"
telecasts. My brother Jeff says I should get Garagiola to autograph this card...right on Joe's
ample forehead! Regardless I posted this "card" as many of you might never have seen one
before.
1964 Venezuela Topps #225 Roger Maris (back view)
1964 Venezuela Topps #225 Roger Maris
From 1959 to 1968 Topps produced baseball cards in Venezuela. Commonly referred to as "Venezuela Topps" or "Venezuelan Topps," these are much more difficult to obtain
than the regular Topps cards issued in the U.S. Another big problem is that these cards were commonly pasted or taped into albums, so finding even mid-grade examples is a challenge.
One common factor in determining whether a card is Venezuela Topps or just Topps is the cardboard. The cardboard Topps used to print cards in Venezuela seems lower grade than the
regular Topps. There is also very little gloss (if at all) on the front like the regular Topps cards. These cards were issued in 1959, 1960, then 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1968. Some
have the back biographies printed in Spanish, while some feature different color card backs. For instance the 1964 Venezuela Topps Roger Maris card (above, right) has a
black background on the card back; much different than the regular Topps cards which are somewhat of an orange color.
than the regular Topps cards issued in the U.S. Another big problem is that these cards were commonly pasted or taped into albums, so finding even mid-grade examples is a challenge.
One common factor in determining whether a card is Venezuela Topps or just Topps is the cardboard. The cardboard Topps used to print cards in Venezuela seems lower grade than the
regular Topps. There is also very little gloss (if at all) on the front like the regular Topps cards. These cards were issued in 1959, 1960, then 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1968. Some
have the back biographies printed in Spanish, while some feature different color card backs. For instance the 1964 Venezuela Topps Roger Maris card (above, right) has a
black background on the card back; much different than the regular Topps cards which are somewhat of an orange color.
Mickey Mantle first appeared on a Topps baseball card in 1952 (1952 Topps #311), the
first of many Topps baseball cards featuring the dynamic hitter. In the baseball card hobby,
Mickey Mantle baseball cards are highly treasured- you can put them up on a pedestal along
with heavy hitters like Cobb, Ruth, DiMaggio, Williams... maybe even more so.
A very tough Topps issue is the 1969 Topps "Super" cards. They feature a very colorful
picture of some of the game's bigger stars. In 1970 & 1971, Topps also produced "Super"
cards but they were much larger & did not feature the nice glossy pictures as did the 1969
Super set. This Mickey Mantle card, like most Mantle cards, is the most expensive of the set.
Like Mantle's regular 1969 Topps card (#500), both are his last cards as an active player.
He retired prior to the 1969 season. Expect to pay at least $950 for an ungraded NM
example. Topps "Super" indeed!
first of many Topps baseball cards featuring the dynamic hitter. In the baseball card hobby,
Mickey Mantle baseball cards are highly treasured- you can put them up on a pedestal along
with heavy hitters like Cobb, Ruth, DiMaggio, Williams... maybe even more so.
A very tough Topps issue is the 1969 Topps "Super" cards. They feature a very colorful
picture of some of the game's bigger stars. In 1970 & 1971, Topps also produced "Super"
cards but they were much larger & did not feature the nice glossy pictures as did the 1969
Super set. This Mickey Mantle card, like most Mantle cards, is the most expensive of the set.
Like Mantle's regular 1969 Topps card (#500), both are his last cards as an active player.
He retired prior to the 1969 season. Expect to pay at least $950 for an ungraded NM
example. Topps "Super" indeed!
1969 Topps Super #24 Mickey Mantle
1959 Kahn's Wieners Rocky Colavito 1959 Kahn's Wieners Billy Martin
A very tough issue are these 1959 Kahn's Wieners baseball cards (above). Kahn's Meat Company of Cincinnati issued these cards with hot dogs from
1955-1969. I love the caption at the bottom of the cards, "THE WIENER THE WORLD AWAITED." Classic. I wonder if John Holmes felt the same way.
1955-1969. I love the caption at the bottom of the cards, "THE WIENER THE WORLD AWAITED." Classic. I wonder if John Holmes felt the same way.
1959 Fleer Ted Williams #68 "Ted Signs For 1959" SP
Another tough Ted Williams issue is this 1959 Fleer #68 "Ted Signs For 1959" card. In 1959 Fleer issued an entire set of cards featuring the splendid career of Ted Williams.
Topps' last cards of Teddy Ballgame were in the 1958 series (both card #1 and also #485 featuring Ted as a Sporting News All-Star), but Fleer had somehow signed Williams from
1959-1961 (Williams played his last game in 1960, but Fleer did issue cards of him in both their 1960 & 1961 "All-Time Greats" sets). However, Bucky Harris, the Red Sox GM
pictured on this card, was under contract with Topps. Hence the card was pulled from production early and thus the scarcity. While "commons" from this set sell for about $10 each, this
particular card sells for $450 in ungraded near mint condition (2006 SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards). Card #68 "Ted Signs For 1959" has been counterfeited, so exercise
caution when buying cards not graded by reputable grading services.
Topps' last cards of Teddy Ballgame were in the 1958 series (both card #1 and also #485 featuring Ted as a Sporting News All-Star), but Fleer had somehow signed Williams from
1959-1961 (Williams played his last game in 1960, but Fleer did issue cards of him in both their 1960 & 1961 "All-Time Greats" sets). However, Bucky Harris, the Red Sox GM
pictured on this card, was under contract with Topps. Hence the card was pulled from production early and thus the scarcity. While "commons" from this set sell for about $10 each, this
particular card sells for $450 in ungraded near mint condition (2006 SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards). Card #68 "Ted Signs For 1959" has been counterfeited, so exercise
caution when buying cards not graded by reputable grading services.
| 1963 Bazooka Complete Box (Frank Robinson, Lee Thomas, Rocky Colavito) |
1963 Post #187 Bob Aspromonte SP (top) & 1963 Jell-O #16 Roger Maris (bottom)
In 1963, Post cereal and Jell-O gelatin dessert produced baseball cards on their respective packages. While
they are very similar (and often confused) and were originally intended to be collected together to complete a
basic 200 card set (Post issued a trading card album to house the Post AND Jell-O cards according to the front of
the album cover), the Post & Jell-O cards are considered separate issues today. While very much alike, there are
some differences that will help you distinguish between a 1963 Post and Jell-O card. For me, the easiest way is to
compare the card "width." Post cereal cards cut properly should measure 3-1/2" from left to right. 1963 Jell-O
cards should measure 3-3/8." Both are 2-1/2" in height. You can see from the two examples (left) compared side
by side and the Jell-O card is noticeably shorter than the Post cereal card. Now here is where it gets tricky- a lot of
these cards were trimmed or cut well beyond the black borders. In other words sometimes you have a 1963 Post
cereal card that is about the same size as the Jell-O card. So how do you tell these cards apart? Easy. The red line
that divides the statistics extends much farther on the Post cereal cards,almost to the edges of the card. On the
Jell-O cards, the red line is much shorter and barely extends past the statistics (see Maris card (left, bottom).
Another way to tell is the print. The Post cereal cards have slightly larger print as well as a red card numbers, team
and position. The Jell-O cards have smaller print and usually instead of red, the color of the card numbers, team,
and position are more of a "pinkish-red" color. But the best and sure-fire way to identify your card is to measure
the card width from black border to black border. If the borders are missing, check the red line dividing the 1962
and "LIFE" (Lifetime) stats.
Both the 1963 Jell-O and Post cereal cards are very difficult to complete. Both have short printed cards (issued on
unpopular cereals or Jell-O flavors) and in fact the Jell-O set is much tougher to find cards in mid-grade and
especially in high grade. This is because the Jell-O cards were issued one per box, taking up the entire back
panel. Most were susceptible to surface wear, creasing, plus a bad cutting job. Post cereal cards are a bit easier
as they issued several cards per cereal box with plenty of room to cut out the cards (compared to Jell-O).
they are very similar (and often confused) and were originally intended to be collected together to complete a
basic 200 card set (Post issued a trading card album to house the Post AND Jell-O cards according to the front of
the album cover), the Post & Jell-O cards are considered separate issues today. While very much alike, there are
some differences that will help you distinguish between a 1963 Post and Jell-O card. For me, the easiest way is to
compare the card "width." Post cereal cards cut properly should measure 3-1/2" from left to right. 1963 Jell-O
cards should measure 3-3/8." Both are 2-1/2" in height. You can see from the two examples (left) compared side
by side and the Jell-O card is noticeably shorter than the Post cereal card. Now here is where it gets tricky- a lot of
these cards were trimmed or cut well beyond the black borders. In other words sometimes you have a 1963 Post
cereal card that is about the same size as the Jell-O card. So how do you tell these cards apart? Easy. The red line
that divides the statistics extends much farther on the Post cereal cards,almost to the edges of the card. On the
Jell-O cards, the red line is much shorter and barely extends past the statistics (see Maris card (left, bottom).
Another way to tell is the print. The Post cereal cards have slightly larger print as well as a red card numbers, team
and position. The Jell-O cards have smaller print and usually instead of red, the color of the card numbers, team,
and position are more of a "pinkish-red" color. But the best and sure-fire way to identify your card is to measure
the card width from black border to black border. If the borders are missing, check the red line dividing the 1962
and "LIFE" (Lifetime) stats.
Both the 1963 Jell-O and Post cereal cards are very difficult to complete. Both have short printed cards (issued on
unpopular cereals or Jell-O flavors) and in fact the Jell-O set is much tougher to find cards in mid-grade and
especially in high grade. This is because the Jell-O cards were issued one per box, taking up the entire back
panel. Most were susceptible to surface wear, creasing, plus a bad cutting job. Post cereal cards are a bit easier
as they issued several cards per cereal box with plenty of room to cut out the cards (compared to Jell-O).
1961-1963 Post Cereal
While most baseball cards of the 1960's were produced by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., there were still some terrific baseball cards released by companies like Frank H. Fleer who produced the 1960-61 Baseball
Greats series, as well as the classic 1963 set (which was halted due to a Topps lawsuit). Another terrific issue is the Post cereal cards from 1961-1963. Starting in 1961 and continuing through 1963, Post cereal
issued a set of 200 different (not including variations) baseball cards on the backs of their cereal boxes (see 1962 Post cereal box panel below). These cards were hand-cut from the cereal boxes by enthusiastic
kids so finding well cut examples is difficult today. What is really great about them is the price. You can generally buy ungraded Post cereal cards for much cheaper than their Topps counterparts. For example, a
1962 Topps #5 Sandy Koufax lists for $85 in ungraded near mint (NM) condition, while a 1962 Post #109 Sandy Koufax lists for $35 in the same condition. These cards are very fun to collect and being that there
are only 200 cards each year, they are not that difficult to complete. However, there are numerous short prints (usually cards printed on unpopular cereals) and variations to give you a hard time if you want the
challenge of completing the sets with all the variations. The 1963 Post cereal cards are the toughest of the Post sets to complete due to the many short prints.
The 1961 Post cereal cards (see above Mickey Mantle card, above left) were available in two different ways. You could cut them off the cereal boxes (several cards were issued on the back panel; these are
identified by "BOX" in most price guides) or you could order team sheets from Post by mail. These sheets were perforated so that instead of cutting the cards out you would simply pull them apart at the perforations.
The cards that came from team sheets from the company are identified by "COM" or "Company" in most price guides. Being that you did not have to cut the company cards apart, they are not as hard to find in
nice shape. However the ones hand cut from cereal boxes are extremely difficult to find in high grade as most were cut hastily and with little regard for neatness. In 1962 Post only issued cards on their cereal
boxes (see Mays card, above center), however as an advertisement they included 2 cards as an insert in a LIFE magazine. Those two cards? Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. These are easy to differentiate from
the regular Post Cereal Mantle and Maris cards; the Life Magazine cards have an advertisement for Post on the back and the fronts have no lines in between the stats area. In 1963 Post issued cards only on cereal
boxes (see Koufax card, above right). What is confusing is that Jell-O also issued a nearly identical set on their dessert packages. Surviving albums that were intended to house the cards have both the Jell-O and
Post logo on it so it appears that originally they were intended to be collected as one set. They are considered separate issues today. As noted above, the Jell-O cards are 1/4" narrower side to side compared to
the Post Cereal cards (if cut properly). The fact remains that most of the Post cereal (and Jell-O cards) were hand cut from the boxes by excited kids and finding well cut examples can be challenging. Professional
Grading Services like BVG, PSA and SGC will only grade these cards if the cards measure full size so high graded examples sell for significant premiums. Regardless, this is a fun issue to collect!
Greats series, as well as the classic 1963 set (which was halted due to a Topps lawsuit). Another terrific issue is the Post cereal cards from 1961-1963. Starting in 1961 and continuing through 1963, Post cereal
issued a set of 200 different (not including variations) baseball cards on the backs of their cereal boxes (see 1962 Post cereal box panel below). These cards were hand-cut from the cereal boxes by enthusiastic
kids so finding well cut examples is difficult today. What is really great about them is the price. You can generally buy ungraded Post cereal cards for much cheaper than their Topps counterparts. For example, a
1962 Topps #5 Sandy Koufax lists for $85 in ungraded near mint (NM) condition, while a 1962 Post #109 Sandy Koufax lists for $35 in the same condition. These cards are very fun to collect and being that there
are only 200 cards each year, they are not that difficult to complete. However, there are numerous short prints (usually cards printed on unpopular cereals) and variations to give you a hard time if you want the
challenge of completing the sets with all the variations. The 1963 Post cereal cards are the toughest of the Post sets to complete due to the many short prints.
The 1961 Post cereal cards (see above Mickey Mantle card, above left) were available in two different ways. You could cut them off the cereal boxes (several cards were issued on the back panel; these are
identified by "BOX" in most price guides) or you could order team sheets from Post by mail. These sheets were perforated so that instead of cutting the cards out you would simply pull them apart at the perforations.
The cards that came from team sheets from the company are identified by "COM" or "Company" in most price guides. Being that you did not have to cut the company cards apart, they are not as hard to find in
nice shape. However the ones hand cut from cereal boxes are extremely difficult to find in high grade as most were cut hastily and with little regard for neatness. In 1962 Post only issued cards on their cereal
boxes (see Mays card, above center), however as an advertisement they included 2 cards as an insert in a LIFE magazine. Those two cards? Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. These are easy to differentiate from
the regular Post Cereal Mantle and Maris cards; the Life Magazine cards have an advertisement for Post on the back and the fronts have no lines in between the stats area. In 1963 Post issued cards only on cereal
boxes (see Koufax card, above right). What is confusing is that Jell-O also issued a nearly identical set on their dessert packages. Surviving albums that were intended to house the cards have both the Jell-O and
Post logo on it so it appears that originally they were intended to be collected as one set. They are considered separate issues today. As noted above, the Jell-O cards are 1/4" narrower side to side compared to
the Post Cereal cards (if cut properly). The fact remains that most of the Post cereal (and Jell-O cards) were hand cut from the boxes by excited kids and finding well cut examples can be challenging. Professional
Grading Services like BVG, PSA and SGC will only grade these cards if the cards measure full size so high graded examples sell for significant premiums. Regardless, this is a fun issue to collect!
1975 Shakey's Pizza #1 Joe DiMaggio
A somewhat obscure issue, these 1975 Shakey's Pizza "West Coast Greats" cards were issued only in the Seattle area. The 18 card set features players who were born or
played on the West Coast. Only 2,000 sets were produced. Players featured include Ted Williams (no he was not born in BOSTON, but in San Diego CA), Paul Waner, Casey
Stengel, Duke Snider, Tony Lazzeri, Lefty O'Doul, and more. This #1 card features Joltin' Joe DiMaggio who was not only born in CA (Martinez, CA), but was a sensation for
the PCL San Francisco Seals before becoming a Yankee legend. Shakey's also produced a larger set (160 cards) in 1976, but I like the 1975 set better.
played on the West Coast. Only 2,000 sets were produced. Players featured include Ted Williams (no he was not born in BOSTON, but in San Diego CA), Paul Waner, Casey
Stengel, Duke Snider, Tony Lazzeri, Lefty O'Doul, and more. This #1 card features Joltin' Joe DiMaggio who was not only born in CA (Martinez, CA), but was a sensation for
the PCL San Francisco Seals before becoming a Yankee legend. Shakey's also produced a larger set (160 cards) in 1976, but I like the 1975 set better.
The 1959 Home Run Derby cards featured 19 sluggers who appeared on the hit TV show of the same name. Also featured was a card of the show's host, Mark Scott. Each week
would pit one slugger against the previous week's winner. Some of the big names featured in this set are Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Rocky Colavito, Harmon Killebrew, Mickey Mantle, Ed
Mathews, Frank Robinson, Duke Snider, and many more. Home Run Derby was filmed at the old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles California. This show is still shown on networks like ESPN
classic, etc. The cards are very expensive, ranging from $125 (commons) to $1500 (Mickey Mantle, of course). Graded examples would tend to bring more.
Dick Stuart (aka. "Dr. Strangeglove") was a notable slugger for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, LA Dodgers, and California Angels. He
hit 228 home runs (including a career high 42 in 1963) with 743 RBI's in his relatively short career (10 seasons). But perhaps he is best known for his nickname "Dr. Strangeglove" which
was given to him by Henry Aaron no less. Aaron had just witnessed Stuart making a great play (according to Stuart) one minute, and then absolutely murdering the ball the next. Aaron said
"that is one strange glove you have there." Well the press got ahold of that and "Dr. Strangeglove" was born. Stuart was probably traded so often due to his defensive lapses at first base. He
led NL first sackers at least 5 times in errors including a whopping 29 in 1963. As a member of the early New York Mets, Stuart was once given a standing ovation for picking up a piece
of trash on the field. Such is the stuff of legend.
would pit one slugger against the previous week's winner. Some of the big names featured in this set are Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Rocky Colavito, Harmon Killebrew, Mickey Mantle, Ed
Mathews, Frank Robinson, Duke Snider, and many more. Home Run Derby was filmed at the old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles California. This show is still shown on networks like ESPN
classic, etc. The cards are very expensive, ranging from $125 (commons) to $1500 (Mickey Mantle, of course). Graded examples would tend to bring more.
Dick Stuart (aka. "Dr. Strangeglove") was a notable slugger for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, LA Dodgers, and California Angels. He
hit 228 home runs (including a career high 42 in 1963) with 743 RBI's in his relatively short career (10 seasons). But perhaps he is best known for his nickname "Dr. Strangeglove" which
was given to him by Henry Aaron no less. Aaron had just witnessed Stuart making a great play (according to Stuart) one minute, and then absolutely murdering the ball the next. Aaron said
"that is one strange glove you have there." Well the press got ahold of that and "Dr. Strangeglove" was born. Stuart was probably traded so often due to his defensive lapses at first base. He
led NL first sackers at least 5 times in errors including a whopping 29 in 1963. As a member of the early New York Mets, Stuart was once given a standing ovation for picking up a piece
of trash on the field. Such is the stuff of legend.
1959 Home Run Derby Dick Stuart
1967 Topps Who Am I? #33 Willie Mays
1941 Double Play #77-78 Joe Krakauskas & Bob Feller
A more obscure issue that was produced during World War II was the 1941 Double Play issue by Gum Products. These blank backed cards featured 2 players
from the same team) and are much more affordable than the 1941 Playball cards. For instance a 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio lists for $1525 in a PSA 5 EX
grade, while a 1941 Double Play #63 Joe DiMaggio in the same grade lists for $350 (source: June 2007 Sports Market Report by PSA). The set also features two
different Ted Williams cards, plus the big stars of the day like Hank Greenberg, Jimmy Foxx, a very early Pee Wee Reese card, and this cool Bob Feller card (just
to name a few). Plus you get 2 players on one card! What a deal!
from the same team) and are much more affordable than the 1941 Playball cards. For instance a 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio lists for $1525 in a PSA 5 EX
grade, while a 1941 Double Play #63 Joe DiMaggio in the same grade lists for $350 (source: June 2007 Sports Market Report by PSA). The set also features two
different Ted Williams cards, plus the big stars of the day like Hank Greenberg, Jimmy Foxx, a very early Pee Wee Reese card, and this cool Bob Feller card (just
to name a few). Plus you get 2 players on one card! What a deal!
1967 Topps Who Am I? #22 Mickey
Mantle
Mantle
In 1967 Topps released this separate issue called "Who Am I?" It is a small 44 card set featuring famous or historical figures. There are four baseball players featured: Babe Ruth,
Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. The cards were designed so that the "disguises" could be scratched off, revealing the identity. Of course, cards that are
unscratched are much rarer today than scratched cards, so they carry a premium. Cool novelty item by the Topps Chewing Gum Company.
Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. The cards were designed so that the "disguises" could be scratched off, revealing the identity. Of course, cards that are
unscratched are much rarer today than scratched cards, so they carry a premium. Cool novelty item by the Topps Chewing Gum Company.
1951 Berk Ross 4-5 Whitey Ford and 4-2 Robin Roberts 2-card panel 1952 Berk Ross Jackie Robinson 1952 Berk Ross Ted Williams
Berk Ross issued a set of (72) cards entitled "Hit Parade Of Champions" in 1951. These cards featured prize fighters, track stars, basketball, football cards and more. Also included were numerous baseball
players, mostly players from the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, who had appeared in the 1950 World Series. These cards were issued in 2-card panels, designed to be pulled apart at the
perforations (see above left). The following year (1952) Berk Ross issued an entire baseball series of (72) cards. This time, the cards were issued individually. Featured are many of games greats including an
early Mickey Mantle card, Joe DiMaggio (his last card), Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson (above center), Ted Williams (above right) and many more. Berk Ross only produced these two sets, probably
because the Bowman and Topps cards were much more appealing. The Berk Ross cards pale in comparison to the Bowman and Topps cards of the same years. However, the Berk Ross cards were a regional
(New York) issue and are much scarcer than the Bowman and Topps cards. They are now starting to get noticed by collectors for being scarce vintage issues. The above Ted Williams card sold for over $200
recently on eBay (graded as VG+). It is much tougher to acquire then his 1951 Bowman issue (card #165). Special cards of note: 1952 Berk Ross Joe DiMaggio is his last card featuring him as a player as
he retired after the 1951 World Series. In fact there are NO Bowman or Topps cards featuring Joe DiMaggio during his playing days. Also the Mickey Mantle card is his second year card and uses the same
photo used in Mantle's 1951 Bowman Rookie card (#253). It is easily the most expensive card in the 1952 Berk Ross set ($1,650 in ungraded NM condition).
players, mostly players from the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, who had appeared in the 1950 World Series. These cards were issued in 2-card panels, designed to be pulled apart at the
perforations (see above left). The following year (1952) Berk Ross issued an entire baseball series of (72) cards. This time, the cards were issued individually. Featured are many of games greats including an
early Mickey Mantle card, Joe DiMaggio (his last card), Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson (above center), Ted Williams (above right) and many more. Berk Ross only produced these two sets, probably
because the Bowman and Topps cards were much more appealing. The Berk Ross cards pale in comparison to the Bowman and Topps cards of the same years. However, the Berk Ross cards were a regional
(New York) issue and are much scarcer than the Bowman and Topps cards. They are now starting to get noticed by collectors for being scarce vintage issues. The above Ted Williams card sold for over $200
recently on eBay (graded as VG+). It is much tougher to acquire then his 1951 Bowman issue (card #165). Special cards of note: 1952 Berk Ross Joe DiMaggio is his last card featuring him as a player as
he retired after the 1951 World Series. In fact there are NO Bowman or Topps cards featuring Joe DiMaggio during his playing days. Also the Mickey Mantle card is his second year card and uses the same
photo used in Mantle's 1951 Bowman Rookie card (#253). It is easily the most expensive card in the 1952 Berk Ross set ($1,650 in ungraded NM condition).
1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams 1968 Topps 3-D Roberto Clemente
1968 Topps Milton Bradley
1968 Topps Milton Bradley #177 Mets Rookies (Koosman, Ryan RC)
1968 Topps Milton Bradley #177 Mets Rookies
(Back view; note the bright yellow color on back)
(Back view; note the bright yellow color on back)
Most collectors know of the 1969-1971 Milton Bradley cards that featured boring black & white photos of baseball players.
However, few are aware of the very rare 1968 Topps Milton Bradley cards that were issued as part of a board game
by Milton Bradley ("Win-A-Card" Trading Cards Game; see below). The game featured not only baseball cards, but football,
automobiles (I believe) and others. I know this because my dad brought home this game to us kids in 1968 and I remember
having Hank Aaron, Ed Mathews, and Ed Brinkman. These cards started my love of collecting and I have been going at it
ever since. How do you tell the difference between a 1968 Topps Milton Bradley card and a regular Topps card? The fronts
are indentical. The backs are not. The Topps Milton Bradley cards feature a very clean and bright yellow on the back of the
card. The regular Topps cards have a "dirty" or brownish-yellow color. While the regular 1968 Topps cards are not rare by
any means, the Topps Milton Bradley cards are. Try and find one. This 1968 Topps #177 Mets Rookie Stars (Jerry
Koosman, Nolan Ryan) graded PSA 6 EX-MT recently sold on eBay for $1280.76 (May 2008)!!!
However, few are aware of the very rare 1968 Topps Milton Bradley cards that were issued as part of a board game
by Milton Bradley ("Win-A-Card" Trading Cards Game; see below). The game featured not only baseball cards, but football,
automobiles (I believe) and others. I know this because my dad brought home this game to us kids in 1968 and I remember
having Hank Aaron, Ed Mathews, and Ed Brinkman. These cards started my love of collecting and I have been going at it
ever since. How do you tell the difference between a 1968 Topps Milton Bradley card and a regular Topps card? The fronts
are indentical. The backs are not. The Topps Milton Bradley cards feature a very clean and bright yellow on the back of the
card. The regular Topps cards have a "dirty" or brownish-yellow color. While the regular 1968 Topps cards are not rare by
any means, the Topps Milton Bradley cards are. Try and find one. This 1968 Topps #177 Mets Rookie Stars (Jerry
Koosman, Nolan Ryan) graded PSA 6 EX-MT recently sold on eBay for $1280.76 (May 2008)!!!
1960-1962 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers
1967 Topps "Who Am I?"
1951-1952 Berk Ross
1941 Double Play
1959 Home Run Derby
1975 Shakey's Pizza West Coast Greats
1959 Fleer Ted Williams
1955-1969 Kahn's Weiners "The Weiner The World Awaited"
1959-1971 Bazooka
1969-1971 Topps Super
1959-1968 Venezuela Topps
1963 Jell-O and Post cereal cards
The 1960-1962 Bell Brand Potato Chips Los Angeles Dodgers cards are considered to be one of the most beautiful regional issues ever produced. Most of the cards (especially
1961-62) feature crystal blue skies and popular Dodgers in Dodger Blue. You just can't ask for a more beautiful set. The cards in 1960 were taken on a cloudy day so they aren't as eye
appealing; however they seem to be more difficult to acquire and hence, more expensive. Grease stains are common on the issue as they were issued in bags of greasy potato chips. Bell
Brand also issued a very rare set in 1958 (scroll down below), which was the Dodgers first year in Los Angeles. And while these are very expensive, they have black and white photos with
green wood frames bordering the pictures. They just aren't as eye appealing as the 60-62 Bell Brand cards. As expected the Sandy Koufax cards are the most expensive in the sets. This
1960 Bell Brand #9 Sandy Koufax is the second toughest Bell Brand card to obtain. The 1961 and 1962 are much easier to find.
1961-62) feature crystal blue skies and popular Dodgers in Dodger Blue. You just can't ask for a more beautiful set. The cards in 1960 were taken on a cloudy day so they aren't as eye
appealing; however they seem to be more difficult to acquire and hence, more expensive. Grease stains are common on the issue as they were issued in bags of greasy potato chips. Bell
Brand also issued a very rare set in 1958 (scroll down below), which was the Dodgers first year in Los Angeles. And while these are very expensive, they have black and white photos with
green wood frames bordering the pictures. They just aren't as eye appealing as the 60-62 Bell Brand cards. As expected the Sandy Koufax cards are the most expensive in the sets. This
1960 Bell Brand #9 Sandy Koufax is the second toughest Bell Brand card to obtain. The 1961 and 1962 are much easier to find.
1960 Bell Brand LA Dodgers #9 Sandy Koufax
1968 Milton Bradley "Win-A-Card" Trading Cards Game
1948 Swell Sport Thrills
The 1940's were a pretty lenient decade for baseball cards. World War II put a damper on card production, so there were only a handful of major sets produced. Most are
familiar with the Play Ball, Bowman, and Leaf issues, but a small 20-card set was produced by Swell Gum Company in Philadelphia in 1948. Called "Sports Thrills," these
cards featured baseball highlights and feature some key players; some even before their "rookie" cards were produced. For instance, card #20 "Rifle Arm!" features Brooklyn
Dodger Carl Furillo. Furillo's rookie card, 1949 Bowman #70, was issued the following year. Also featured in the set is an early Jackie Robinson card (#3 "Dramatic
Debut"), which pre-dates Jackie's 1949 Leaf #79 and 1949 Bowman #50 rookie cards. The Swell Sport Thrills set also features heavy hitters like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig,
and Ted Williams, plus more obscure players such as Al Gionfriddo (card #9 "Greatest Catch!"), who was never issued in a major baseball card set. These cards are finally
getting noticed; graded examples sell for premiums. Centering issues are very common with these cards; I've seen many that are off-centered or slant (or "diamond") cut. Very
cool issue.
The 1948 Swell Sports Thrills cards above are (clockwise, from top left): #2 Amazing Record (Pete Reiser), #1 Greatest Single Inning (w/ Mickey Cochrane,
Jimmy Foxx, and Al Simmons), #3 Dramatic Debut (Jackie Robinson), #4 Greatest Pitcher (Walter Johnson).
familiar with the Play Ball, Bowman, and Leaf issues, but a small 20-card set was produced by Swell Gum Company in Philadelphia in 1948. Called "Sports Thrills," these
cards featured baseball highlights and feature some key players; some even before their "rookie" cards were produced. For instance, card #20 "Rifle Arm!" features Brooklyn
Dodger Carl Furillo. Furillo's rookie card, 1949 Bowman #70, was issued the following year. Also featured in the set is an early Jackie Robinson card (#3 "Dramatic
Debut"), which pre-dates Jackie's 1949 Leaf #79 and 1949 Bowman #50 rookie cards. The Swell Sport Thrills set also features heavy hitters like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig,
and Ted Williams, plus more obscure players such as Al Gionfriddo (card #9 "Greatest Catch!"), who was never issued in a major baseball card set. These cards are finally
getting noticed; graded examples sell for premiums. Centering issues are very common with these cards; I've seen many that are off-centered or slant (or "diamond") cut. Very
cool issue.
The 1948 Swell Sports Thrills cards above are (clockwise, from top left): #2 Amazing Record (Pete Reiser), #1 Greatest Single Inning (w/ Mickey Cochrane,
Jimmy Foxx, and Al Simmons), #3 Dramatic Debut (Jackie Robinson), #4 Greatest Pitcher (Walter Johnson).
1914 B18 Blankets
1914 B18 Blankets "Shoeless" Joe Jackson (from the Kevin Cullum collection)
To be honest, I don't know much about this issue except what I've read in the Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards (published annually
by Krause Publications). According to the catalog, these 5-14" square flannels are called "blankets" because "many of them were sewn together to form bed
covers or throws." The above example, that of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, was provided by fellow collector and friend, Kevin Cullum. It was passed down from his
grandparents. What a treasure! Thanks Kc! Tim
by Krause Publications). According to the catalog, these 5-14" square flannels are called "blankets" because "many of them were sewn together to form bed
covers or throws." The above example, that of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, was provided by fellow collector and friend, Kevin Cullum. It was passed down from his
grandparents. What a treasure! Thanks Kc! Tim
1947 Tip Top Bread Eddy Waitkus (back view)
Not a main-stream set, the 1947 Tip Top Bread issues are very scarce today. Because of the War (WW II), main baseball cards sets such as Play Ball and Goudey
ceased production of baseball cards. It wasn't until the Bowman and Leaf issues of 1948 that a main-stream baseball card returned. Many big league ballplayers
are featured on their only cards in this tough issue. This 1947 Tip Top "Eddy" Waitkus card pre-dates his 1949 Bowman rookie card by two years.
Eddie, or "Eddy" Waitkus was a slick fielding first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. He was shot by a female "fan" in 1949
but survived and was a member of the 1950 Philadelphia "Whiz Kids" pennant winner. Sadly, Waitkus had a short career, probably due to his service to our country (he
fought in World War II in the Pacific and was awarded several Bronze Stars) and the shooting. He fought depression and alcoholism, and was trying to get his life in
order when he died at the age of 52 in 1972. Largely forgotten today, Waitkus inspired the book "The Natural" that became a hit movie starring Robert Redford and was
also the subject of a great book, "Baseball's Natural - The Eddie Waitkus Story" by John Theodore, Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois UP, 2002.
ceased production of baseball cards. It wasn't until the Bowman and Leaf issues of 1948 that a main-stream baseball card returned. Many big league ballplayers
are featured on their only cards in this tough issue. This 1947 Tip Top "Eddy" Waitkus card pre-dates his 1949 Bowman rookie card by two years.
Eddie, or "Eddy" Waitkus was a slick fielding first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. He was shot by a female "fan" in 1949
but survived and was a member of the 1950 Philadelphia "Whiz Kids" pennant winner. Sadly, Waitkus had a short career, probably due to his service to our country (he
fought in World War II in the Pacific and was awarded several Bronze Stars) and the shooting. He fought depression and alcoholism, and was trying to get his life in
order when he died at the age of 52 in 1972. Largely forgotten today, Waitkus inspired the book "The Natural" that became a hit movie starring Robert Redford and was
also the subject of a great book, "Baseball's Natural - The Eddie Waitkus Story" by John Theodore, Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois UP, 2002.
1957 Swift Meats #18 Rocky Colavito
1957 Swift Meats
The 1950's were the "golden age" of baseball. The 50's were also the golden age of baseball cards. In no other decade were cards ever so innovative, colorful, and unique. Bowman
Gum was producing beautiful color cards and competing with a rival fledgling company, Topps Chewing Gum who issued the granddaddy of the modern baseball card set in 1952.
Beautiful color cards of baseball stars were produced by a tobacco company (Red Man Tobacco), and several sets were issued by hot dog companies (Stayl Meyer, Dan Dee, Wilson
Franks, to name a few). Red Heart even issued cards with dog food in 1954! So the 1950's were a great time to be a baseball fan and to be collecting cards. In 1957 Swift Meats
produced a very unique issue of baseball "cards." The players were intended to be punched out from the card and assembled into cardboard figures. Most were probably assembled this
way and eventually discarded thru the years. So today it is quite scarce to come across unpunched cards from the 1957 Swift Meats set. Expect to pay a premium for surviving examples
today. They aren't cheap.
Rocky Colavito was one of the premier sluggers of the 1950's and 1960's. He hit nearly 400 HRs (374) in a relatively short career (1956-1968). One of the biggest farces in
baseball occurred when Rocky Colavito was traded by the Indians to the Tigers for singles hitter Harvey Kuenn. The Indians never have recovered from that one and some say the Indians
have the "Curse of Rocky Colavito." It should be more like "the curse of the Indian's GM" back then, Frank Lane, and later Gabe Paul. Both liked trading players like kids liked trading
cards and trading Rocky Colavito in the prime of his career was a colossal blunder. Also traded during that same time by the Indians were such stars as Roger Maris, Jimmy Piersall,
Luis Tiant, Mudcat Grant, and Tommy John (who was traded early in his career to get Rocky Colavito back to Cleveland when the Rock was at the end of his career and Cleveland
needed fans at the ballpark). John went on to win nearly 300 games... So maybe the curse is valid. But have hope Cleveland fans, as look at the Red Sox and White Sox. They finally won
a World Series. So anything is possible. Except for the Cubs. They truly are cursed and it has nothing to do with Steve Bartman. It is an organizational thing and the Cubs just don't have a
winner. At least not yet.
Gum was producing beautiful color cards and competing with a rival fledgling company, Topps Chewing Gum who issued the granddaddy of the modern baseball card set in 1952.
Beautiful color cards of baseball stars were produced by a tobacco company (Red Man Tobacco), and several sets were issued by hot dog companies (Stayl Meyer, Dan Dee, Wilson
Franks, to name a few). Red Heart even issued cards with dog food in 1954! So the 1950's were a great time to be a baseball fan and to be collecting cards. In 1957 Swift Meats
produced a very unique issue of baseball "cards." The players were intended to be punched out from the card and assembled into cardboard figures. Most were probably assembled this
way and eventually discarded thru the years. So today it is quite scarce to come across unpunched cards from the 1957 Swift Meats set. Expect to pay a premium for surviving examples
today. They aren't cheap.
Rocky Colavito was one of the premier sluggers of the 1950's and 1960's. He hit nearly 400 HRs (374) in a relatively short career (1956-1968). One of the biggest farces in
baseball occurred when Rocky Colavito was traded by the Indians to the Tigers for singles hitter Harvey Kuenn. The Indians never have recovered from that one and some say the Indians
have the "Curse of Rocky Colavito." It should be more like "the curse of the Indian's GM" back then, Frank Lane, and later Gabe Paul. Both liked trading players like kids liked trading
cards and trading Rocky Colavito in the prime of his career was a colossal blunder. Also traded during that same time by the Indians were such stars as Roger Maris, Jimmy Piersall,
Luis Tiant, Mudcat Grant, and Tommy John (who was traded early in his career to get Rocky Colavito back to Cleveland when the Rock was at the end of his career and Cleveland
needed fans at the ballpark). John went on to win nearly 300 games... So maybe the curse is valid. But have hope Cleveland fans, as look at the Red Sox and White Sox. They finally won
a World Series. So anything is possible. Except for the Cubs. They truly are cursed and it has nothing to do with Steve Bartman. It is an organizational thing and the Cubs just don't have a
winner. At least not yet.
1947 Tip Top Bread
1969 Fleer Cap Plaks
While Fleer was on the sidelines in the 1960's (due to Topps' monopoly on the bubble gum card
market), they still managed to produce some unique sets, notably the 1963 Fleer baseball card
set of 67 cards (including a checklist card), which were issued in wax packs with a cookie. In
1969 Fleer issued these 3" x 4" plastic "plaks," which depicted a ball and cap of each major
league team. They were made of very thin plastic, plus they were designed to either be propped
up, hung up, or glued (see card directions on back). Existing examples today are quite scarce
and list for $45-$60 (depending on team) in ungraded NM condition. Two teams are very
scarce (or popular), the Yankees and this Seattle Pilots Plak. Seattle was granted a franchise in
1969 but this was a short lived project. It wasn't until the 1977 Mariners that Seattle had a
permanent team on the map. Seattle Pilots collectibles are very desirable. The 1969 Fleer Cap
Plaks Seattle Pilots lists for $125 in NM, which is the most expensive card in the set. Then
Yankees come second at $115.
market), they still managed to produce some unique sets, notably the 1963 Fleer baseball card
set of 67 cards (including a checklist card), which were issued in wax packs with a cookie. In
1969 Fleer issued these 3" x 4" plastic "plaks," which depicted a ball and cap of each major
league team. They were made of very thin plastic, plus they were designed to either be propped
up, hung up, or glued (see card directions on back). Existing examples today are quite scarce
and list for $45-$60 (depending on team) in ungraded NM condition. Two teams are very
scarce (or popular), the Yankees and this Seattle Pilots Plak. Seattle was granted a franchise in
1969 but this was a short lived project. It wasn't until the 1977 Mariners that Seattle had a
permanent team on the map. Seattle Pilots collectibles are very desirable. The 1969 Fleer Cap
Plaks Seattle Pilots lists for $125 in NM, which is the most expensive card in the set. Then
Yankees come second at $115.
1962 Post Cereal back panel featuring Mickey Mantle
1962 Post Cereal box 6-card panel with Pinson, Mantle, Roberts
This is how the 1961-1963 Post cereal cards were issued, on the backs of cereal boxes (most 1961 Post cereal cards were also available in team sheets than you could order from the
company). They were intended to be cut out, collected, and traded. Post even produced an album to paste the cards in. It is pretty rare to find intact panels, even less to find complete cereal
boxes. You can see from the black lines that separate the cards that there was not much room for error. That is why you see so many Post/ Jell-O cards which looked like they had been
trimmed by a 10 year old. Well, they were! And that is why finding well-cut examples is a real challenge. The above 1962 Post cereal 6-card panel features 3 American League players
(#5 Mickey Mantle, #31 Jackie Brandt, #66 Chuck Cottier) and 3 National League players (#121 Vada Pinson, #168 Alex Grammas, #198 Robin Roberts). In fact, whoever cut
out this panel cut it short on the left side so the cards on the left are all missing their left borders. Regardless, it is still a beautiful piece. For the '62 set, Post chose to use blue borders and
lines in the statistics area for AL players and red borders and lines for the NL players. To me, these 1962 Post cereal cards are much nicer looking than either the 61 or 63 Post sets. The
'62 set is also the easiest of the three to complete. Also note that while Post states that there are "200 Top Stars," the total with variations is more like 210. Among the variations are a
different Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris card that was issued in a LIFE magazine that year (these cards were printed in a two card panel and have an advertisement for Post cereal on the
back of each card; the cereal box versions of Mantle and Maris are blank backed), and three very rare printing variations of Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente and Joey Jay (the rare
variations have blue lines in the stats area instead of the more common red lines). There is also a spelling error variation for Joe Adcock's card (spelled "Adock") which is very tough to find.
This 1962 Post cereal 6-card panel featuring Mickey Mantle sold for over $380 (eBay, March 2009). I know because I got outbid on it!
company). They were intended to be cut out, collected, and traded. Post even produced an album to paste the cards in. It is pretty rare to find intact panels, even less to find complete cereal
boxes. You can see from the black lines that separate the cards that there was not much room for error. That is why you see so many Post/ Jell-O cards which looked like they had been
trimmed by a 10 year old. Well, they were! And that is why finding well-cut examples is a real challenge. The above 1962 Post cereal 6-card panel features 3 American League players
(#5 Mickey Mantle, #31 Jackie Brandt, #66 Chuck Cottier) and 3 National League players (#121 Vada Pinson, #168 Alex Grammas, #198 Robin Roberts). In fact, whoever cut
out this panel cut it short on the left side so the cards on the left are all missing their left borders. Regardless, it is still a beautiful piece. For the '62 set, Post chose to use blue borders and
lines in the statistics area for AL players and red borders and lines for the NL players. To me, these 1962 Post cereal cards are much nicer looking than either the 61 or 63 Post sets. The
'62 set is also the easiest of the three to complete. Also note that while Post states that there are "200 Top Stars," the total with variations is more like 210. Among the variations are a
different Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris card that was issued in a LIFE magazine that year (these cards were printed in a two card panel and have an advertisement for Post cereal on the
back of each card; the cereal box versions of Mantle and Maris are blank backed), and three very rare printing variations of Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente and Joey Jay (the rare
variations have blue lines in the stats area instead of the more common red lines). There is also a spelling error variation for Joe Adcock's card (spelled "Adock") which is very tough to find.
This 1962 Post cereal 6-card panel featuring Mickey Mantle sold for over $380 (eBay, March 2009). I know because I got outbid on it!
1962 Jell-O
You can clearly see the difference in these 1962 Jell-O cards and the 1962 Post cereal cards above. Note the lack of a red or blue border around the statistics area. All of the 1962
Jell-O cards will have white border around the yellow stats area. The 1962 Jell-O cards are very scarce as they were issued in the mid-west only. I really don't know the reason for this;
however these cards are very tough to acquire. Like the 1963 Jell-O cards, the '62 cards are seldom found in mid to high grade. Most will be cut a bit short, as the card took up
practically the entire back of the Jell-O box (see above, middle picture). Surface wear and creasing very common. The above 1962 Jell-O #122 Frank Robinson is still uncut on the
box. which is very rare, but note the wear and position of card on the box. The 1962 Jell-O #173 Roberto Clemente (above right) is graded by PSA as VG-EX 4, which is pretty
high grade for this tough issue. Expect to pay a premium for graded examples.
Jell-O cards will have white border around the yellow stats area. The 1962 Jell-O cards are very scarce as they were issued in the mid-west only. I really don't know the reason for this;
however these cards are very tough to acquire. Like the 1963 Jell-O cards, the '62 cards are seldom found in mid to high grade. Most will be cut a bit short, as the card took up
practically the entire back of the Jell-O box (see above, middle picture). Surface wear and creasing very common. The above 1962 Jell-O #122 Frank Robinson is still uncut on the
box. which is very rare, but note the wear and position of card on the box. The 1962 Jell-O #173 Roberto Clemente (above right) is graded by PSA as VG-EX 4, which is pretty
high grade for this tough issue. Expect to pay a premium for graded examples.
1962 Jell-O Complete Box with card #122 Frank Robinson (click on image for larger picture)
1962 Jell-O #173 Roberto Clemente (hand cut from box)
1961 Post Cereal #4 Mickey Mantle 1962 Post Cereal #142 Willie Mays 1963 Post Cereal #121 Sandy Koufax
* * * CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER SCAN ***
* * * CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER SCAN ***
1958 Bell Brand Potato Chips Pee Wee Reese (scarce!)
While I prefer the beautiful color photos on the 1960-62 Bell Brand Potato Chips Dodgers cards (see above), the 1958 Bell Brand Dodgers cards were their first issue and are much
tougher to find. They use sepia photos with green frame borders picturing the "new" Los Angeles Dodgers. Pee Wee Reese's last regular card is 1958 Topps #475, but this 1958 Bell
Brand Dodgers Pee Wee Reese is way more difficult to obtain. This is a very high grade example.
tougher to find. They use sepia photos with green frame borders picturing the "new" Los Angeles Dodgers. Pee Wee Reese's last regular card is 1958 Topps #475, but this 1958 Bell
Brand Dodgers Pee Wee Reese is way more difficult to obtain. This is a very high grade example.
1958 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers
1971 Topps Greatest Moments #40 Carl Yastrzemski ("Wins AL Triple Crown")
In 1971, Topps produced a rather scarce series of baseball highlight cards called "Greatest Moments." These 1971 Topps Greatest Moments cards have the same jet black
borders that the regular Topps baseball cards have that year; however these cards are larger (2-1/2" x 4-3/4") than the regular Topps cards (2-1/2" x 3-1/2"). The fronts shows a
small color picture of the highlighted player,along with a black and white "snapshot" of the player in action. The backs feature a mock newspaper write up of the event. Many of the
game's top stars are included in this small set of (55) cards including no less than 17 Hall Of Famers like this 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #40 Carl Yastrzemski ("Wins
AL Triple Crown"). Because this set was not as widely produced as the regular Topps cards, the 1971 Greatest Moments cards are also more expensive. For instance a regular
1971 Topps #530 Carl Yastrzemski baseball card graded PSA 7 NM would sell for $25-$35, but the '71 Topps Greatest Moments #40 Yaz card in a PSA 7 would sell for $130 -
$250. Centering and chipping on the black edges are the common faults you find on these cards. A real classic!
borders that the regular Topps baseball cards have that year; however these cards are larger (2-1/2" x 4-3/4") than the regular Topps cards (2-1/2" x 3-1/2"). The fronts shows a
small color picture of the highlighted player,along with a black and white "snapshot" of the player in action. The backs feature a mock newspaper write up of the event. Many of the
game's top stars are included in this small set of (55) cards including no less than 17 Hall Of Famers like this 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #40 Carl Yastrzemski ("Wins
AL Triple Crown"). Because this set was not as widely produced as the regular Topps cards, the 1971 Greatest Moments cards are also more expensive. For instance a regular
1971 Topps #530 Carl Yastrzemski baseball card graded PSA 7 NM would sell for $25-$35, but the '71 Topps Greatest Moments #40 Yaz card in a PSA 7 would sell for $130 -
$250. Centering and chipping on the black edges are the common faults you find on these cards. A real classic!
1971 Topps Greatest Moments
1970-1973 Topps Candy Lids
| 1972 Topps Candy Lid Proof Jim Hunter (back side) |
Beginning in 1970, Topps began producing a test issue called "candy lids." These lids were actually the tops to small containers of bubble gum "nuggets." I vaguely remember getting
these as a kid. Topps produced them in 1970 to 1973. The 1972 Topps Candy Lids are very scarce and can be found in either uncut proof form (see above Hunter example) or in
finished 1-7/8" diameter tabbed lid form. You can tell they were unused as the tabs will not have creases commonly found on issued pieces. The 1973 lids are the most common to find,
but even these are much tougher than the regular Topps baseball cards. A very fun issue to collect as they feature many of the top stars of the day. Expect to pay a premium for the 1970
and '72 candy lid issues. Even the 1973 lids can be somewhat pricey compared to the regular Topps cards. For instance a regular 1973 Topps #287 Carl Yastrzemski card sells for
around $10 in ungraded NM condition, while a 1973 Topps Candy Lid Yaz lists for $35 in the same condition. Graded examples will sell for even more.
these as a kid. Topps produced them in 1970 to 1973. The 1972 Topps Candy Lids are very scarce and can be found in either uncut proof form (see above Hunter example) or in
finished 1-7/8" diameter tabbed lid form. You can tell they were unused as the tabs will not have creases commonly found on issued pieces. The 1973 lids are the most common to find,
but even these are much tougher than the regular Topps baseball cards. A very fun issue to collect as they feature many of the top stars of the day. Expect to pay a premium for the 1970
and '72 candy lid issues. Even the 1973 lids can be somewhat pricey compared to the regular Topps cards. For instance a regular 1973 Topps #287 Carl Yastrzemski card sells for
around $10 in ungraded NM condition, while a 1973 Topps Candy Lid Yaz lists for $35 in the same condition. Graded examples will sell for even more.
1970-1973 Topps Candy Lids
1969 - 1970 Transogram
1970 Transogram Mets Tom Seaver
Transogram cards were issued on the packaging of toy baseball statues from 1970-73, Kenner's Starting Lineup made a fortune producing similar products in the 1980's. The
Transogram statues, and cards are much more difficult to locate. Also interesting about this issue is that some of the photographs used are the same exact photo's used by
Topps to produce their bubble gum cards. For instance this 1970 Transogram Mets Tom Seaver photo was previously used on Seaver's regular 1968 Topps baseball card (card
#45). The Transogram cards are much scarcer than Topps and hence command a premium today. Intact boxes with the cards and statue still intact are rare but can be found if
you are diligent.
Transogram statues, and cards are much more difficult to locate. Also interesting about this issue is that some of the photographs used are the same exact photo's used by
Topps to produce their bubble gum cards. For instance this 1970 Transogram Mets Tom Seaver photo was previously used on Seaver's regular 1968 Topps baseball card (card
#45). The Transogram cards are much scarcer than Topps and hence command a premium today. Intact boxes with the cards and statue still intact are rare but can be found if
you are diligent.
1959 Bazooka
1959 Bazooka Mickey Mantle
1959 was the first year Topps produced baseball cards for their Bazooka Bubble Gum. They were issued on the bubble gum boxes and were intended to be cut out. Most surviving
examples today have cutting problems (much like any vintage hand cut cards, Jell-O, Post, etc.) and are usually cut a bit short. Regardless, they are a very tough issue and of
course the heavy hitter in the group of (23) cards is the great Mickey Mantle ($1750 in ungraded NM condition according to the 2009 SCD Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards).
Also included in the set was Hank Aaron, Richie Ashburn, Ernie Banks, Orlando Cepeda, Rocky Colavito, Don Drysdale, Willie Mays, and Duke Snider to name a few. Expect to pay
premiums for graded examples like this beautiful 1959 Bazooka Mickey Mantle SGC 80 EX/NM. Also note the large size (2-13/16" x 4-15/16") of the 1959 Bazooka cards as just
one card was printed on each box. Most 1960's Bazooka cards were issued 3 cards per box and are much smaller in size.
examples today have cutting problems (much like any vintage hand cut cards, Jell-O, Post, etc.) and are usually cut a bit short. Regardless, they are a very tough issue and of
course the heavy hitter in the group of (23) cards is the great Mickey Mantle ($1750 in ungraded NM condition according to the 2009 SCD Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards).
Also included in the set was Hank Aaron, Richie Ashburn, Ernie Banks, Orlando Cepeda, Rocky Colavito, Don Drysdale, Willie Mays, and Duke Snider to name a few. Expect to pay
premiums for graded examples like this beautiful 1959 Bazooka Mickey Mantle SGC 80 EX/NM. Also note the large size (2-13/16" x 4-15/16") of the 1959 Bazooka cards as just
one card was printed on each box. Most 1960's Bazooka cards were issued 3 cards per box and are much smaller in size.
1964 Topps Stand-Ups
1964 Topps Stand-Up Tommy Davis
Ever the innovator, Topps Chewing Gum came up with great ideas for trading cards. Among them were "die cut" cards, cards intended to be punched out and displayed. Topps
produced some beautiful over-sized die cut cards in their 1951 Topps Current and Connie Mack All-Star sets, some of which are quite rare. Topps again produced a die cut card set
in 1964 called Topps "Stand-Ups." The 1964 Topps Stand-Up cards featured all of the stars of the time including Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Yaz,
etc. The above 1964 Topps Stand Up features Dodgers star Tommy Davis. Note the bottom half of Davis' body; Topps artists drew the legs on each of the cards. The legs look a bit
smaller than the rest of the body so it looks like Tommy Davis has "Munchkin" legs. The 1964 Topps Stand-Up cards are a separate issue than the regular 1964 Topps cards and are a
bit more expensive as well. It should be noted that Topps was not the first card company to produce die cut cards. Earlier die cut issues include 1934-1936 National Chicle's "Batter
Up" and 1937 O-Pee-Chee, to name a couple.
produced some beautiful over-sized die cut cards in their 1951 Topps Current and Connie Mack All-Star sets, some of which are quite rare. Topps again produced a die cut card set
in 1964 called Topps "Stand-Ups." The 1964 Topps Stand-Up cards featured all of the stars of the time including Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Yaz,
etc. The above 1964 Topps Stand Up features Dodgers star Tommy Davis. Note the bottom half of Davis' body; Topps artists drew the legs on each of the cards. The legs look a bit
smaller than the rest of the body so it looks like Tommy Davis has "Munchkin" legs. The 1964 Topps Stand-Up cards are a separate issue than the regular 1964 Topps cards and are a
bit more expensive as well. It should be noted that Topps was not the first card company to produce die cut cards. Earlier die cut issues include 1934-1936 National Chicle's "Batter
Up" and 1937 O-Pee-Chee, to name a couple.
| 1943 M.P. & Company Pete Reiser (back view) |
One of the few baseball cards to be issued during World War ll are the 1943 M.P. & Co. cards. These were originally sold in strips and were usually cut out to form "singles." Very crude drawings were
used, kind of a backwards step for baseball cards compared to earlier issues. But hey, a war was on and at least there were some baseball cards that kids could collect. Lower grades are the norm; but even
higher grade examples are relatively cheap. "M.P. & Co." stands for Michael Pressner and Company, which was a New York City novelty and carnival supply firm (information provided by Sports Collector's
Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards).
used, kind of a backwards step for baseball cards compared to earlier issues. But hey, a war was on and at least there were some baseball cards that kids could collect. Lower grades are the norm; but even
higher grade examples are relatively cheap. "M.P. & Co." stands for Michael Pressner and Company, which was a New York City novelty and carnival supply firm (information provided by Sports Collector's
Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards).
1943 M.P. & Co.
1972 Venezuela Topps Stickers
1972 Venezuela Topps Stickers #3 Rod Carew 1972 Venezuela Topps Stickers #31 Al Kaline 1972 Venezuela Topps Stickers #134 Tony Oliva
These very rare stamps or stickers, measure 2" x 2-9/16" and feature many Major League players. The stamps were intended to be pasted into
albums like the earlier Venezuelan issues. Many of the stickers feature the same photo's used in the regular Topps issue. For example, the
above 1972 Venezuela Baseball Stamp #3 Rod Carew and #31 Al Kaline utilize the same photos used on their regular 1972 Topps cards (I am not
sure if the #134 Oliva In Action sticker has the same image but I'll check). The Venezuela issues feature very thin (& fragile) paper stock
and exhibit poor print quality compared to Topps baseball cards. Most stickers will exhibit signs of pasting on the back. As such, most of
these you will find in lower grades, and even these can be expensive. Also featured in the 1972 Venezuela Baseball Stamps set is Nolan Ryan
(sticker #184), which would be one of the rarest Ryan issues out there (lists for $220 in ungraded EX; 2009 Sports Collector's Digest
Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications). The 1977 Venezuelan Baseball Stickers also issued several Hall Of Famers utilizing
the design similar to the 1977 Topps cards. Again, low grades, poor print quality and evidence of pasting are the norm. Very tough issue to
collect.
albums like the earlier Venezuelan issues. Many of the stickers feature the same photo's used in the regular Topps issue. For example, the
above 1972 Venezuela Baseball Stamp #3 Rod Carew and #31 Al Kaline utilize the same photos used on their regular 1972 Topps cards (I am not
sure if the #134 Oliva In Action sticker has the same image but I'll check). The Venezuela issues feature very thin (& fragile) paper stock
and exhibit poor print quality compared to Topps baseball cards. Most stickers will exhibit signs of pasting on the back. As such, most of
these you will find in lower grades, and even these can be expensive. Also featured in the 1972 Venezuela Baseball Stamps set is Nolan Ryan
(sticker #184), which would be one of the rarest Ryan issues out there (lists for $220 in ungraded EX; 2009 Sports Collector's Digest
Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications). The 1977 Venezuelan Baseball Stickers also issued several Hall Of Famers utilizing
the design similar to the 1977 Topps cards. Again, low grades, poor print quality and evidence of pasting are the norm. Very tough issue to
collect.
1952-53 Mother's Cookies Pacific Coast League
1952 Mother's Cookies PCL #29 Carl "Buddy" Peterson (back view)
Not really an "oddball" issue, the 1952-53 Mother's Cookies baseball cards are a minor league issue. And some would argue that the PCL back in it's heyday was just as good as the major leagues.
Remember, this was a time when there was no major league teams west of St. Louis. So baseball fans on the west coast were big fans of the Pacific Coast League. Los Angeles had the LA Angels and
the Hollywood Stars, Oakland had the Oaks, San Francisco had the Seals and San Diego had the Padres (just to name a few). Big talent came from the PCL; The DiMaggio brothers all came from the San
Francisco Seals, Ted Williams came from the San Diego Padres, Billy Martin from the Oaks, and many more. Amongst the most popular of the PCL issues are the Zeenut cards and these 1952-53
Mother's Cookies cards. The Mother's Cookies cards were issued in color and featured many of the PCL stars of the day. Included among the Mother's Cookies cards are managers Left O'Doul, Joe
Gordon (HOF) and Mel Ott (HOF), but the most expensive card from either set is the 1952 Mother's #4 Chuck Connors card (of later "The Rifleman" fame). Another expensive gem is this 1952 Mother's #29
Buddy Peterson short printed card, which lists for around $225 in NM condition.
Remember, this was a time when there was no major league teams west of St. Louis. So baseball fans on the west coast were big fans of the Pacific Coast League. Los Angeles had the LA Angels and
the Hollywood Stars, Oakland had the Oaks, San Francisco had the Seals and San Diego had the Padres (just to name a few). Big talent came from the PCL; The DiMaggio brothers all came from the San
Francisco Seals, Ted Williams came from the San Diego Padres, Billy Martin from the Oaks, and many more. Amongst the most popular of the PCL issues are the Zeenut cards and these 1952-53
Mother's Cookies cards. The Mother's Cookies cards were issued in color and featured many of the PCL stars of the day. Included among the Mother's Cookies cards are managers Left O'Doul, Joe
Gordon (HOF) and Mel Ott (HOF), but the most expensive card from either set is the 1952 Mother's #4 Chuck Connors card (of later "The Rifleman" fame). Another expensive gem is this 1952 Mother's #29
Buddy Peterson short printed card, which lists for around $225 in NM condition.
1954 Red Heart Dog Food Stan Musial
From 1954 through 1957, Stan Musial did not appear on any mainstream baseball issue (Bowman or Topps). Musial did however appear on numerous regional issues,
mostly food issues. One of the options for a Stan Musial baseball card in 1954 was this Red Heart Dog Food issue. Red Heart issued cards in three series (blue, green
and red backgrounds, with the red being the scarcest). You could order them by mail up through the early 1970's. These are beautiful cards! Stan the Man finally
appeared on his first Topps card in 1958 (Sporting News All-Star, card #478).
mostly food issues. One of the options for a Stan Musial baseball card in 1954 was this Red Heart Dog Food issue. Red Heart issued cards in three series (blue, green
and red backgrounds, with the red being the scarcest). You could order them by mail up through the early 1970's. These are beautiful cards! Stan the Man finally
appeared on his first Topps card in 1958 (Sporting News All-Star, card #478).
1955 Rawlings #1 Stan Musial (Portrait) 1955 Rawlings #3 Stan Musial (Swinging)
Well being there is a shortage of Stan Musial cards from the 1950's, may I present a couple of very rare 1955 Rawlings Stan Musial baseball cards. I believe these cards were intended to be cut from the
Rawlings box the gloves came from. Stan did not have any mainstream issues like Bowman or Topps in 1955, but if you were lucky enough to get a Rawlings glove you might have been able to cut one of these
cards from the box. Today, collectors would not dare cut the card from the box as intended. That would "ruin" it's value. But back then cards were prized possessions, to be collected, traded, flipped, or taped
to your bedroom wall. This is the main reason for the lack of high graded examples of these and other vintage cards. They were meant to be played with, studied, and swapped! They weren't meant to be taken
from a pack, slabbed forever in a plastic slab and assigned a numeric grade, thereby (hopefully) increasing it's "value." That is not what baseball cards are about. If you have never cut a baseball card from a
box, opened a pack of bubble gum cards to see if you got your favorite players, traded with other collectors, marked a checklist card, etc., then my dear friends, you just are missing out on what collecting
cards is all about. Remember, these cards are going to outlive YOU! You can't take 'em with you to Heaven, Hell, or the next life. So while today I don't recommend doing to vintage cards what kids did to
them back then, I DO recommend you have fun collecting, work out trades and don't worry about what a card is "worth." Collect your favorite players and teams and enjoy them, whether they be vintage cards
or modern cards. In fact I highly recommend doing whatever you want to late 1980's and 1990's cards as they are as plentiful as the grains of sand at the sea. Ticked off about steroids & other assorted
Performance Enhancing Drugs? Rip a McGwire, Bonds (Barry), Sosa, Palmiero, Clemens, Ramirez (Manny), Ortiz, ARod card in pieces and feel the peaceful calm that will surround you. Throw darts at them,
deface them, use them as TP in the pinch. And when you are done, please send me the scans so I can put them on my Baseball Card Atrocities Page!
Rawlings box the gloves came from. Stan did not have any mainstream issues like Bowman or Topps in 1955, but if you were lucky enough to get a Rawlings glove you might have been able to cut one of these
cards from the box. Today, collectors would not dare cut the card from the box as intended. That would "ruin" it's value. But back then cards were prized possessions, to be collected, traded, flipped, or taped
to your bedroom wall. This is the main reason for the lack of high graded examples of these and other vintage cards. They were meant to be played with, studied, and swapped! They weren't meant to be taken
from a pack, slabbed forever in a plastic slab and assigned a numeric grade, thereby (hopefully) increasing it's "value." That is not what baseball cards are about. If you have never cut a baseball card from a
box, opened a pack of bubble gum cards to see if you got your favorite players, traded with other collectors, marked a checklist card, etc., then my dear friends, you just are missing out on what collecting
cards is all about. Remember, these cards are going to outlive YOU! You can't take 'em with you to Heaven, Hell, or the next life. So while today I don't recommend doing to vintage cards what kids did to
them back then, I DO recommend you have fun collecting, work out trades and don't worry about what a card is "worth." Collect your favorite players and teams and enjoy them, whether they be vintage cards
or modern cards. In fact I highly recommend doing whatever you want to late 1980's and 1990's cards as they are as plentiful as the grains of sand at the sea. Ticked off about steroids & other assorted
Performance Enhancing Drugs? Rip a McGwire, Bonds (Barry), Sosa, Palmiero, Clemens, Ramirez (Manny), Ortiz, ARod card in pieces and feel the peaceful calm that will surround you. Throw darts at them,
deface them, use them as TP in the pinch. And when you are done, please send me the scans so I can put them on my Baseball Card Atrocities Page!
1954 Red Heart Dog Food
1954 Rawlings Stan Musial (Hand cut)
1961 7-11 "Oh Thank Heaven For Seven Eleven"
According to my trusty 2009 Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards (already outdated due to our current economic crises) the 1961 7-11 convenience markets released these "crude"
cards and production was "abruptly halted." First of all, who would print PINK baseball cards? And SCD is right, the printing quality is crude- just a small black and white photo of the player and simple
type. The backs are blank. Compared to Topps cards of the same time, these cards look like a kid made them. But alas, the cards were abruptly halted at just one series. Which means regardless of how
"crude" these cards are, they are scarce; rare even. Check out the unnumbered Checklist card (above left) which is rare in it's own right. The first series included Hall of Famers Warren Spahn, Stan Musial,
Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Yogi Berra (above center), Ernie Banks, plus Jimmie Foxx, and Mel Ott (above right). Then you have some guys who should be in the Hall of Fame like Ken Boyer, Gil
Hodges, and Roger Maris. Not to mention new Hall of Fame Inductee Whitey Herzog (as a Manager). These are some tough cards, pink and all. I have been looking for the Roger Maris and Gil
Hodges cards for some time so if you have one for sale or trade please contact me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim
cards and production was "abruptly halted." First of all, who would print PINK baseball cards? And SCD is right, the printing quality is crude- just a small black and white photo of the player and simple
type. The backs are blank. Compared to Topps cards of the same time, these cards look like a kid made them. But alas, the cards were abruptly halted at just one series. Which means regardless of how
"crude" these cards are, they are scarce; rare even. Check out the unnumbered Checklist card (above left) which is rare in it's own right. The first series included Hall of Famers Warren Spahn, Stan Musial,
Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Yogi Berra (above center), Ernie Banks, plus Jimmie Foxx, and Mel Ott (above right). Then you have some guys who should be in the Hall of Fame like Ken Boyer, Gil
Hodges, and Roger Maris. Not to mention new Hall of Fame Inductee Whitey Herzog (as a Manager). These are some tough cards, pink and all. I have been looking for the Roger Maris and Gil
Hodges cards for some time so if you have one for sale or trade please contact me at nowbatting19@yahoo.com. Thanks! Tim
1961 7-11 Checklist card (NNO), #22 Yogi Berra, #28 Mel Ott (click on image for larger scan)
1959 Menko Sadaharu Oh (Rookie card)
I don't know particularly much about Japanese baseball cards; there are websites devoted to them I am sure. But baseball is extremely popular in Japan, probably due in
large part to hitting legend Frank "Lefty" O' Doul and other Major League players going overseas to play exhibition games in Japan. So Japan developed their own "Major
League" and naturally baseball cards followed. Among the most popular cards are small cards very similar in size to the old tobacco cards. The Menko cards were hand cut
and many feature the best Japanese players of All-Time. Take for example the above 1959 Menko Sadaharu Oh card, which is considered his "rookie" card. Note the price
sticker ($2000). That is Babe Ruth territory and rightly so as Oh is Japan's All-Time Home Run King. In fact, Oh hit exactly 868 career HRs, which is 113 more HRs than the
great Henry Aaron's All-Time Major League record of 755 round trippers. Oh even hit 30 HRs in his last season (1980)! Please note that I do not have this card but I wish I
did! Great card!
large part to hitting legend Frank "Lefty" O' Doul and other Major League players going overseas to play exhibition games in Japan. So Japan developed their own "Major
League" and naturally baseball cards followed. Among the most popular cards are small cards very similar in size to the old tobacco cards. The Menko cards were hand cut
and many feature the best Japanese players of All-Time. Take for example the above 1959 Menko Sadaharu Oh card, which is considered his "rookie" card. Note the price
sticker ($2000). That is Babe Ruth territory and rightly so as Oh is Japan's All-Time Home Run King. In fact, Oh hit exactly 868 career HRs, which is 113 more HRs than the
great Henry Aaron's All-Time Major League record of 755 round trippers. Oh even hit 30 HRs in his last season (1980)! Please note that I do not have this card but I wish I
did! Great card!
1955 Masquerade Party
1955 Masquerade Party Game (complete and intact) Card #12 (Disguise) Card #12 (Opened) Pee Wee Reese
Cashing in on the success of a hit ABC Television Game Show, a "Masquerade Party" board game was made in 1955. Included were large cards in various disguises. The
premise of the game was to use "Clue Cards" to figure out who the celebrity in disguise was. The cards would be unfolded to reveal the "celebrity." I am not sure how many baseball
stars were used, but I do know of one other besides Pee Wee Reese- a card was issued of Leo Durocher with his wife, Actress Lorraine Day. I believe these cards are very scarce, most
likely because most board games from 1955 are pretty rare, especially intact. In fact the cards are not mentioned in my outdated copy of the Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog
of Baseball Cards (2009 Edition). I picked up the #12 Pee Wee Reese card for about $18. That seems pretty cheap for a vintage card of a baseball Hall of Famer like Pee Wee
Reese.
premise of the game was to use "Clue Cards" to figure out who the celebrity in disguise was. The cards would be unfolded to reveal the "celebrity." I am not sure how many baseball
stars were used, but I do know of one other besides Pee Wee Reese- a card was issued of Leo Durocher with his wife, Actress Lorraine Day. I believe these cards are very scarce, most
likely because most board games from 1955 are pretty rare, especially intact. In fact the cards are not mentioned in my outdated copy of the Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog
of Baseball Cards (2009 Edition). I picked up the #12 Pee Wee Reese card for about $18. That seems pretty cheap for a vintage card of a baseball Hall of Famer like Pee Wee
Reese.
1963 Jell-O #187 Bob Aspromonte
One of the most expensive "common" cards of the 1960's are the 1963 Jell-O and Post Cereal #187 Bob Aspromonte. As mentioned earlier, the Jell-O and Post cards are similar
but different issues altogether. This 1963 Jell-O #187 Bob Aspromonte is the most expensive card in the set; more than Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax or
Mickey Mantle. Why? Because some of the cards were printed on unpopular desserts and hence were not bought by mom's at the store. Plus, back then, most kids would prefer a
Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, certainly not a Bob Aspromonte. So both the Jell-O and Post cereal Aspromonte cards are the most expensive cards in their respective sets. The
above Jell-O Aspromonte sold for $108.50 (plus $5 shipping) in a June 2010 eBay auction. An example graded by a reputable grading service (currently BGS, PSA, SGC)
would have probably brought more.
but different issues altogether. This 1963 Jell-O #187 Bob Aspromonte is the most expensive card in the set; more than Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax or
Mickey Mantle. Why? Because some of the cards were printed on unpopular desserts and hence were not bought by mom's at the store. Plus, back then, most kids would prefer a
Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, certainly not a Bob Aspromonte. So both the Jell-O and Post cereal Aspromonte cards are the most expensive cards in their respective sets. The
above Jell-O Aspromonte sold for $108.50 (plus $5 shipping) in a June 2010 eBay auction. An example graded by a reputable grading service (currently BGS, PSA, SGC)
would have probably brought more.
I hope you have enjoyed this page. Click on the "HOME" link below to take you to our home page where you can access even more pages
of baseball cards & more! Questions? Comments? Feel free to send me an email at: nowbatting19@yahoo.com.
of baseball cards & more! Questions? Comments? Feel free to send me an email at: nowbatting19@yahoo.com.
1938 Dixie Lids Bob Feller (Back view)
I don't know too much about Dixie Lids, which were actually the tops to ice cream cups. You can imagine how scarce these are but they were very popular as I have a
1950's Dixie Cup lid that pictures screen star Elizabeth Taylor. This 1938 Dixie Lid features a very young "Rapid" Bob Feller, one of the hardest throwers ever. There
was no such thing as a "radar gun" back then but judging from his strikeout marks he could bring it. Very cool issue. I think Feller's rookie card is considered the 1938
Goudey (sometimes called "Goudey Heads Up"); if so this Dixie Lid would be from his rookie year. And $75 seems pretty cheap for a early vintage Bob Feller card, even in
low grade.
1950's Dixie Cup lid that pictures screen star Elizabeth Taylor. This 1938 Dixie Lid features a very young "Rapid" Bob Feller, one of the hardest throwers ever. There
was no such thing as a "radar gun" back then but judging from his strikeout marks he could bring it. Very cool issue. I think Feller's rookie card is considered the 1938
Goudey (sometimes called "Goudey Heads Up"); if so this Dixie Lid would be from his rookie year. And $75 seems pretty cheap for a early vintage Bob Feller card, even in
low grade.