1961 Topps #404 Rogers Hornsby (Highlight card)
1962 Topps #314 Colavito's Power (Rocky Colavito IA)
Nowbatting19's Slugger Gallery
1955 Bowman #202 Mickey Mantle 1963 Jello #15 Mickey Mantle (hand cut from Jello dessert box)
Our Slugger Gallery will start off with baseball's most beloved slugger, Mickey Mantle. Mantle didn't just hit Home Runs, he hit towering, mammoth shots including a 565 foot blast at Washington's Griffith
Stadium! WOW! Mantle also almost hit a ball completely out of Yankee Stadium on May 22, 1963 against the Kansas City Athletics. The ball was still rising when it hit the facade above the right field stands. Who
knows how far that one would have gone. Keep in mind this was "B.S." (before steroids). Thanks to guys like Mickey Mantle, the word "tape measure home run" was born. Mantle went on to hit 536 lifetime Home
Runs in his injury plagued career. Like the player himself, Mickey Mantle baseball cards are extremely popular today.
A lot of collectors confuse the 1963 Jello cards as being "Post cereal" cards, but the '63 Jello cards are separate issues. Like the Post cereal cards, the Jello cards were intended to be cut from the box (cards on
complete boxes are rare today). If cut properly the Jello cards should measure 3-3/8" x 2-1/2." The Post cereal cards measure a bit wider side to side; 3-1/2" x 2-1/2." There are also slight print differences. While
the 1963 Post cereal set is considered to be the toughest to complete among the 1961-1963 Post issues, the 1963 Jello set is just as tough. In fact the Jello cards are tougher to find in higher grades. This is
due to the fact that the baseball cards themselves took up almost the entire back of the Jello box. To cut the card out without creasing it, you would have to carefully unfold the box and cut. Plus the edges of the
card almost come to the edges of the Jello box so they were susceptible to wear even without being cut out. To give you an example of how tough the Jello cards are, the highest graded example of a 1963 Jello
card (by PSA) is a PSA 5 EX (Excellent), while there are several high grade 1963 Post Mickey Mantle cards out there, including NM-MT and MINT cards.
Stadium! WOW! Mantle also almost hit a ball completely out of Yankee Stadium on May 22, 1963 against the Kansas City Athletics. The ball was still rising when it hit the facade above the right field stands. Who
knows how far that one would have gone. Keep in mind this was "B.S." (before steroids). Thanks to guys like Mickey Mantle, the word "tape measure home run" was born. Mantle went on to hit 536 lifetime Home
Runs in his injury plagued career. Like the player himself, Mickey Mantle baseball cards are extremely popular today.
A lot of collectors confuse the 1963 Jello cards as being "Post cereal" cards, but the '63 Jello cards are separate issues. Like the Post cereal cards, the Jello cards were intended to be cut from the box (cards on
complete boxes are rare today). If cut properly the Jello cards should measure 3-3/8" x 2-1/2." The Post cereal cards measure a bit wider side to side; 3-1/2" x 2-1/2." There are also slight print differences. While
the 1963 Post cereal set is considered to be the toughest to complete among the 1961-1963 Post issues, the 1963 Jello set is just as tough. In fact the Jello cards are tougher to find in higher grades. This is
due to the fact that the baseball cards themselves took up almost the entire back of the Jello box. To cut the card out without creasing it, you would have to carefully unfold the box and cut. Plus the edges of the
card almost come to the edges of the Jello box so they were susceptible to wear even without being cut out. To give you an example of how tough the Jello cards are, the highest graded example of a 1963 Jello
card (by PSA) is a PSA 5 EX (Excellent), while there are several high grade 1963 Post Mickey Mantle cards out there, including NM-MT and MINT cards.
"Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio...our nation turns it's lonely eyes to you..." (from the Simon & Garfunkel
song "Mrs. Robinson"). "Joltin' Joe" was an American idol, well before the ridiculous television show that attempts
to make superstars out of nobodys. Before TV and blatant self-promotion there was a shy and withdrawn Italian
kid from the San Francisco Bay area that could smash the ball and make effortless catches in the outfield. To
top it off he showcased his talents in "The House That Ruth Built," Yankee Stadium. In fact DiMaggio was so
good, he made the the Yankee fans almost forget about Babe Ruth who was traded to the Boston (Braves).
What really put Joe D on the pedestal was his amazing 56 game hitting streak in 1941. How good was Joe
DiMaggio that year? Good enough to win the American League MVP over Ted Williams, who happened to bat
over .400 that same year (.406). That 56 game hit streak is still intact today. Unbelievable. Despite some serious
injuries throughout his career, DiMaggio put up some unholy numbers including a .325 career batting average,
2215 hits, 131 triples, 361 HRs, and 1537 RBIs. Keep in mind DiMaggio had a relatively short career (only 13
seasons!). Joe & the Yanks went to 10 World Series and won 9 of those contests! To further the legend,
DiMaggio married the most desirable woman in the world at the time, Marilyn Monroe.
Joe DiMaggio did not appear on too many baseball cards. His rookie card is considered the 1939 Playball but
he also appeared on some early World Wide Gum and Goudey issues. After World War II started for American
in 1941, baseball cards were pretty much halted up until 1948-49 with the Leaf set. DiMaggio is card #1 in that
set but he did not appear on a 1950's Topps or Bowman gum card. The only 1950's issues of Joe DiMaggio are
the 1951 & 1952 Berk Ross cards. This 1952 Berk Ross card (left) is DiMaggio's last card as he had retired
after the 1951 World Series.
song "Mrs. Robinson"). "Joltin' Joe" was an American idol, well before the ridiculous television show that attempts
to make superstars out of nobodys. Before TV and blatant self-promotion there was a shy and withdrawn Italian
kid from the San Francisco Bay area that could smash the ball and make effortless catches in the outfield. To
top it off he showcased his talents in "The House That Ruth Built," Yankee Stadium. In fact DiMaggio was so
good, he made the the Yankee fans almost forget about Babe Ruth who was traded to the Boston (Braves).
What really put Joe D on the pedestal was his amazing 56 game hitting streak in 1941. How good was Joe
DiMaggio that year? Good enough to win the American League MVP over Ted Williams, who happened to bat
over .400 that same year (.406). That 56 game hit streak is still intact today. Unbelievable. Despite some serious
injuries throughout his career, DiMaggio put up some unholy numbers including a .325 career batting average,
2215 hits, 131 triples, 361 HRs, and 1537 RBIs. Keep in mind DiMaggio had a relatively short career (only 13
seasons!). Joe & the Yanks went to 10 World Series and won 9 of those contests! To further the legend,
DiMaggio married the most desirable woman in the world at the time, Marilyn Monroe.
Joe DiMaggio did not appear on too many baseball cards. His rookie card is considered the 1939 Playball but
he also appeared on some early World Wide Gum and Goudey issues. After World War II started for American
in 1941, baseball cards were pretty much halted up until 1948-49 with the Leaf set. DiMaggio is card #1 in that
set but he did not appear on a 1950's Topps or Bowman gum card. The only 1950's issues of Joe DiMaggio are
the 1951 & 1952 Berk Ross cards. This 1952 Berk Ross card (left) is DiMaggio's last card as he had retired
after the 1951 World Series.
1952 Berk Ross Joe DiMaggio
Hank Aaron is really underrated. Consider this: Everyone knows that Aaron is the All-Time
Home Run King with 755 round-trippers. But did you know that Hank Aaron also won 2
batting titles? Did you know that he stole as many as 31 bases in a season? Did you know
that in post season play Aaron hit .357 in the 1969 League Championship series and hit
.364 in two World Series (1957, 1958)? Did you know that his lifetime batting average was
.305? Did you know that he received death threats before breaking Babe Ruth's home run
mark in 1974? This is a very special player and a special person as well. Aaron had natural
talent but can you imaging the character of the man having to endure racism throughout his
playing career? A very special person indeed.
This is one of Hank Aaron's best cards. Not only is it from his MVP season (.322, 198 hits,
44 HR, 132 RBI), but check out the picture carefully. The giveaway is the number "44" on
his jersey. It is backwards. Topps reversed the negative and it was not caught during the
press runs. Hence you have a left-handed Hank Aaron card though Aaron hit all 755 home
runs batting right-handed. Special card, special player.
Home Run King with 755 round-trippers. But did you know that Hank Aaron also won 2
batting titles? Did you know that he stole as many as 31 bases in a season? Did you know
that in post season play Aaron hit .357 in the 1969 League Championship series and hit
.364 in two World Series (1957, 1958)? Did you know that his lifetime batting average was
.305? Did you know that he received death threats before breaking Babe Ruth's home run
mark in 1974? This is a very special player and a special person as well. Aaron had natural
talent but can you imaging the character of the man having to endure racism throughout his
playing career? A very special person indeed.
This is one of Hank Aaron's best cards. Not only is it from his MVP season (.322, 198 hits,
44 HR, 132 RBI), but check out the picture carefully. The giveaway is the number "44" on
his jersey. It is backwards. Topps reversed the negative and it was not caught during the
press runs. Hence you have a left-handed Hank Aaron card though Aaron hit all 755 home
runs batting right-handed. Special card, special player.
1957 Topps #20 Hank Aaron UER
1962 Topps #140 Babe Ruth Special
(Gehrig And Ruth)
(Gehrig And Ruth)
1935 Goudey 4-1 (Jimmie Foxx)
Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth vintage baseball cards are, well, pretty damn expensive. Even lower grade examples during their playing days sell for a few hundred dollars each.
However you can pick up Topps cards featuring both players for much less. This 1962 Topps card (above left) was part of a 10-card subset highlighting the career of Babe
Ruth and features Lou Gehrig as well. As you can see by the price tag, it is also affordable. Topps also issued highlight cards of Gehrig and Ruth in 1961, 1973, and 1976.
Real bargains!
Jimmie Foxx (aka. "THE BEAST" or "Double X") was a right handed Lou Gehrig. He was a star slugger for the Philadelphia Athletics and also the Boston Red Sox. Can you
imagine a line-up featuring Foxx and Ted Williams? They were teammates for about 4 years (1939-1942). From 1929 through 1941 Jimmie Foxx drove in no less than 100
runs, including a whopping 175 RBIs in 1938. Foxx went on to win 4 HR crowns (including 50 or more twice), 2 Batting Titles, and A.L. MVP Award 3 times. He did not win a
World Series while with Boston, but did go to the World Series 3 consecutive years while with Philadelphia (1929-1931), winning 2 of those contests. A real champ! This 1935
Goudey 4 in 1 card features Foxx while with Philadelphia and is much cheaper than his 1933-34 Goudey cards. Jimmie Foxx died at the age of 59 in 1967.
However you can pick up Topps cards featuring both players for much less. This 1962 Topps card (above left) was part of a 10-card subset highlighting the career of Babe
Ruth and features Lou Gehrig as well. As you can see by the price tag, it is also affordable. Topps also issued highlight cards of Gehrig and Ruth in 1961, 1973, and 1976.
Real bargains!
Jimmie Foxx (aka. "THE BEAST" or "Double X") was a right handed Lou Gehrig. He was a star slugger for the Philadelphia Athletics and also the Boston Red Sox. Can you
imagine a line-up featuring Foxx and Ted Williams? They were teammates for about 4 years (1939-1942). From 1929 through 1941 Jimmie Foxx drove in no less than 100
runs, including a whopping 175 RBIs in 1938. Foxx went on to win 4 HR crowns (including 50 or more twice), 2 Batting Titles, and A.L. MVP Award 3 times. He did not win a
World Series while with Boston, but did go to the World Series 3 consecutive years while with Philadelphia (1929-1931), winning 2 of those contests. A real champ! This 1935
Goudey 4 in 1 card features Foxx while with Philadelphia and is much cheaper than his 1933-34 Goudey cards. Jimmie Foxx died at the age of 59 in 1967.
1962 Post cereal #85 Harmon Killebrew
"The Killer" deserves to have his own page. Talk about sluggers, Harmon Killebrew was 100% steroid-free slugger! This guy bashed the ball, hitting well over 500 lifetime home
runs in spite of the fact that his first few big league seasons were part-time with the Washington Nationals/ Senators. It is as a Minnesota Twin he is best known and Killebrew helped
lead his team to the 1965 World Series against the Dodgers. He also won the American League MVP in 1969. Keep in mind that had Killebrew played in a big city like New York or
Los Angeles his cards would probably be double what they are worth now. As it stands, they are a great bargain. This 1962 Post cereal #85 Harmon Killebrew card was hand-cut
from a cereal box and can be purchased for around a few bucks. More bang for your buck!
runs in spite of the fact that his first few big league seasons were part-time with the Washington Nationals/ Senators. It is as a Minnesota Twin he is best known and Killebrew helped
lead his team to the 1965 World Series against the Dodgers. He also won the American League MVP in 1969. Keep in mind that had Killebrew played in a big city like New York or
Los Angeles his cards would probably be double what they are worth now. As it stands, they are a great bargain. This 1962 Post cereal #85 Harmon Killebrew card was hand-cut
from a cereal box and can be purchased for around a few bucks. More bang for your buck!
"Who is that MAN???" asked Brooklyn Dodger fans when this Cardinal great would uncoil
and deliver clutch hits all over Ebbett's Field. Hence came the nickname "Stan The Man."
Stan Musial racked up 3,330 hits; including 725 doubles, 177 triples, and 475 home runs!
His lifetime slugging average was a robust .559. He scored 1,949 runs while driving in
1,951. Musial won 7 batting crowns in his great career and his lifetime batting average was
.331. He was THE MAN! Musial was pictured on just a few Bowman and Topps issues. His
cards are quite inexpensive (compared to say Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams) and this
translates to a BARGAIN for collectors. You cannot go wrong with a Stan Musial card. One
of his best and least expensive cards is this 1958 Topps All-Star card (left) which was his
first Topps card. It was triple printed, hence it is not difficult to find. You can pick up a nice
ungraded NM example for around $25-$30 (it lists at $32.50 in the 2006 SCD Standard
Catalog of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications). Compare that to Ted Williams' All-Star
card (card #485, $75) and Mickey Mantle AS (#487, $105) from the same set. No wonder
Stan is smiling; he knows a good thing when he sees it.
and deliver clutch hits all over Ebbett's Field. Hence came the nickname "Stan The Man."
Stan Musial racked up 3,330 hits; including 725 doubles, 177 triples, and 475 home runs!
His lifetime slugging average was a robust .559. He scored 1,949 runs while driving in
1,951. Musial won 7 batting crowns in his great career and his lifetime batting average was
.331. He was THE MAN! Musial was pictured on just a few Bowman and Topps issues. His
cards are quite inexpensive (compared to say Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams) and this
translates to a BARGAIN for collectors. You cannot go wrong with a Stan Musial card. One
of his best and least expensive cards is this 1958 Topps All-Star card (left) which was his
first Topps card. It was triple printed, hence it is not difficult to find. You can pick up a nice
ungraded NM example for around $25-$30 (it lists at $32.50 in the 2006 SCD Standard
Catalog of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications). Compare that to Ted Williams' All-Star
card (card #485, $75) and Mickey Mantle AS (#487, $105) from the same set. No wonder
Stan is smiling; he knows a good thing when he sees it.
1958 Topps #476 Stan Musial AS
There isn't too much to say about Ted Williams that hasn't already been said. But when you talk about sluggers, you have to include "Teddy Ballgame." Williams combined both
power and average- while sluggers like Aaron, Mays, Mantle, etc. finished with lifetime batting averages around .300 (no small feat), Ted Williams finished with not only 521 Home
Runs, but also a hefty .344 lifetime batting mark! Some hitters are lucky to reach .344 in a season, let alone bat .344 lifetime. Williams is still the last player to bat .400 (.406 in 1941).
And consider that Ted Williams lost nearly 5 prime seasons serving our country as a Marine fighter pilot. Williams is not only one of the game's greatest sluggers but a true American
legend as well!
power and average- while sluggers like Aaron, Mays, Mantle, etc. finished with lifetime batting averages around .300 (no small feat), Ted Williams finished with not only 521 Home
Runs, but also a hefty .344 lifetime batting mark! Some hitters are lucky to reach .344 in a season, let alone bat .344 lifetime. Williams is still the last player to bat .400 (.406 in 1941).
And consider that Ted Williams lost nearly 5 prime seasons serving our country as a Marine fighter pilot. Williams is not only one of the game's greatest sluggers but a true American
legend as well!
1953 Bowman Color #80 Ralph Kiner
1967 Topps #100 Frank Robinson 1954 Dan Dee Potato Chips Gil Hodges
You always hear about the last Triple Crown Winner (Carl Yastrzemski in 1967), but you rarely hear about Frank Robinson, who won the Triple Crown in 1966. Robinson had
just been traded to Baltimore from Cincinnati and he responded by hitting .316, with 49 HR's and 122 RBI's. It is also no small wonder that the Orioles went on to win the World
Series that year, sweeping the L.A. Dodgers in 4 games. With a strong pitching staff and the two Robinson's (Brooks & Frank), the O's went on to play in 3 more World Series.
Frank Robinson went on to hit 586 HR's, 1812 RBI's, and a lifetime .294 batting mark. Great player.
Gil Hodges is a HALL OF FAMER. He is not enshrined and it is truly a travesty that he is not a member of Baseball's Hall Of Fame. Regardless, most baseball fans would agree
that Hodges should be a HOFer and he was a fan favorite. Check out these stats; 1921 hits, 295 doubles, 370 home runs, 1274 RBIs and a lifetime .273 batting average. Keep
in mind that Hodges played in an era when 20 or more HRs meant you were a slugger. Hodges had 11 consective seasons with 22 or more HRs (including a personal high of
42), and 7 consecutive 100+ RBI seasons. He also slugged 4 home runs in a 9 inning game. Keep in mind that Hodges also lost at least three seasons to the Marines and had
he played those 3 seasons he would surely have hit over 400 HRs, which back then was a sure ticket to the Hall Of Fame. Gil Hodges was also one of the finest first basemen in
baseball and he was a nice guy to boot. Of course, Hodges later became manager of the New York Mets and led the "Miracle Mets" to their first World Championship in 1969.
Why he has been ignored is just a real shame. Sadly, Gil Hodges passed away on December 2, 1972. He was just 48 years old.
just been traded to Baltimore from Cincinnati and he responded by hitting .316, with 49 HR's and 122 RBI's. It is also no small wonder that the Orioles went on to win the World
Series that year, sweeping the L.A. Dodgers in 4 games. With a strong pitching staff and the two Robinson's (Brooks & Frank), the O's went on to play in 3 more World Series.
Frank Robinson went on to hit 586 HR's, 1812 RBI's, and a lifetime .294 batting mark. Great player.
Gil Hodges is a HALL OF FAMER. He is not enshrined and it is truly a travesty that he is not a member of Baseball's Hall Of Fame. Regardless, most baseball fans would agree
that Hodges should be a HOFer and he was a fan favorite. Check out these stats; 1921 hits, 295 doubles, 370 home runs, 1274 RBIs and a lifetime .273 batting average. Keep
in mind that Hodges played in an era when 20 or more HRs meant you were a slugger. Hodges had 11 consective seasons with 22 or more HRs (including a personal high of
42), and 7 consecutive 100+ RBI seasons. He also slugged 4 home runs in a 9 inning game. Keep in mind that Hodges also lost at least three seasons to the Marines and had
he played those 3 seasons he would surely have hit over 400 HRs, which back then was a sure ticket to the Hall Of Fame. Gil Hodges was also one of the finest first basemen in
baseball and he was a nice guy to boot. Of course, Hodges later became manager of the New York Mets and led the "Miracle Mets" to their first World Championship in 1969.
Why he has been ignored is just a real shame. Sadly, Gil Hodges passed away on December 2, 1972. He was just 48 years old.
1956 Topps #130 Willie Mays
One of the game's greatest sluggers, and perhaps it's best player all-time is Willie Mays. At one time or another throughout Mays' career, he led the N.L. in batting average, slugging
average, hits, triples, home runs, runs, and stolen bases. That's just on offense. I won't even talk about defense though Mays is regarded as probably the best outfielder of all-time.
Willie led the league in slugging 5 times in his career (no small feat considering he had guys like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Eddie Mathews, etc. in the same league). He hit 660
lifetime HR's, most of them in a lousy ballpark (Candlestick in San Francisco). He drove in almost 2,000 runs (1903) and this was pre-steroids folks! He also finished his career with a
lifetime .302 batting mark, which seems low by today's standards but keep in mind Mays played half of his career in the 1960's which was considered to be a pitcher dominate era.
You had guys like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Warren Spahn, Juan Marichal, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, etc., just to name a few pitchers who Mays would have faced on a regular
basis. The pitching mound was also much higher than it is today, giving the pitcher an extra advantage. This is just a terrific card with a young, smiling Willie Mays and a great action
shot of Mays sliding into home. Say Hey!!!
average, hits, triples, home runs, runs, and stolen bases. That's just on offense. I won't even talk about defense though Mays is regarded as probably the best outfielder of all-time.
Willie led the league in slugging 5 times in his career (no small feat considering he had guys like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Eddie Mathews, etc. in the same league). He hit 660
lifetime HR's, most of them in a lousy ballpark (Candlestick in San Francisco). He drove in almost 2,000 runs (1903) and this was pre-steroids folks! He also finished his career with a
lifetime .302 batting mark, which seems low by today's standards but keep in mind Mays played half of his career in the 1960's which was considered to be a pitcher dominate era.
You had guys like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Warren Spahn, Juan Marichal, Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver, etc., just to name a few pitchers who Mays would have faced on a regular
basis. The pitching mound was also much higher than it is today, giving the pitcher an extra advantage. This is just a terrific card with a young, smiling Willie Mays and a great action
shot of Mays sliding into home. Say Hey!!!
| 1939-46 Salutation Exhibits Ted Williams (#9 showing) |
1952 Mother's Cookies #32 Mel Ott (back view)
Here is a slugger that you don't hear about too often, Mel Ott. Mel Ott was only 5'-9" and weighed about 170 lbs., yet at the time of his retirement in 1947, he was the game's 3rd
all-time home run hitter behind Babe Ruth, and Jimmy Foxx. Ott smashed 511 HRs in his career, with a lifetime .533 slugging average, 2876 hits, 488 doubles, 1859 runs, 1861 RBIs,
1708 bases on balls. Incredibly in 22 seasons (all with the New York Giants), Ott only struck out 896 times. In comparison, Reggie Jackson hit 563 home runs in 21 seasons, but struck
out 2597 times in his career (I believe that is a record). Mel Ott appeared in 3 World Series for the Giants, batting .295 with 4 HRs and 10 RBIs. Tragically, Ott was killed on November
21, 1958 from injuries sustained in a car crash. He was only 49 years old. Click HERE for more on Mel Ott and his obituary from 1958 (courtesy of The Deadball Era).
In 1952 and 1953, Mother's Cookies issued sets of Pacific Coast League players and managers. Included in the 1952 Mother's Cookies set is this card (above) of legendary slugger
Melvin "Mel" Ott, who was then manager of the Oakland Oaks. The Mother's Cookies are pretty tough to find, especially so in high grades.
all-time home run hitter behind Babe Ruth, and Jimmy Foxx. Ott smashed 511 HRs in his career, with a lifetime .533 slugging average, 2876 hits, 488 doubles, 1859 runs, 1861 RBIs,
1708 bases on balls. Incredibly in 22 seasons (all with the New York Giants), Ott only struck out 896 times. In comparison, Reggie Jackson hit 563 home runs in 21 seasons, but struck
out 2597 times in his career (I believe that is a record). Mel Ott appeared in 3 World Series for the Giants, batting .295 with 4 HRs and 10 RBIs. Tragically, Ott was killed on November
21, 1958 from injuries sustained in a car crash. He was only 49 years old. Click HERE for more on Mel Ott and his obituary from 1958 (courtesy of The Deadball Era).
In 1952 and 1953, Mother's Cookies issued sets of Pacific Coast League players and managers. Included in the 1952 Mother's Cookies set is this card (above) of legendary slugger
Melvin "Mel" Ott, who was then manager of the Oakland Oaks. The Mother's Cookies are pretty tough to find, especially so in high grades.
Referred to as "Exhibits" as they were issued by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago IL, these postcard-size cards were sold for 1 penny in vending machines. There are two Ted
Williams cards; one features Williams swinging and this one pictures him in his batting stance with his number "9" showing. This is a very tough card to find. The other Williams Exhibit
is much easier to acquire and is a real bargain for those wanting a vintage Ted Williams card. The more common Williams Exhibit (#9 not showing; swinging) lists for $35 in NM
condition (expect to pay a bit more), while this one (#9 showing; batting stance) lists for $375 in the same condition.
Williams cards; one features Williams swinging and this one pictures him in his batting stance with his number "9" showing. This is a very tough card to find. The other Williams Exhibit
is much easier to acquire and is a real bargain for those wanting a vintage Ted Williams card. The more common Williams Exhibit (#9 not showing; swinging) lists for $35 in NM
condition (expect to pay a bit more), while this one (#9 showing; batting stance) lists for $375 in the same condition.
Ralph Kiner was pure slugger. He led the National League in home runs his first seven seasons in the big leagues! Check out these home run numbers: 23, 51, 40, 54, 47, 42, 37.
Keep in mind that in those days hitting 20 or more HR's meant you were a slugger. Kiner hit 50 or more home runs TWICE! In only 10 seasons, Ralph Kiner hit 369 home runs,
numbers that put this slugger in Baseball's Hall of Fame.
Keep in mind that in those days hitting 20 or more HR's meant you were a slugger. Kiner hit 50 or more home runs TWICE! In only 10 seasons, Ralph Kiner hit 369 home runs,
numbers that put this slugger in Baseball's Hall of Fame.
1971 Topps #230 Willie Stargell
1960 Post Mickey Mantle (cut from cereal box)
In 1960, Post cereal issued large "framed" pictures of sports stars on the backs of their cereal boxes. Included were Frank Gifford, Johnny Unitas, Bob Cousy, Bob Pettit, Don
Drysdale, Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Ed Mathews, and Mickey Mantle. I am sure many were taped or pinned to kid's walls as there are not too many examples out there. Period.
Very scarce issue today. They must have been on to something as Post began issuing (200) card sets the following year, from 1961 through 1963.
Drysdale, Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Ed Mathews, and Mickey Mantle. I am sure many were taped or pinned to kid's walls as there are not too many examples out there. Period.
Very scarce issue today. They must have been on to something as Post began issuing (200) card sets the following year, from 1961 through 1963.
Wilver Dornel Stargell, or Willie Stargell played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1962 to 1982. He batted .282 lifetime, with 475 Home Runs and 1,540 RBIs. Over a 162 game
schedule, Willie averaged 33 HRs and 106 RBIs per season. Stargell led the NL in Home Runs twice, in 1971 (48) and 1973 (44). Fifteen times in his career he hit 20 or more home
runs. Twice he hit home runs completely out of Dodger Stadium; this was when Dodger Stadium was considered a "pitcher friendly" park. In 1979 Willie shared the NL MVP Award
with Keith Hernandez. Stargell, or "Pops" as he was affectionately called, batted .281 and swatted 32 home runs in only 424 at-bats in leading the Bucs to the World Series. In the
'79 World Series vs. the Baltimore Orioles, Stargell batted .455 with 12 hits, 4 doubles, 3 HRs, and 7 RBIs. The Pirates won the Series in 7 games with "Pops" leading the way. Willie
Stargell was voted into the Hall Of Fame in 1987. Sadly, Willie Stargell passed away on April 9, 2001. He was only 61 years old. I remember seeing Stargell play, especially in that
1979 World Series and I will always remember him as a leader (there was no doubt he was the leader of that team), fun guy, and just one of those players who seemed to enjoy
playing. I wish we could see that more in today's players but now it is more of a business and it is too serious. Maybe it came to him later in his career, but that is what I remember
about Willie Stargell. Rest in peace, Pops.
schedule, Willie averaged 33 HRs and 106 RBIs per season. Stargell led the NL in Home Runs twice, in 1971 (48) and 1973 (44). Fifteen times in his career he hit 20 or more home
runs. Twice he hit home runs completely out of Dodger Stadium; this was when Dodger Stadium was considered a "pitcher friendly" park. In 1979 Willie shared the NL MVP Award
with Keith Hernandez. Stargell, or "Pops" as he was affectionately called, batted .281 and swatted 32 home runs in only 424 at-bats in leading the Bucs to the World Series. In the
'79 World Series vs. the Baltimore Orioles, Stargell batted .455 with 12 hits, 4 doubles, 3 HRs, and 7 RBIs. The Pirates won the Series in 7 games with "Pops" leading the way. Willie
Stargell was voted into the Hall Of Fame in 1987. Sadly, Willie Stargell passed away on April 9, 2001. He was only 61 years old. I remember seeing Stargell play, especially in that
1979 World Series and I will always remember him as a leader (there was no doubt he was the leader of that team), fun guy, and just one of those players who seemed to enjoy
playing. I wish we could see that more in today's players but now it is more of a business and it is too serious. Maybe it came to him later in his career, but that is what I remember
about Willie Stargell. Rest in peace, Pops.
1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris
1962 Topps #318 The Switch Hitter Connects (Mickey Mantle In-Action)
Everyone remembers Roger Maris as the (Steroid Free) single season HR champ with the 61 home runs in 1961. The previous season, Roger had finished 2nd in
the AL HR race with 39 (behind Mantle, 40). In 1963, while considered "flop of the year" by the media, Maris connected for "only" 33 home runs. He had 100 RBI's for
the 3rd consecutive year. In only 12 seasons, Maris bashed 275 HR's. That equates to 22.9 home runs a season. Not bad considering Maris played most of his career
in the pitching dominant 1960's. Maris also hit 6 career World Series home runs!
This 1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris is his last card as an active player, featuring him as a member of the NL Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Maris retired after the
1968 World Series.
the AL HR race with 39 (behind Mantle, 40). In 1963, while considered "flop of the year" by the media, Maris connected for "only" 33 home runs. He had 100 RBI's for
the 3rd consecutive year. In only 12 seasons, Maris bashed 275 HR's. That equates to 22.9 home runs a season. Not bad considering Maris played most of his career
in the pitching dominant 1960's. Maris also hit 6 career World Series home runs!
This 1968 Topps #330 Roger Maris is his last card as an active player, featuring him as a member of the NL Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Maris retired after the
1968 World Series.