| Nowbatting19 Sports Cards |
Oddball, Regional, 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 (see the 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!
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 (see the 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 3-card panel was cut from the bottom of a Bazooka gum 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. 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."
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 3-card panel was cut from the bottom of a Bazooka gum 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. 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).
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).
1950-51 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.
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.
1964 Venezuela Topps #225 Roger Maris (back view)
1964 Venezuela Topps #225 Roger
Maris
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 1963 Bazooka Panel #31-33 (Frank Robinson, Lee Thomas, Rocky Colavito) |
1963 Post cereal #196 Frank Thomas (tough short print!)
I just picked up this 1963 Post cereal card #196 Frank Thomas; it took quite awhile
to find one that was cut nice. Regardless, in ANY condition this is one of the toughest
Post cereal cards to acquire. It was also the last short print I needed; now all I need is 1
common, #155 Lou Burdette, and my set is finished! (NOTE: 1963 Post set with all
variations FINISHED 3/06! Thanks to Dave Levin, Dave's Vintage Cards). Then on
to the 1962 Post cereal set (I need about 45 cards to complete). Frank Thomas was an
overlooked slugger from the 1950's-1960's mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates. You can
see by the bio that Frank had some pop; "in 9 out of 10 seasons, he has hit 20 or more
HRs," and also you can see that for the Mets he hit 34 HRs with 94 RBIs in 1962. This
card ranks #2 in difficulty for the 63 Post set ($225 in ungraded NM), right behind #187
Bob Aspromonte SP ($500; see below for more on the 63 Post Bob Aspromonte).
to find one that was cut nice. Regardless, in ANY condition this is one of the toughest
Post cereal cards to acquire. It was also the last short print I needed; now all I need is 1
common, #155 Lou Burdette, and my set is finished! (NOTE: 1963 Post set with all
variations FINISHED 3/06! Thanks to Dave Levin, Dave's Vintage Cards). Then on
to the 1962 Post cereal set (I need about 45 cards to complete). Frank Thomas was an
overlooked slugger from the 1950's-1960's mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates. You can
see by the bio that Frank had some pop; "in 9 out of 10 seasons, he has hit 20 or more
HRs," and also you can see that for the Mets he hit 34 HRs with 94 RBIs in 1962. This
card ranks #2 in difficulty for the 63 Post set ($225 in ungraded NM), right behind #187
Bob Aspromonte SP ($500; see below for more on the 63 Post Bob Aspromonte).
1963 Post #187 Bob Aspromonte SP
1961-1963 Post Cereal cards
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. 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 (and Jell-O sets of the same
year) are without a doubt the toughest of the Post sets to complete due to the many short prints.
This 1963 Post #187 Bob Aspromonte short printed card (above) is probably the toughest 1961-1963 Post cereal card to acquire. This PSA graded example (PSA 3
VG) sold on eBay for $416.00 in April 2008!
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. 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 (and Jell-O sets of the same
year) are without a doubt the toughest of the Post sets to complete due to the many short prints.
This 1963 Post #187 Bob Aspromonte short printed card (above) is probably the toughest 1961-1963 Post cereal card to acquire. This PSA graded example (PSA 3
VG) sold on eBay for $416.00 in April 2008!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
1952 Berk Ross Ted Williams 1952 Berk Ross Jackie Robinson
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. 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, Ted Williams (above, left), Jackie Robinson (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 appear crude compared to the Bowman and Topps cards of the same years. However,
the Berk Ross cards are much scarcer and 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).
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. 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, Ted Williams (above, left), Jackie Robinson (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 appear crude compared to the Bowman and Topps cards of the same years. However,
the Berk Ross cards are much scarcer and 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 (I can't recall the name of the game but I will try and find
out). 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)!!!
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 (I can't recall the name of the game but I will try and find
out). 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)!!!