1967 Topps #581 Mets Rookie Stars (Tom Seaver RC)
1964 Topps #136 World Series Gm 1 (Sandy Koufax)
Nowbatting19's Pitcher Perfect Page
Well, we have a "Sluggers Page," so we needed a page for pitchers as well. This page will feature some of the great pitchers and hurlers in baseball history. Sometimes we may even put
some guys on here who couldn't hit the plate. But mostly this page will feature great pitchers, both past and present. Pitching is really an art. You may be blessed with a 100 m.p.h. fastball
but even Nolan Ryan had to learn how to pitch, and when he learned how to control that heater and throw in a great over hand curve, it was lights out for the hitters. A lot of people say
baseball is boring, especially when no home runs are hit. But these people don't understand baseball. If you ever have good seats for a game or even just watching on TV, check out the
pitcher and batter matchups. Just about every batter can hit a fastball but watch how the pitcher and catcher try to deceive the batter and throw him off balance. The batter usually likes to
get into a good fastball count (like 3 balls and 1 strike) and the pitcher likes to get ahead on the count (like 0 balls and 2 strikes). Successful pitchers will get ahead on the count more often
than not and this puts the odds in the pitchers favor. Check out a veteran like Roger Clemens or Pedro Martinez and you will usually see pitching at it's best. I think I've heard Vin Scully
(longtime Dodger broadcaster) about a pitcher "painting a masterpiece." He would sure know as he has seen pitchers like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, Steve
Carlton, and many other great hurlers. But that's what great pitchers do, they are truly artists and can totally dominate a game. Enjoy!
some guys on here who couldn't hit the plate. But mostly this page will feature great pitchers, both past and present. Pitching is really an art. You may be blessed with a 100 m.p.h. fastball
but even Nolan Ryan had to learn how to pitch, and when he learned how to control that heater and throw in a great over hand curve, it was lights out for the hitters. A lot of people say
baseball is boring, especially when no home runs are hit. But these people don't understand baseball. If you ever have good seats for a game or even just watching on TV, check out the
pitcher and batter matchups. Just about every batter can hit a fastball but watch how the pitcher and catcher try to deceive the batter and throw him off balance. The batter usually likes to
get into a good fastball count (like 3 balls and 1 strike) and the pitcher likes to get ahead on the count (like 0 balls and 2 strikes). Successful pitchers will get ahead on the count more often
than not and this puts the odds in the pitchers favor. Check out a veteran like Roger Clemens or Pedro Martinez and you will usually see pitching at it's best. I think I've heard Vin Scully
(longtime Dodger broadcaster) about a pitcher "painting a masterpiece." He would sure know as he has seen pitchers like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, Steve
Carlton, and many other great hurlers. But that's what great pitchers do, they are truly artists and can totally dominate a game. Enjoy!
1955 Bowman #134 Bob Feller
"Rapid Robert," or Bob Feller was a dominate pitcher in his era (1936-1956). A six-time 20-game winner, Feller won 266 games in his career and would have won at least 300 had it
not been for World War ll. Bob Feller missed 3 years during the prime of his career due to the war. Feller's bread and butter was his fastball. He struck out a record 348 batters in 1946!
This 1955 Bowman baseball card of Feller is one of his last cards (his last card is 1956 Topps #200) and one of my favorites. Cleveland had a great team in the early 1950's with a
tremendous pitching staff of Feller, Early Wynn, and Bob Lemon; all future Hall of Famers.
not been for World War ll. Bob Feller missed 3 years during the prime of his career due to the war. Feller's bread and butter was his fastball. He struck out a record 348 batters in 1946!
This 1955 Bowman baseball card of Feller is one of his last cards (his last card is 1956 Topps #200) and one of my favorites. Cleveland had a great team in the early 1950's with a
tremendous pitching staff of Feller, Early Wynn, and Bob Lemon; all future Hall of Famers.
1967 Topps #146 Steve Carlton 1972 Topps #751 Steve Carlton (Traded)
Steve Carlton was one of the best pitchers in either league during the 1970's and 1980's. He won 20 or more games 6 times enroute to a lifetime total of 329 wins. Carlton struck
out 4,136 batters in his career, relying on a devastating slider. Carlton was a work horse, completing 254 games in 709 starts. He won 2 games in the 1980 World Series to help the
Phillies win the World Championship. Carlton won 3 Cy Young awards. Probably his best season was 1972, his first year in Philadelphia. Carlton led the league with 27 wins (lost
only 10), completed 30 of 41 games, struck out 310 batters while walking only 87; all of this with a stingy 1.97 ERA. Keep in mind the Phillies that year won only 59 games!!! Total.
That is just plain silly. The 1967 Topps Carlton card (above left) is just his second card; he was featured as a rookie in the 1965 Topps set and there was no card issued of him in
1966. He was traded by the Cardinals to the Phillies for Rick Wise, celebrated by this 1972 Topps #751 "Traded" card (above right). Bad trade for the Cards.
out 4,136 batters in his career, relying on a devastating slider. Carlton was a work horse, completing 254 games in 709 starts. He won 2 games in the 1980 World Series to help the
Phillies win the World Championship. Carlton won 3 Cy Young awards. Probably his best season was 1972, his first year in Philadelphia. Carlton led the league with 27 wins (lost
only 10), completed 30 of 41 games, struck out 310 batters while walking only 87; all of this with a stingy 1.97 ERA. Keep in mind the Phillies that year won only 59 games!!! Total.
That is just plain silly. The 1967 Topps Carlton card (above left) is just his second card; he was featured as a rookie in the 1965 Topps set and there was no card issued of him in
1966. He was traded by the Cardinals to the Phillies for Rick Wise, celebrated by this 1972 Topps #751 "Traded" card (above right). Bad trade for the Cards.
1974 Topps #80 Tom Seaver 1977 Venezuela Baseball Stickers #159 Tom Seaver
"Tom Terrific." Tom Seaver came out of USC and was awarded to the Mets in a special lottery. What a gift to the Mets. The Mets still had the reputation as being one of the worst teams in baseball, however
things changed, and changed BIG with the addition of Mr. Seaver. In his first big league season (1967), Seaver won 16 games, struck out 170 batters, and had an ERA of 2.76. He won Rookie of the Year
and he just got better from there. In 1969 he won 25 games in route to the "Miracle Mets" Championship season. Seaver was a power pitcher but with control. From 1968 to 1976 Seaver struck out at least
200 batters per season including a record 10 batters in a row on April 22, 1971 (I remember that one because it was on my birthday!) He never walked more than 89 batters in a season. Seaver won 3 Cy
Young Awards during his career and he also threw a no-hitter. He is also a member of the exclusive 300 win club (311) which guaranteed his enshrinement in Cooperstown. Here are two Tom Seaver baseball
cards from the 1970's- 1974 Topps #80 (above left) and 1977 Venezuela Baseball Stickers #159 (above right; extremely scarce issue).
things changed, and changed BIG with the addition of Mr. Seaver. In his first big league season (1967), Seaver won 16 games, struck out 170 batters, and had an ERA of 2.76. He won Rookie of the Year
and he just got better from there. In 1969 he won 25 games in route to the "Miracle Mets" Championship season. Seaver was a power pitcher but with control. From 1968 to 1976 Seaver struck out at least
200 batters per season including a record 10 batters in a row on April 22, 1971 (I remember that one because it was on my birthday!) He never walked more than 89 batters in a season. Seaver won 3 Cy
Young Awards during his career and he also threw a no-hitter. He is also a member of the exclusive 300 win club (311) which guaranteed his enshrinement in Cooperstown. Here are two Tom Seaver baseball
cards from the 1970's- 1974 Topps #80 (above left) and 1977 Venezuela Baseball Stickers #159 (above right; extremely scarce issue).
1975 Topps Mini #500 Nolan Ryan
"The Express," Nolan Ryan. With the way pitchers rarely pitch complete games anymore, it is doubtful anyone will ever surpass Nolan Ryan's All-Time Strikeout mark of 5,714. Ryan
was the ultimate strikeout pitcher and one of baseball's all-time great pitchers. It is really too bad the Mets gave up on him so easily early in his career. Can you imagine a starting pitching
staff of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan, and John Matlack? And the closer Tug McGraw? That was a HUGE mistake of the Mets. (Trivia Question #1: Who did the Mets
get in exchange for Ryan? Scroll to the bottom of this page for the answer). This card is a 1975 Topps "MINI," which was a smaller version of the regular Topps cards. It was
produced in limited numbers as a test issue. The '75 Topps cards are very condition sensitive, meaning the colored borders chip easily and show the slightest touches of wear. It is
extremely tough to find them in strict MINT condition.
was the ultimate strikeout pitcher and one of baseball's all-time great pitchers. It is really too bad the Mets gave up on him so easily early in his career. Can you imagine a starting pitching
staff of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan, and John Matlack? And the closer Tug McGraw? That was a HUGE mistake of the Mets. (Trivia Question #1: Who did the Mets
get in exchange for Ryan? Scroll to the bottom of this page for the answer). This card is a 1975 Topps "MINI," which was a smaller version of the regular Topps cards. It was
produced in limited numbers as a test issue. The '75 Topps cards are very condition sensitive, meaning the colored borders chip easily and show the slightest touches of wear. It is
extremely tough to find them in strict MINT condition.
1971 Topps Greatest Moments #24 Bob Gibson (Lowest ERA in History for 300 or More Innings)
Bob Gibson was one of the dominate pitchers of the 1960's. He was one of the few pitchers to win both the Cy Young Award AND Most Valuable Player Award in the same year (1968). This is an amazing
statistic; out of 482 games started in his career, Bob Gibson COMPLETED 255 of them! This means that he went the distance on over half of the games he started! AMAZING! If a pitcher were to do that today
he would be the highest paid pitcher in history! In comparison, Roger Clemens, one of the all-time greats himself has completed 117 games out of 639 games started (through 2004) and he is considered to be a
"work horse" in today's game. Gibson won 251 games in his career with 3117 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA. A 9-time All Star, "Gibby" won just about every award a pitcher can win during his career. He was
inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. No collection would be complete without a card of Bob Gibson. This 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #24 Bob Gibson card highlights Gibson's record
1.12 earned run average in 1968. Think about that. That's just 38 earned runs in 304.2 innings! Amazing. One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
The 1971 Topps Greatest Moments cards are fairly scarce today, especially in high grades. They suffer from the same problems as the regular 1971 Topps baseball cards; they have jet black borders that show
the slightest hints of wear and they also suffer centering problems as well. Being that they are fairly scarce today, the Greatest Moments cards are more expensive than regular Topps cards. Expect to pay a
premium for high graded examples (by a reputable grading service).
statistic; out of 482 games started in his career, Bob Gibson COMPLETED 255 of them! This means that he went the distance on over half of the games he started! AMAZING! If a pitcher were to do that today
he would be the highest paid pitcher in history! In comparison, Roger Clemens, one of the all-time greats himself has completed 117 games out of 639 games started (through 2004) and he is considered to be a
"work horse" in today's game. Gibson won 251 games in his career with 3117 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA. A 9-time All Star, "Gibby" won just about every award a pitcher can win during his career. He was
inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. No collection would be complete without a card of Bob Gibson. This 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #24 Bob Gibson card highlights Gibson's record
1.12 earned run average in 1968. Think about that. That's just 38 earned runs in 304.2 innings! Amazing. One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
The 1971 Topps Greatest Moments cards are fairly scarce today, especially in high grades. They suffer from the same problems as the regular 1971 Topps baseball cards; they have jet black borders that show
the slightest hints of wear and they also suffer centering problems as well. Being that they are fairly scarce today, the Greatest Moments cards are more expensive than regular Topps cards. Expect to pay a
premium for high graded examples (by a reputable grading service).
Trivia Answer #1: Jim Fregosi
Trivia Answer #2: Carlton Fisk
Trivia Answer #2: Carlton Fisk
1967 Venezuela Topps "Retirado" #162 Sandy Koufax
Maybe the best pitcher ever in baseball history (he gets my vote), the great Sandy Koufax. It took Sandy Koufax awhile to get on track, he had to learn how to pitch, and once he did, it was all over for the
National League hitters. Koufax had probably the greatest 6 year streak of any pitcher. From 1962 to 1966 Sandy won 129 games while losing only 47. That's just sickening unless you were a Dodgers fan! He
led the league in earned run average every year from 1962-66 including a career low 1.73 in 1966, his last year in the big leagues!
Strikeouts? Koufax led the NL in K's 4 times (including three 300+ K seasons) setting down a record 382 batters in 1965. He won 3 Cy Young Awards, an MVP Award (1963), and led the Dodgers to 3 World
Series during that time (1963, 1965-66) including 2 World Championships. Koufax retired early due to an arthritic elbow yet he won 27 games in his last season (1966)! In only 12 seasons, Koufax completed 137
of 397 games (think about that), threw 40 shutouts, struck out 2396 batters in only 2324 innings (over 9 K's per game average), tossed 4 no-hitters (including a perfect game) and had a career 2.76 ERA. He won
165 games in his career, losing 87, for a .655 winning percentage. In other words, Koufax would win over 65% of the time he took the mound. From 1962 to 1966 this percentage would have been much higher.
Incredible.
This 1967 Venezuela Topps "Retirado" #162 Sandy Koufax is probably the toughest Koufax baseball card out there. When it comes up for sale (seldom), it fetches a significant amount of cash, even for
low grades. Well, actually low grades are the norm for any of the Venezuela Topps issues. Most were stuck into scrapbooks or albums and have evidence of glue or pasting. Probably EX condition would be a
high grade for this card. If you collect Koufax cards this would be the Holy Grail. Note: The last regular card of Sandy Koufax as an active player was 1966 Topps #100.
National League hitters. Koufax had probably the greatest 6 year streak of any pitcher. From 1962 to 1966 Sandy won 129 games while losing only 47. That's just sickening unless you were a Dodgers fan! He
led the league in earned run average every year from 1962-66 including a career low 1.73 in 1966, his last year in the big leagues!
Strikeouts? Koufax led the NL in K's 4 times (including three 300+ K seasons) setting down a record 382 batters in 1965. He won 3 Cy Young Awards, an MVP Award (1963), and led the Dodgers to 3 World
Series during that time (1963, 1965-66) including 2 World Championships. Koufax retired early due to an arthritic elbow yet he won 27 games in his last season (1966)! In only 12 seasons, Koufax completed 137
of 397 games (think about that), threw 40 shutouts, struck out 2396 batters in only 2324 innings (over 9 K's per game average), tossed 4 no-hitters (including a perfect game) and had a career 2.76 ERA. He won
165 games in his career, losing 87, for a .655 winning percentage. In other words, Koufax would win over 65% of the time he took the mound. From 1962 to 1966 this percentage would have been much higher.
Incredible.
This 1967 Venezuela Topps "Retirado" #162 Sandy Koufax is probably the toughest Koufax baseball card out there. When it comes up for sale (seldom), it fetches a significant amount of cash, even for
low grades. Well, actually low grades are the norm for any of the Venezuela Topps issues. Most were stuck into scrapbooks or albums and have evidence of glue or pasting. Probably EX condition would be a
high grade for this card. If you collect Koufax cards this would be the Holy Grail. Note: The last regular card of Sandy Koufax as an active player was 1966 Topps #100.
1963 Topps #320 Warren Spahn
One of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all-time was the amazing Warren Spahn. Spahn won 363 games in his career and while you can say "so what, what about Roger Clemens,"
keep in mind Spahn completed 382 of 665 games started. Plus Span did not take steroids. Warren Spahn played for mostly the Boston & Milwaukee Braves during his career, with a
brief stop in New York (Mets) and San Francisco before he retired in 1965. When all was said and done, Spahn finished in the top ten in total wins, loses, innings pitched, and shutouts.
He had a career ERA of 3.05! What a pitcher! Warren Spahn was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973.
The 1963 Topps baseball cards are one of the best efforts of the 1960's. I am very partial to them because I was born in 1963 and enjoy collecting cards from that year. My favorite
1963 Topps card would have to be #210 Sandy Koufax who went on to win the Most Valuable Player Award AND Cy Young Award that year. No wonder Spahn never won a Cy Young
Award, though he did have an outstanding year in 1963. Spahn posted his last twenty win season (27 wins vs. only 7 defeats) with a 2.60 ERA. He completed 22 of his starts and pitched
7 shutouts. Any other year and he probably wins Cy Young, but Koufax beat him out in 1963.
keep in mind Spahn completed 382 of 665 games started. Plus Span did not take steroids. Warren Spahn played for mostly the Boston & Milwaukee Braves during his career, with a
brief stop in New York (Mets) and San Francisco before he retired in 1965. When all was said and done, Spahn finished in the top ten in total wins, loses, innings pitched, and shutouts.
He had a career ERA of 3.05! What a pitcher! Warren Spahn was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973.
The 1963 Topps baseball cards are one of the best efforts of the 1960's. I am very partial to them because I was born in 1963 and enjoy collecting cards from that year. My favorite
1963 Topps card would have to be #210 Sandy Koufax who went on to win the Most Valuable Player Award AND Cy Young Award that year. No wonder Spahn never won a Cy Young
Award, though he did have an outstanding year in 1963. Spahn posted his last twenty win season (27 wins vs. only 7 defeats) with a 2.60 ERA. He completed 22 of his starts and pitched
7 shutouts. Any other year and he probably wins Cy Young, but Koufax beat him out in 1963.
1956 Topps #140 Herb Score (Rookie card) (Back view)
Herbert Jude Score, or Herb Score, is the pitcher's Tony Conigliaro; a story of "what could have been." The Cleveland Indians of the 1950's had a great team, reaching the World Series in 1954.
However, their Hall of Fame pitcher, Bob Feller, was reaching the end of his career. What Cleveland had up their sleeve however, was fireballer Herb Score, along with a promising farm system that was to
produce sluggers Rocky Colavito and Roger Maris. So the future looked bright for the Tribe. Herb Score was the American League's answer to Sandy Koufax, BEFORE Sandy Koufax! It took Koufax a few years
to fulfill his promise but not so with Herb Score. In Score's first full season (1955), he won 16 games, lost 10 and had a 2.85 ERA. He started 33 games and completed 11 of them. In 227 innings he allowed
only 158 hits AND he struck out 245 batters (lead the League) compared to 154 bases on balls. Sophomore jinx? Not for Score. The following season he won 20 games, lost only 9, lowered his ERA to 2.53,
had 16 complete games, and had even more strikeouts (263; again leading the league) while walking fewer batters (129). Check out the back of this 1956 Topps #140 Herb Score baseball card. Even the
Topps people thought this guy was a Hall of Famer! However it was not to be. During a game against the Yankees the following season, Gil McDougald hit a liner back up the middle that struck Score flush in
the left eye. Score claims that it wasn't the eye injury but an arm injury that finished his career, but the bottom line is that Herb Score went on to play only 6 more years and never won more than 9 games again.
He finished with a 55-46 record and a 3.36 ERA (still, pretty good by today's standards). Don't feel sorry for Score; he'll have none of that. He became a broadcaster and is still doing Cleveland Indians games.
Good going Herb Score! He may not have reached the Hall of Fame, but on this page we honor the great Herb Score!
However, their Hall of Fame pitcher, Bob Feller, was reaching the end of his career. What Cleveland had up their sleeve however, was fireballer Herb Score, along with a promising farm system that was to
produce sluggers Rocky Colavito and Roger Maris. So the future looked bright for the Tribe. Herb Score was the American League's answer to Sandy Koufax, BEFORE Sandy Koufax! It took Koufax a few years
to fulfill his promise but not so with Herb Score. In Score's first full season (1955), he won 16 games, lost 10 and had a 2.85 ERA. He started 33 games and completed 11 of them. In 227 innings he allowed
only 158 hits AND he struck out 245 batters (lead the League) compared to 154 bases on balls. Sophomore jinx? Not for Score. The following season he won 20 games, lost only 9, lowered his ERA to 2.53,
had 16 complete games, and had even more strikeouts (263; again leading the league) while walking fewer batters (129). Check out the back of this 1956 Topps #140 Herb Score baseball card. Even the
Topps people thought this guy was a Hall of Famer! However it was not to be. During a game against the Yankees the following season, Gil McDougald hit a liner back up the middle that struck Score flush in
the left eye. Score claims that it wasn't the eye injury but an arm injury that finished his career, but the bottom line is that Herb Score went on to play only 6 more years and never won more than 9 games again.
He finished with a 55-46 record and a 3.36 ERA (still, pretty good by today's standards). Don't feel sorry for Score; he'll have none of that. He became a broadcaster and is still doing Cleveland Indians games.
Good going Herb Score! He may not have reached the Hall of Fame, but on this page we honor the great Herb Score!
1951 Berk Ross #4-5 Eddie (Whitey) Ford
Edward Charles Ford, or "Whitey" Ford (aka. "Chairman of the Board," or "Slick") won 236 big league games during his 16 year career, while losing only 106. That works out to a
.690 winning percentage. Granted, Ford played for some great hitting Yankee teams but he still completed 156 games, threw 45 shutouts, and posted a cool 2.75 ERA. That 2.75
ERA is LIFETIME, over the course of 16 years. Most pitchers would love to have a 2.75 ERA during a season. Ford also played in 11 World Series (can you imagine that?), winning 10
games (including 7 complete games) while posting a consistent 2.71 ERA. Keep in mind this against some tough National League teams. He was also a 10 time All-Star selection. And...
the guy got to party with Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin!!! What more can you say!
Whitey Ford's rookie card is card #1 in the 1951 Bowman series. It is a very expensive card as it is Ford's rookie PLUS it is a condition sensitive #1 card. It lists for $1200 in
ungraded NM condition and $200 in VG. However an affordable alternative is this 1951 Berk Ross #4-5 Whitey Ford (above). While not as desirable as the Bowman rookie, the
Berk Ross is not as common and lists for only $180 in NM and $55 in VG condition.
.690 winning percentage. Granted, Ford played for some great hitting Yankee teams but he still completed 156 games, threw 45 shutouts, and posted a cool 2.75 ERA. That 2.75
ERA is LIFETIME, over the course of 16 years. Most pitchers would love to have a 2.75 ERA during a season. Ford also played in 11 World Series (can you imagine that?), winning 10
games (including 7 complete games) while posting a consistent 2.71 ERA. Keep in mind this against some tough National League teams. He was also a 10 time All-Star selection. And...
the guy got to party with Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin!!! What more can you say!
Whitey Ford's rookie card is card #1 in the 1951 Bowman series. It is a very expensive card as it is Ford's rookie PLUS it is a condition sensitive #1 card. It lists for $1200 in
ungraded NM condition and $200 in VG. However an affordable alternative is this 1951 Berk Ross #4-5 Whitey Ford (above). While not as desirable as the Bowman rookie, the
Berk Ross is not as common and lists for only $180 in NM and $55 in VG condition.
1954 Red Man Tobacco NL-18 Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts was one of the top pitchers of the 1950's. He won 20 or more games six straight years from 1950 through 1955. Roberts' best season was probably 1952 when he won 28 games, lost only 7 and
crafted a nifty 2.59 ERA. He also completed 30 of the 36 games he started, and threw 3 shutouts to boot. Roberts finished his career with 286 wins, but perhaps even more impressive is the fact that he completed
305 of the 609 games he started - roughly half his starts! Amazing! Robin Roberts helped lead the "Fightin Phillies" to the NL Pennant and World Series vs. the New York Yankees in 1950. While the Phillies lost the
Series to the Yanks, Roberts logged in 11 innings (including a complete game) and gave up only 2 runs for a 1.64 ERA. Robin Roberts was elected to Baseball's Hall Of Fame in 1976.
Tobacco cards made a brief comeback in the 1950's, thanks to Red Man Chewing Tobacco. Red Man issued large (3-1/2" x 4") full-color cards of baseball players from 1952-1955. The cards included tabs or
coupons at the bottom that were meant to be cut off and redeemed for prizes (a free baseball cap), hence cards today with the tabs still intact command a premium. These beautiful cards are very reasonably priced;
the above 1954 Red Man Tobacco #NL-18 Robin Roberts is currently listed on eBay for just $45.
crafted a nifty 2.59 ERA. He also completed 30 of the 36 games he started, and threw 3 shutouts to boot. Roberts finished his career with 286 wins, but perhaps even more impressive is the fact that he completed
305 of the 609 games he started - roughly half his starts! Amazing! Robin Roberts helped lead the "Fightin Phillies" to the NL Pennant and World Series vs. the New York Yankees in 1950. While the Phillies lost the
Series to the Yanks, Roberts logged in 11 innings (including a complete game) and gave up only 2 runs for a 1.64 ERA. Robin Roberts was elected to Baseball's Hall Of Fame in 1976.
Tobacco cards made a brief comeback in the 1950's, thanks to Red Man Chewing Tobacco. Red Man issued large (3-1/2" x 4") full-color cards of baseball players from 1952-1955. The cards included tabs or
coupons at the bottom that were meant to be cut off and redeemed for prizes (a free baseball cap), hence cards today with the tabs still intact command a premium. These beautiful cards are very reasonably priced;
the above 1954 Red Man Tobacco #NL-18 Robin Roberts is currently listed on eBay for just $45.
1966 Topps #126 Jim Palmer (Rookie card)
Along with Jim "Catfish" Hunter and Nolan Ryan, Jim Palmer was one of the premier pitchers in the American League during the 1970's. He was a lifelong Oriole, starting his career in 1965 and retiring in 1984
with 268 lifetime wins, 211 complete games, 53 shutouts, and a 2.86 ERA. A 8-time twenty game winner, Palmer won three A.L. Cy Young Awards (1973, 1975, & 1976). His best season was 1975 when he won
23 games, completed 25 of 38 starts, threw 10 shutouts, and had a low 2.09 ERA. Palmer helped the O's to 6 different World Series including a 4-hit shutout in the 1966 World Series vs. the Dodgers and Sandy
Koufax. No small feat. Palmer was elected to the Hall Of Fame in 1990.
This 1966 Topps #126 Jim Palmer is his rookie card. Other key rookies included in the 1966 Topps set were Fergie Jenkins (#254), Don Sutton (#288), and Bobby Murcer (#469). Ironically, Palmer was to beat
Sandy Koufax in his last game, Game #4 of the 1966 World Series. So while this 1966 Topps Jim Palmer is his first card, the last regular card of Sandy Koufax is also in the 1966 set (#100). Koufax retired after the
World Series. Hello and goodbye!
with 268 lifetime wins, 211 complete games, 53 shutouts, and a 2.86 ERA. A 8-time twenty game winner, Palmer won three A.L. Cy Young Awards (1973, 1975, & 1976). His best season was 1975 when he won
23 games, completed 25 of 38 starts, threw 10 shutouts, and had a low 2.09 ERA. Palmer helped the O's to 6 different World Series including a 4-hit shutout in the 1966 World Series vs. the Dodgers and Sandy
Koufax. No small feat. Palmer was elected to the Hall Of Fame in 1990.
This 1966 Topps #126 Jim Palmer is his rookie card. Other key rookies included in the 1966 Topps set were Fergie Jenkins (#254), Don Sutton (#288), and Bobby Murcer (#469). Ironically, Palmer was to beat
Sandy Koufax in his last game, Game #4 of the 1966 World Series. So while this 1966 Topps Jim Palmer is his first card, the last regular card of Sandy Koufax is also in the 1966 set (#100). Koufax retired after the
World Series. Hello and goodbye!
1967 Venezuela Topps "Retirado" #162 Sandy Koufax (back view)
1910 T206 White Border Christy Mathewson (Piedmont Cigarettes back)
The great Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants won 373 games in his career (against only 188 losses) and won no less than 22 games in 12 straight seasons (1903-1914). He won 30 games or
more 4 times including a career high 37 wins in 1908! In one 3-year span, "Matty" won 89 games (37, 25, 27). That is just plain ridiculous. His lifetime ERA was 2.13 over 17 seasons. In 4 World Series
Mathewson won 5 games (including 4 shut- outs) and allowed less than a run per 9 innings for a postseason ERA of 0.97! Mathewson died at only 45 years of age, probably due to his exposure to poison
gas during World War I. One of the great early stars of baseball and a real American hero who inspired thousands of kids. In 1936 Christy Mathewson was one of the first five players to be inducted into
the Hall Of Fame.
The T206 White Border cards are considered to be one of the finest sets of cards ever produced. These small cards were inserted in tobacco packages as a premium and feature colorful portraits of
baseball players in not only the National and American Leagues, but players in the Southern and Minor Leagues as well. The set has a huge number of Hall of Fame players including multiple cards of
players like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson and Cy Young (each of these Hall of Famers have 3 different cards each). Backs include advertising for various brands of tobacco. The above T206 Christy
Mathewson (dark cap) card, graded by SGC (60 EX; high grade considering the card is 100 years old) recently sold for over $1200 on eBay (Nov. 2010). The most expensive card in the set (by far) is of
course the rare Honus Wagner card, of which the highest known graded example (PSA 8 NM-MT) sold for over $3 million a year or so ago.
more 4 times including a career high 37 wins in 1908! In one 3-year span, "Matty" won 89 games (37, 25, 27). That is just plain ridiculous. His lifetime ERA was 2.13 over 17 seasons. In 4 World Series
Mathewson won 5 games (including 4 shut- outs) and allowed less than a run per 9 innings for a postseason ERA of 0.97! Mathewson died at only 45 years of age, probably due to his exposure to poison
gas during World War I. One of the great early stars of baseball and a real American hero who inspired thousands of kids. In 1936 Christy Mathewson was one of the first five players to be inducted into
the Hall Of Fame.
The T206 White Border cards are considered to be one of the finest sets of cards ever produced. These small cards were inserted in tobacco packages as a premium and feature colorful portraits of
baseball players in not only the National and American Leagues, but players in the Southern and Minor Leagues as well. The set has a huge number of Hall of Fame players including multiple cards of
players like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson and Cy Young (each of these Hall of Famers have 3 different cards each). Backs include advertising for various brands of tobacco. The above T206 Christy
Mathewson (dark cap) card, graded by SGC (60 EX; high grade considering the card is 100 years old) recently sold for over $1200 on eBay (Nov. 2010). The most expensive card in the set (by far) is of
course the rare Honus Wagner card, of which the highest known graded example (PSA 8 NM-MT) sold for over $3 million a year or so ago.
1967 Topps #236 NL Pitching Leaders (Koufax, Marichal, Gibson, Perry)
League Leader cards are great bargains. You can buy cards of Hall of Fame pitchers on the cheap and some feature multiple Hall of Famers. Check out this 1967 Topps #236 NL
Pitching Leaders card. It features SANDY KOUFAX, JUAN MARICHAL, BOB GIBSON, and GAYLORD PERRY. Four Hall of Fame pitchers! I saw this card on eBay for $20,
professionally graded even. I bought it without blinking. Ungraded, I think this card is worth twenty bucks, don't you? By the way, the 1967 Topps League Leader cards are the last to
feature Sandy Koufax as an active player. He retired after the 1966 season so his last regular card was 1966 Topps #100.
Pitching Leaders card. It features SANDY KOUFAX, JUAN MARICHAL, BOB GIBSON, and GAYLORD PERRY. Four Hall of Fame pitchers! I saw this card on eBay for $20,
professionally graded even. I bought it without blinking. Ungraded, I think this card is worth twenty bucks, don't you? By the way, the 1967 Topps League Leader cards are the last to
feature Sandy Koufax as an active player. He retired after the 1966 season so his last regular card was 1966 Topps #100.
1969 Wire Photo Nolan Ryan fans 14
Terrific photo of a young Nolan Ryan (of the New York Mets) after striking out 14 batters in a game in 1969. Ryan was not a household name at the time; the Mets knew he had
potential, but no one knew that Ryan would later become Baseball's All-Time Strikeout King. He would later set a record for striking out 19 batters in a 9 inning contest, break Sandy
Koufax's single season strikeout record (383 K's), record 7 No-Hitters (Major League Record), win over 300 games and fast pitch himself to Baseball's Hall of Fame.
potential, but no one knew that Ryan would later become Baseball's All-Time Strikeout King. He would later set a record for striking out 19 batters in a 9 inning contest, break Sandy
Koufax's single season strikeout record (383 K's), record 7 No-Hitters (Major League Record), win over 300 games and fast pitch himself to Baseball's Hall of Fame.
1974 Topps #207 Strikeout Leaders (Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver)
Another wonderful League Leader card featuring two of Baseball's most dominating pitchers of the 1970's: Nolan Ryan of the Angels and Tom Seaver of the Mets. Now this is
what I call an "Amazin'" baseball card! More on Seaver: When Tom Seaver won his 300th career win as a member of the Chicago White Sox, he didn't pitch just 5 innings and turn it
over to the bullpen. Mr. Tom "Terrific" pitched a complete game vs. the New York Yankees no less.
TRIVIA QUESTION #2: Who was Tom Seaver's Hall of Fame battery mate for his 300th Win in 1985? Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answer.
what I call an "Amazin'" baseball card! More on Seaver: When Tom Seaver won his 300th career win as a member of the Chicago White Sox, he didn't pitch just 5 innings and turn it
over to the bullpen. Mr. Tom "Terrific" pitched a complete game vs. the New York Yankees no less.
TRIVIA QUESTION #2: Who was Tom Seaver's Hall of Fame battery mate for his 300th Win in 1985? Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answer.
1976 Topps #202 AL ERA Leaders (Jim Palmer,
Jim Hunter, Dennis Eckersley)
Jim Hunter, Dennis Eckersley)
Ok, so this doesn't have four Hall of Famers on it but it does have three including Dennis Eckersley from his rookie year. Look at those low Earned Run Averages; every one below
3.00! What's incredible about these guys is they would finish games. Today's pitchers go 5-7 innings and turn it over to a set up guy and closer. Eckersley of course was the best AL
closer in his days with Oakland, but he started his career as a starting pitcher with Cleveland and Boston. What's interesting is salaries compared to today's players. Jim "Catfish"
Hunter was probably the highest paid free agent pitcher of the 1970's when he signed with the New York Yankees. I don't recall how much he made, but I know it wasn't $1 Million a
year; Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to earn $1 million per season when he signed with the Astros in 1980. Today's top pitchers are probably making closer to $10 Million a year
and they don't even finish games.
3.00! What's incredible about these guys is they would finish games. Today's pitchers go 5-7 innings and turn it over to a set up guy and closer. Eckersley of course was the best AL
closer in his days with Oakland, but he started his career as a starting pitcher with Cleveland and Boston. What's interesting is salaries compared to today's players. Jim "Catfish"
Hunter was probably the highest paid free agent pitcher of the 1970's when he signed with the New York Yankees. I don't recall how much he made, but I know it wasn't $1 Million a
year; Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to earn $1 million per season when he signed with the Astros in 1980. Today's top pitchers are probably making closer to $10 Million a year
and they don't even finish games.
1975 Topps #455 Don Wilson
A pitcher today who throws 3 No Hitters would be making a cool $10 million dollars a year, rake in even more in endorsements, and would be a household name. Maybe Don Wilson was just born at the
wrong time. Wilson pitched for the Houston Astros from 1966-1974, winning 104 games in essentially 8 seasons (he appeared in just one game in 1966). While 104 wins is not neecesarily a stand out figure,
consider that this was a not so good Astros team. The Astros, formerly the expansion "Houston Colt .45's," were not like the steroid tainted Astros of the 1990's-2000's or even the talented early 1980's Astros
teams. They had one Hall of Famer, second baseman Joe Morgan, who was to be traded to Cincinnati in the prime of his career, and slugger Jim "Jimmy" Wynn and some decent players like Bob Aspromonte
& Rusty Staub. Wilson was the ace of the Astros pitching staff. In 1967, his first full season, Wilson won 10 games lost 9 and had a 2.79 ERA. He had 7 Complete Games and 3 Shut Outs, along with 159
Strikeouts in only 184 innings pitched. Not a bad rookie season. Don Wilson won a career high 16 games in both 1969 and 1971 (remember this was Houston, not New York). His best season was probably
1971 when he won 16 games (lost 10) and posted a 2.45 ERA with 18 Complete Games and 3 Shut Outs. He also made the All Star team that year. And I haven't even mentioned his No Hitters yet. Wilson
threw 2 No Hitters (1967 & 1969) and almost had a 3rd against "The Big Red Machine" in 1974 (which at the time would have put him right behind Sandy Koufax with 4) but he was lifted for a pinch hitter
after 8 innings of no hit ball. Did Wilson throw a tantrum and spout off to the press? Nope. Here is what he said after the game: "I respect Preston Gomez as a Manager. I respect him more than ever tonight.
When people start putting personal goals ahead of the team, you'll never have a winner." Sadly Don Wilson and his 5 year old son died in a tragic carbon monoxide accident in their home on January 5,
1975. He was just 29 years old. Every baseball fan should know who Don Wilson was.
wrong time. Wilson pitched for the Houston Astros from 1966-1974, winning 104 games in essentially 8 seasons (he appeared in just one game in 1966). While 104 wins is not neecesarily a stand out figure,
consider that this was a not so good Astros team. The Astros, formerly the expansion "Houston Colt .45's," were not like the steroid tainted Astros of the 1990's-2000's or even the talented early 1980's Astros
teams. They had one Hall of Famer, second baseman Joe Morgan, who was to be traded to Cincinnati in the prime of his career, and slugger Jim "Jimmy" Wynn and some decent players like Bob Aspromonte
& Rusty Staub. Wilson was the ace of the Astros pitching staff. In 1967, his first full season, Wilson won 10 games lost 9 and had a 2.79 ERA. He had 7 Complete Games and 3 Shut Outs, along with 159
Strikeouts in only 184 innings pitched. Not a bad rookie season. Don Wilson won a career high 16 games in both 1969 and 1971 (remember this was Houston, not New York). His best season was probably
1971 when he won 16 games (lost 10) and posted a 2.45 ERA with 18 Complete Games and 3 Shut Outs. He also made the All Star team that year. And I haven't even mentioned his No Hitters yet. Wilson
threw 2 No Hitters (1967 & 1969) and almost had a 3rd against "The Big Red Machine" in 1974 (which at the time would have put him right behind Sandy Koufax with 4) but he was lifted for a pinch hitter
after 8 innings of no hit ball. Did Wilson throw a tantrum and spout off to the press? Nope. Here is what he said after the game: "I respect Preston Gomez as a Manager. I respect him more than ever tonight.
When people start putting personal goals ahead of the team, you'll never have a winner." Sadly Don Wilson and his 5 year old son died in a tragic carbon monoxide accident in their home on January 5,
1975. He was just 29 years old. Every baseball fan should know who Don Wilson was.
1977 Topps #260 J.R. Richard
Another great Astros pitcher was James Rodney "J.R." Richard. I had seen Nolan Ryan pitch and I saw J.R. Richard pitch and was he something. J.R. was Randy Johnson before Randy Johnson. This guy
stood 6'-8" and weighed 222 lbs. And could he throw. Richard struck out 300 or more batters twice (career high 313 in 1979), led the league in ERA (2.71, also in '79), and won 18 or more games four times
(including a career high 20 in 1976) in basically just 6 seasons as a starting pitcher. While Randy Johnson played over twice as long as Richard (22 seasons to J.R.'s 10) and struck out more batters, J.R.
averaged (per 162 game schedule) only 1 win less than Johnson (J.R. averaged 16 wins per season to Johnson's 17) and had a lower ERA (3.13 to Johnson's 3.29). J.R. had 76 Complete Games in his career,
compared to Johnson's 100. I am not saying that Randy Johnson was not a great pitcher. He was and he is a certain Hall of Famer. What I am saying is that J.R. Richard was just as good and Richard did not
have the luxury of playing for any pennant winning teams. 3 times Richard was in the top 7 for the Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the league and twice he was nominated for Most Valuable Player Award
consideration. His last season, 1980, saw him make his first All-Star game as the starting pitcher. While batter's could not get to Richard, a stroke did. He suffered a stroke in 1980 and never recovered. Baseball
forgot him like they forgot other black and Hispanic players (like Sandy Amoros, Leon "Daddy Wags" Wagner, Don Wilson, the list is too long to list) and eventually this All Star pitcher was living
homeless under a freeway overpass in Houston. I don't imagine this happening to Randy Johnson. Well I remember you J.R.!
stood 6'-8" and weighed 222 lbs. And could he throw. Richard struck out 300 or more batters twice (career high 313 in 1979), led the league in ERA (2.71, also in '79), and won 18 or more games four times
(including a career high 20 in 1976) in basically just 6 seasons as a starting pitcher. While Randy Johnson played over twice as long as Richard (22 seasons to J.R.'s 10) and struck out more batters, J.R.
averaged (per 162 game schedule) only 1 win less than Johnson (J.R. averaged 16 wins per season to Johnson's 17) and had a lower ERA (3.13 to Johnson's 3.29). J.R. had 76 Complete Games in his career,
compared to Johnson's 100. I am not saying that Randy Johnson was not a great pitcher. He was and he is a certain Hall of Famer. What I am saying is that J.R. Richard was just as good and Richard did not
have the luxury of playing for any pennant winning teams. 3 times Richard was in the top 7 for the Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the league and twice he was nominated for Most Valuable Player Award
consideration. His last season, 1980, saw him make his first All-Star game as the starting pitcher. While batter's could not get to Richard, a stroke did. He suffered a stroke in 1980 and never recovered. Baseball
forgot him like they forgot other black and Hispanic players (like Sandy Amoros, Leon "Daddy Wags" Wagner, Don Wilson, the list is too long to list) and eventually this All Star pitcher was living
homeless under a freeway overpass in Houston. I don't imagine this happening to Randy Johnson. Well I remember you J.R.!
T206 White Border Walter Johnson (Hands at chest)
Walter Johnson was the All-Time Strikeout King until Nolan Ryan came along. But Johnson was much more than a strikeout pitcher. Pitching for the lowly Washington
Senators from 1907 to 1927, "The Big Train" won 417 games while losing 279. That means for a bad ball club that lost more than it won, Johnson would still win 60% of his
starts. Speaking of starts, Johnson started 666 games in his career, completing 531 of them! He also has the record for most shutouts with 110, a record not likely to be broken.
Johnson won 20 or more games 12 times, including two 30 win seasons (33 in 1912, 36 in 1913). He led the league in ERA 5 times and 11 times he had an ERA of under 2.00!
In 1913, Walter Johnson had one of the greatest pitching performances ever. He led the AL in 7 major catagories: Wins 36, Won-Loss% .837, ERA 1.14, Complete Games 29,
Shutouts 11, Innings Pitched 346.0 and Strikeouts 243. In 1936, Johnson was immortalized along with Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, and Honus Wagner as the
first inductees into the new Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Senators from 1907 to 1927, "The Big Train" won 417 games while losing 279. That means for a bad ball club that lost more than it won, Johnson would still win 60% of his
starts. Speaking of starts, Johnson started 666 games in his career, completing 531 of them! He also has the record for most shutouts with 110, a record not likely to be broken.
Johnson won 20 or more games 12 times, including two 30 win seasons (33 in 1912, 36 in 1913). He led the league in ERA 5 times and 11 times he had an ERA of under 2.00!
In 1913, Walter Johnson had one of the greatest pitching performances ever. He led the AL in 7 major catagories: Wins 36, Won-Loss% .837, ERA 1.14, Complete Games 29,
Shutouts 11, Innings Pitched 346.0 and Strikeouts 243. In 1936, Johnson was immortalized along with Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, and Honus Wagner as the
first inductees into the new Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale 1961 Morrell Meats Sandy Koufax
The Dodger were a big hit here in Los Angeles after their move from Brooklyn in 1958. The Dodgers renovated the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for baseball and attracted huge amounts of fans hungry
for baseball. The fans were also hungry for hot dogs. So Morrell Meats became the supplier of hot dogs at the Coliseum. To capitalize on the popularity of the "Boys in Blue," Morrell Meats issued a
series of L.A. Dodger baseball cards with packages of hot dogs. The fronts feature beautiful, uncluttered, full-color glossy photos. The backs feature career statistics. They were issued from 1959 to 1961.
So these Morrell Meats cards feature mostly the Los Angeles Coliseum in the background (see above Koufax card), or the old "Wrigley Field" here in Los Angeles (see Drysdale card above). The Dodgers
moved to Chavez Ravine and their new stadium, simply called "Dodger Stadium" opened in 1962. I'm not sure the exact year, but sometime at some point Farmer John here in Los Angeles took over the
hot dog duties at the stadium and are still making "Dodger Dogs" today. What happened with Morrell Meats I don't know. But these tough Dodgers cards are out there and they don't come cheap. Expect
to pay premiums for graded examples by reputable grading services (BGS, BVG, PSA, SGC) especially the big name stars like Don Drysdale, Gil Hodges, Sandy Koufax, and Duke Snider. The above
1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale (PSA 6 EX-MT) currently has an asking price of $450 or "Best Offer" on eBay. Also on eBay is this 1961 Morrell Meats Sandy Koufax (PSA 4 VG-EX) with a
price tag of $349.99 or "Best Offer." Compare to a 1961 Topps #260 Don Drysdale ($35 for a PSA 6) and #344 Sandy Koufax ($45 in a PSA 5) and you can see that these are tough and popular cards.
for baseball. The fans were also hungry for hot dogs. So Morrell Meats became the supplier of hot dogs at the Coliseum. To capitalize on the popularity of the "Boys in Blue," Morrell Meats issued a
series of L.A. Dodger baseball cards with packages of hot dogs. The fronts feature beautiful, uncluttered, full-color glossy photos. The backs feature career statistics. They were issued from 1959 to 1961.
So these Morrell Meats cards feature mostly the Los Angeles Coliseum in the background (see above Koufax card), or the old "Wrigley Field" here in Los Angeles (see Drysdale card above). The Dodgers
moved to Chavez Ravine and their new stadium, simply called "Dodger Stadium" opened in 1962. I'm not sure the exact year, but sometime at some point Farmer John here in Los Angeles took over the
hot dog duties at the stadium and are still making "Dodger Dogs" today. What happened with Morrell Meats I don't know. But these tough Dodgers cards are out there and they don't come cheap. Expect
to pay premiums for graded examples by reputable grading services (BGS, BVG, PSA, SGC) especially the big name stars like Don Drysdale, Gil Hodges, Sandy Koufax, and Duke Snider. The above
1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale (PSA 6 EX-MT) currently has an asking price of $450 or "Best Offer" on eBay. Also on eBay is this 1961 Morrell Meats Sandy Koufax (PSA 4 VG-EX) with a
price tag of $349.99 or "Best Offer." Compare to a 1961 Topps #260 Don Drysdale ($35 for a PSA 6) and #344 Sandy Koufax ($45 in a PSA 5) and you can see that these are tough and popular cards.
1971 Topps #160 Tom Seaver 1971 Topps #513 Nolan Ryan
Attention METS fans! Just for fun here is what the Mets COULD have had in the 1970's with just these two pitchers, Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan:
333 Wins (Seaver 178, Ryan 155)
5117.3 Innings Pitched (Seaver 2652.3, Ryan 2465.0)
4982 Strikeouts (Ryan 2678, Seaver 2304)
311 Complete Games (Ryan 164, Seaver 147)
Earned Run Average (Seaver 2.61, Ryan 3.14)
K's per 9 inning (Ryan 9.78, Seaver 7.82)
82 Shut Outs (Ryan 42, Seaver 40)
5 No Hitters (Ryan 4, Seaver 1)
And that doesn't include the statistics of Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, Tug McGraw, etc!!! Also note these are 1970's statistics ONLY!
333 Wins (Seaver 178, Ryan 155)
5117.3 Innings Pitched (Seaver 2652.3, Ryan 2465.0)
4982 Strikeouts (Ryan 2678, Seaver 2304)
311 Complete Games (Ryan 164, Seaver 147)
Earned Run Average (Seaver 2.61, Ryan 3.14)
K's per 9 inning (Ryan 9.78, Seaver 7.82)
82 Shut Outs (Ryan 42, Seaver 40)
5 No Hitters (Ryan 4, Seaver 1)
And that doesn't include the statistics of Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, Tug McGraw, etc!!! Also note these are 1970's statistics ONLY!
1964 Topps #219 Young Aces (Al Downing, Jim Bunning)
Part of the decline of the New York Yankees dynasty of the 1960's was the combination of age and or injuries to key players like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris. Another big part
was the loss of Jim Bouton's right arm. Jim Bouton was a young fireballer for the Yankees, winning 21 and 18 games in 1963 and 1964. The Yankees went to the World Series both those years, getting
swept by the Dodgers in '63 (Bouton lost 1 game but allowed 1 run in 7 innings) and losing to the Cardinals despite Bouton's 2 wins. Bouton's World Series record included a record of 2 wins, 1 loss with a
1.48 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched. The Yankee still had Whitey Ford, and young Mel Stottlemyre, plus a young Jim Bouton and Al Downing. They also had another young outfielder from Oklahoma named
Bobby Murcer in the farm system. So the future looked bright for the Yankees. But it was not to be. Bouton blew out his arm and back then when you're arm went, so did you. No "Tommy John" surgery yet.
So Bouton experimented with the knuckleball with limited success with teams like the Seattle Pilots, Houston Astros and much later the Atlanta Braves. However Jim Bouton had brains. While with Seattle, he
began writing about his baseball experiences and eventually those writings became "BALL FOUR," which is considered one of the best baseball books ever. Jim Bouton also created "Big League Chew" which
is shredded bubble gum in a seal tight package (similar to a tobacco package). Both ventures were and still are quite successful. Downing had a nice big league career winning 123 games (including a
career high 20 in 1971 with the Dodgers) and a respectable ERA of 3.22. But unfortunately Downing's big claim to fame is that he was the pitcher who served up Henry Aaron's record breaking 715th HR on
April 8, 1974.
Beginning in 1954 with the O'Brien Brothers card (card number 139 featuring brothers Ed & Johnny O'Brien) and again in 1957 to present, Topps experimented with "Combination cards," or multi-player
cards. For instance 1957 Topps number 400 features Dodgers' Slugger's Roy Campanella, Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, and Duke Snider, while card number 407 features Yankee Power Hitters Yogi Berra and
Mickey Mantle. The above 1964 Topps card is an example of a "combination card," featuring Al Downing and Jim Bouton. However this was not an original Topps idea. Bowman Gum, first tried multi-player
cards in their 1953 Bowman Color set. Featured in that set were cards of Billy Martin and Phil Rizzuto (card #93), and one of Hank Bauer, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle (card #44).
was the loss of Jim Bouton's right arm. Jim Bouton was a young fireballer for the Yankees, winning 21 and 18 games in 1963 and 1964. The Yankees went to the World Series both those years, getting
swept by the Dodgers in '63 (Bouton lost 1 game but allowed 1 run in 7 innings) and losing to the Cardinals despite Bouton's 2 wins. Bouton's World Series record included a record of 2 wins, 1 loss with a
1.48 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched. The Yankee still had Whitey Ford, and young Mel Stottlemyre, plus a young Jim Bouton and Al Downing. They also had another young outfielder from Oklahoma named
Bobby Murcer in the farm system. So the future looked bright for the Yankees. But it was not to be. Bouton blew out his arm and back then when you're arm went, so did you. No "Tommy John" surgery yet.
So Bouton experimented with the knuckleball with limited success with teams like the Seattle Pilots, Houston Astros and much later the Atlanta Braves. However Jim Bouton had brains. While with Seattle, he
began writing about his baseball experiences and eventually those writings became "BALL FOUR," which is considered one of the best baseball books ever. Jim Bouton also created "Big League Chew" which
is shredded bubble gum in a seal tight package (similar to a tobacco package). Both ventures were and still are quite successful. Downing had a nice big league career winning 123 games (including a
career high 20 in 1971 with the Dodgers) and a respectable ERA of 3.22. But unfortunately Downing's big claim to fame is that he was the pitcher who served up Henry Aaron's record breaking 715th HR on
April 8, 1974.
Beginning in 1954 with the O'Brien Brothers card (card number 139 featuring brothers Ed & Johnny O'Brien) and again in 1957 to present, Topps experimented with "Combination cards," or multi-player
cards. For instance 1957 Topps number 400 features Dodgers' Slugger's Roy Campanella, Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, and Duke Snider, while card number 407 features Yankee Power Hitters Yogi Berra and
Mickey Mantle. The above 1964 Topps card is an example of a "combination card," featuring Al Downing and Jim Bouton. However this was not an original Topps idea. Bowman Gum, first tried multi-player
cards in their 1953 Bowman Color set. Featured in that set were cards of Billy Martin and Phil Rizzuto (card #93), and one of Hank Bauer, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle (card #44).
1963 Jell-O Gelatin Dessert Complete Box with card #121 Sandy Koufax (Back view)
These 1963 Jell-O baseball cards are tough, but even tougher is finding them in complete box form as issued. Who would save a box of Jell-O for 47 years? And what kid could resist
cutting out this Sandy Koufax card to add to your growing card collection? I would have cut it out, but in hindsight that might not have been a good idea. While a 1963 Jell-O #121
Sandy Koufax hand cut from the box lists for $20 in ungraded EX condition (raw), I saw this complete Jell-O Box with Koufax on eBay (June 2010) for a whopping $1499.99 or "Best
Offer." I also saw a hand-cut 1963 Jell-O Koufax that was professionally graded by PSA (PSA 5 EX) and that seller wanted $399 with free shipping. Not cheap either. You're best bet is
to buy an ungraded example but look for well cut examples with the black lines around the card intact. Most of these Jell-O cards are usually found with bad cutting which really lowers the
grade. Also note that these cards are usually found in grades no better than VG/EX as the card took up the entire back of the Jell-O box and was susceptible to wear and tear right from
the factory. You usually find slight creases on these so look carefully. Even the above example has surface wear visible on the left side of the card. Regardless a terrific collectible!
cutting out this Sandy Koufax card to add to your growing card collection? I would have cut it out, but in hindsight that might not have been a good idea. While a 1963 Jell-O #121
Sandy Koufax hand cut from the box lists for $20 in ungraded EX condition (raw), I saw this complete Jell-O Box with Koufax on eBay (June 2010) for a whopping $1499.99 or "Best
Offer." I also saw a hand-cut 1963 Jell-O Koufax that was professionally graded by PSA (PSA 5 EX) and that seller wanted $399 with free shipping. Not cheap either. You're best bet is
to buy an ungraded example but look for well cut examples with the black lines around the card intact. Most of these Jell-O cards are usually found with bad cutting which really lowers the
grade. Also note that these cards are usually found in grades no better than VG/EX as the card took up the entire back of the Jell-O box and was susceptible to wear and tear right from
the factory. You usually find slight creases on these so look carefully. Even the above example has surface wear visible on the left side of the card. Regardless a terrific collectible!
1948-49 Leaf #53 John Vandermeer
John Vandermeer is not a Hall of Fame pitcher, but he still has a record that in all likelihood will never be broken. In 1938 with the Cincinnati Reds, Vandermeer tossed back to
back No Hitters against the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers. Considering that pitchers rarely finish games today (due to limited pitch counts, set up and closers) the odds of
even throwing back to back complete games is pretty low. No even to mention back to back no hitters. Unbelievable.
back No Hitters against the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers. Considering that pitchers rarely finish games today (due to limited pitch counts, set up and closers) the odds of
even throwing back to back complete games is pretty low. No even to mention back to back no hitters. Unbelievable.
1969 Topps Super #14 Sam McDowell
"Sudden" Sam McDowell is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. However he was a very dominating pitcher for some very mediocre Cleveland Indians teams in the 1960's and early
1970's. McDowell played for 11 years with Cleveland (1961-1971), winning 122 games while losing 109. He posted a fine 2.99 ERA with the Tribe, led the American League in
strikeouts 5 times (including a career high 325 K's in 1965) and was a 6-time All-Star. He also had a league leading 2.18 ERA in 1965. His best season was probably 1970 when
he won 20 games (against 11 losses) with a 2.92 ERA. That year McDowell led the AL in Innings Pitched (305), Strikeouts (304) and he finished 3rd in Cy Young Award balloting.
The Sporting News named Sam McDowell "AL Pitcher of the Year" for the 1970 season. McDowell played only one more year for Cleveland, then was dealt to the San Francisco
Giants in a deal that sent Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry to Cleveland. Sam McDowell pitched for only 4 more years and retired at the age of 32 in 1975. For his career he won
141 games, had 103 complete games, 2453 strikeouts and a 3.17 ERA. Not bad at all especially considering the teams he played for. McDowell never got to play in a post season
game.
Sam McDowell baseball cards are very inexpensive with the exception of his 1962 Topps Rookie Parade card, which was included in the scarce high number series. Most of his
McDowell's regular Topps cards are very affordable; you can buy them at almost "common" prices. The above 1969 Topps Super #14 Sam McDowell is fairly scarce, especially in
high grade but this is just a terrific looking card.
1970's. McDowell played for 11 years with Cleveland (1961-1971), winning 122 games while losing 109. He posted a fine 2.99 ERA with the Tribe, led the American League in
strikeouts 5 times (including a career high 325 K's in 1965) and was a 6-time All-Star. He also had a league leading 2.18 ERA in 1965. His best season was probably 1970 when
he won 20 games (against 11 losses) with a 2.92 ERA. That year McDowell led the AL in Innings Pitched (305), Strikeouts (304) and he finished 3rd in Cy Young Award balloting.
The Sporting News named Sam McDowell "AL Pitcher of the Year" for the 1970 season. McDowell played only one more year for Cleveland, then was dealt to the San Francisco
Giants in a deal that sent Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry to Cleveland. Sam McDowell pitched for only 4 more years and retired at the age of 32 in 1975. For his career he won
141 games, had 103 complete games, 2453 strikeouts and a 3.17 ERA. Not bad at all especially considering the teams he played for. McDowell never got to play in a post season
game.
Sam McDowell baseball cards are very inexpensive with the exception of his 1962 Topps Rookie Parade card, which was included in the scarce high number series. Most of his
McDowell's regular Topps cards are very affordable; you can buy them at almost "common" prices. The above 1969 Topps Super #14 Sam McDowell is fairly scarce, especially in
high grade but this is just a terrific looking card.
1914 Cracker Jack #37 Grover Alexander
More outstanding and maybe not-so outstanding pitchers will be added soon! If you enjoyed this page, check out our SLUGGER'S PAGE!
1975 O-Pee-Chee 230 Jim Hunter
One of the first "million dollar" pitchers was Jim "Catfish" Hunter. He was worth every penny. Hunter spent some great years with the Athletics (both Kansas City and Oakland). In one 5 year stretch with
Oakland, Hunter won no less than 18 games. In four of those years he won no less than 21 with a career high 25 in 1974. No wonder the A's won 3 straight World Series Championships from 1972-1974!
With free agency just beginning, Jim Hunter was one of the first to get the big bucks. He signed a 5 year contract with (who else) the New York Yankees in 1975 for 3.2 MILLION DOLLARS, big bucks at the
time. So Hunter went from making $100,000 in 1974 to $640,000 in 1975. Quite a raise. Welcome to free agency! In his first year in pinstripes, Hunter won 23 games, completing an ungodly 30 of the 39
games he started! His ERA was only 2.58. With the Yankees Hunter went on to win 2 more Championship Rings (1977-'78). All in all, Catfish Hunter won 9 post season games including 5 World Series wins.
For his career, Hunter won 224 games (against only 166 defeats) with 181 Complete Games! He was elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1987. Sadly he passed away in 1999 at the age of 53.
Oakland, Hunter won no less than 18 games. In four of those years he won no less than 21 with a career high 25 in 1974. No wonder the A's won 3 straight World Series Championships from 1972-1974!
With free agency just beginning, Jim Hunter was one of the first to get the big bucks. He signed a 5 year contract with (who else) the New York Yankees in 1975 for 3.2 MILLION DOLLARS, big bucks at the
time. So Hunter went from making $100,000 in 1974 to $640,000 in 1975. Quite a raise. Welcome to free agency! In his first year in pinstripes, Hunter won 23 games, completing an ungodly 30 of the 39
games he started! His ERA was only 2.58. With the Yankees Hunter went on to win 2 more Championship Rings (1977-'78). All in all, Catfish Hunter won 9 post season games including 5 World Series wins.
For his career, Hunter won 224 games (against only 166 defeats) with 181 Complete Games! He was elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1987. Sadly he passed away in 1999 at the age of 53.