What are your 10 favorite vintage cards of all-time?

[the 'stache]

I am sure that at some point in Net 54's history there has been a discussion about everybody's favorite vintage cards. But I have been unable to locate such a discussion while searching on Google. I found a similar topic asking for everybody's five favorite cards, but that was on the pre-war side. So, I figured what the heck. Let's do one now.

Just so everybody is on the same page, we'll define the vintage era as starting with World War II (the war began with Germany invading Poland on September 1, 1939), and ending in 1979. So, any cards from 1939 up to and including 1979.

Pictures are not required, but they will be enjoyed!

Let's have some fun! Now excuse me while I rack my brain trying to narrow down my list to only ten cards. :p

[MattyC]

Wow. So many amazing cards and just 10 to pick. Here's the 10 I like for different reasons...

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/15021/1948-leaf-satchel-paige-sp-rc

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/11512/1951-bowman-mickey-mantle-rc

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/16755/1952-topps-mickey-mantle

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/18013/1953-bowman-mickey-mantle

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/14737/1954-wilson-franks-ted-williams

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/17325/1963-topps-pete-rose-rc

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/14661/1968-topps-ryankoosman-rc

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/13708/1975-topps-george-brett-rc

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/18167/1941-play-ball-joe-dimaggio

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/17252/1951-bowman-willie-mays-rc

[the 'stache]

Beautiful cards, and very nice selections. It's hard to narrow it down to 10, isn't it? I'm having a terrible time with it. I want to keep a maximum of one card per player so I leave out as few players as possible. As much as I love the '52 Topps Mantle, I like the '53 Bowman more, and I just can't have two from the Mick if it means excluding somebody else.

01. 1953 Bowman Color Stan Musial
02. 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio
03. 1958 Topps Roberto Clemente
04. 1975 Topps Robin Yount
05. 1954 Topps Hank Aaron
06. 1951 Bowman Ted Williams
07. 1953 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle
08. 1971 Topps Thurman Munson
09. 1963 Fleer Sandy Koufax
10. 1953 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese

[Hammerin'Hank]

Great topic ! All collectors have unique taste and favorites.

This list is not in order. I don't know how you put them in order. As you can see I love the 50's stuff.

Hank Aaron 1954 Johnston Cookies
Hank Aaron 1954 Topps
Stan Musial 1953 Bowman Color
Mickey Mantle 1953 Bowman Color
Ted Williams 1948 Leaf
Mantle / Aaron WS 1957 Topps
Pete Rose 1964 Topps (Don't know why but I love this card)
Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey
Joe DiMaggio 1939 Play Ball
Lou Gehrig 1934 Goudey

Love those 50's Red Man cards too. The 53 Bowman Color Yogi Berra was tough for me to leave off but I could not list 3 cards in 1 set.

[kailes2872]

1.) 56 Jackie Robinson
2.) 57 Clemente
3.) 54 Aaron
4.) 54 Williams 250
5.) 41 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio
6.) 68 Manager's Dream
7.) 76 Johnny Bench
8.) 78 Reggie Jackson
9.) 65 Willie Mays (to get double credit w/68)
10.) 56 Mantle

[ALR-bishop]

http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/P1010074.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/mossi-1.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img057.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img078.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img126.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img022-1.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img174.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img159-1.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/img370_zps09265d37.jpg
http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj555/Bishop539/62a69c36-e2a6-43a7-b37b-12eab55ca7a4_zps3e887962.jpg

[MattyC]

Great topic ! All collectors have unique taste and favorites.

This list is not in order. I don't know how you put them in order. As you can see I love the 50's stuff.

Hank Aaron 1954 Johnston Cookies
Hank Aaron 1954 Topps
Stan Musial 1953 Bowman Color
Mickey Mantle 1953 Bowman Color
Ted Williams 1948 Leaf
Mantle / Aaron WS 1957 Topps
Pete Rose 1964 Topps (Don't know why but I love this card)
Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey
Joe DiMaggio 1939 Play Ball
Lou Gehrig 1934 Goudey

Love those 50's Red Man cards too. The 53 Bowman Color Yogi Berra was tough for me to leave off but I could not list 3 cards in 1 set.

Too funny; I agonized over including the 64 Rose and the Mantle/Aaron card myself. The Gehrigs didn't fit in the OP's range so thankfully that decision was made for us. The 64 Rose also always struck me every time I saw it in a card shop as a kid. Something about that massive trophy?

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/12877/1964-topps-pete-rose

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/mattianc/the-entire-collection/17484/1958-topps-mantleaaron

[brian1961]

Al Richter--- My sincere thanks for taking the time and trouble to load up scans of some powerful nice cards, plus that super rare Mickey Mantle premium plastic portrait. Then again, they're ALL super rare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ya'll sure know how to bowl us over! Thanks for allowing us to peek at some of your swell stuff. :D --Brian Powell

[the 'stache]

Great topic ! All collectors have unique taste and favorites.

This list is not in order. I don't know how you put them in order. As you can see I love the 50's stuff.

Hank Aaron 1954 Johnston Cookies
Hank Aaron 1954 Topps
Stan Musial 1953 Bowman Color
Mickey Mantle 1953 Bowman Color
Ted Williams 1948 Leaf
Mantle / Aaron WS 1957 Topps
Pete Rose 1964 Topps (Don't know why but I love this card)
Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey
Joe DiMaggio 1939 Play Ball
Lou Gehrig 1934 Goudey

Love those 50's Red Man cards too. The 53 Bowman Color Yogi Berra was tough for me to leave off but I could not list 3 cards in 1 set.

Russ, my last cut was a '55 Redman Willie Mays. I love those. The Kiner is awesome, too, as are the Musial and Teddy Ballgame!

Oops. A few of your cards are from before 1939. I'll let you take a mulligan, though. I certainly can't argue with the '34 Goudey Gehrig, especially card #37, which is one of my all-time favorites from any era. I will be adding that one soon, hopefully before the end of the year.

You can pick two other vintage cards, and we'll leave the Bambino and The Iron Horse in for good measure. ;)

[Vintagevault13]

Many of mine have already been mentioned, but I will throw a few of the 70s cards in for some variety:

1. 1954 Topps Aaron
2. 1955 Topps Koufax
3. 1953 Topps Mantle
4. 1952 Topps J. Robinson
5. 1971 Topps Munson
6. 1973 Topps Bench
7. 1974 Topps Seaver
8. 1974 Topps R. Jackson
9. 1974 Topps Ryan
10. 1975 Topps Brett



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[the 'stache]

That World Series batting foes is phenomenal. I love those kinds of cards, like the Buc Blasters (Smokey Burgess, Dick Stuart, Roberto Clemente and Bob Skinner), or the Berra, Bauer & Mantle 1953 Bowman Color. Or the 1963 Topps "Bombers Best", with Tom Tresh, Mick and Bobby Richardson. Or the 1964 "A.L. Bombers" with Roger Maris, Norm Cash, Mickey Mantle and Al Kaline. Then you have your various "Managers' Dream" cards, with Mantle & Mays, or Tony Oliva, Chico Cardenas and Clemente.

Then there are the All Star cards. Oh, how I love the 1961 Sporting News All Star cards. You know, the ones with the picture of your favorite player bursting out of the newspaper. Great stuff!

[Hammerin'Hank]

Too funny; I agonized over including the 64 Rose and the Mantle/Aaron card myself. The Gehrigs didn't fit in the OP's range so thankfully that decision was made for us. The 64 Rose also always struck me every time I saw it in a card shop as a kid. Something about that massive trophy?


You have good taste..........What can I say ?

[Hammerin'Hank]

Russ, my last cut was a '55 Redman Willie Mays. I love those. The Kiner is awesome, too, as are the Musial and Teddy Ballgame!

Oops. A few of your cards are from before 1939. I'll let you take a mulligan, though. I certainly can't argue with the '34 Goudey Gehrig, especially card #37, which is one of my all-time favorites from any era. I will be adding that one soon, hopefully before the end of the year.

You can pick two other vintage cards, and we'll leave the Bambino and The Iron Horse in for good measure. ;)

Love the art work and color on those Red Man cards. My like for them is more as a set then as for an individual card.

My bad on the brain lapse with years.

Now to narrow it down to just 2 more:

1948 Bowman Stan Musial
1957 Topps Roberto Clemente

Had to go with 2 classic head shot photos of HOF's in their youth.

[39special]

1. '53 Topps Satchel Page
2. '56 Topps Ted Williams
3. '64 Topps Pete Rose
4. '58 Topps Rocky Colavito
5. '62 Topps Roger Maris
6. '71 Topps Nolan Ryan
7. '53 Bowman color Pee Wee Reese
8. '65 Topps Frank Robinson
9. '53 Topps Jackie Robinson
10. '56 Topps Sandy Koufax

[SmokyBurgess]

#1: 1953 Topps Satchel Paige

#2-10: who can decide....so many possibilities.

[Hammerin'Hank]

1. '53 Topps Satchel Page
2. '56 Topps Ted Williams
3. '64 Topps Pete Rose
4. '58 Topps Rocky Colavito
5. '62 Topps Roger Maris
6. '71 Topps Nolan Ryan
7. '53 Bowman color Pee Wee Reese
8. '65 Topps Frank Robinson
9. '53 Topps Jackie Robinson
10. '56 Topps Sandy Koufax
Nice list !

The '53 Topps Page was hard for me to not to include. Same with the 53 Bowman Color Reese card. I just already had 2 listed from that set.

[39special]

Nice list !

The '53 Topps Page was hard for me to not to include. Same with the 53 Bowman Color Reese card. I just already had 2 listed from that set.

There are a lot I left out.I could do a top 25 list or more!

[Exhibitman]

My favorite post war card:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/dropins/websize/1974%20Aaron%20num1.jpg

A personal favorite I was lucky enough to snap up on a BIN one sleepless early morning [yay insomnia!]:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/collectorshowcase/large/1953%20Bowman%20Marx%20autographed.jpg

My favorite card of my favorite FB player:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/dropins/websize/1962%20Brown.jpg

This epitomizes the 1952 set for me:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/dropins/websize/1952%20Topps%20Robinson.JPG

My favorite card of the Topps Golden Age [1952-56]:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/dropins/websize/1955%20Williams.jpg

An early childhood favorite:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/dropins/websize/1972%20Clemente.jpg

1968 Crack [Argentina] Pele, seemed appropriate for the World Cup:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneous4/websize/1968%20Crack%20Pele.jpg

My favorite Koufax:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneous4/websize/1963%20Topps%20Koufax.jpg

Gotta thrown in the Louisville Lip, from the 1967 Crack Campeones [Argentina] set:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneous2/websize/1967%20Figuritas%20Sport%20Ali.jpg

And finally, my favorite hockey card of my youth:
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneous2/1973%20Mikita.jpg

[JollyElm]

Here's what I wrote when this topic came up in another thread a while back…

http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee404/JollyElm/top10cards_zps13f4b8fb.jpg (http://s1226.photobucket.com/user/JollyElm/media/top10cards_zps13f4b8fb.jpg.html)

My All-Time Top 10 Cards
In no particular order... (All photos are grabs from ebay)
• 1973 Willie Mays - The first card of my idol in the uniform of my beloved Mets.
• 1978 Reggie Jackson - The classic Reg-gie follow through. Awesome!!
• 1972 Willie McCovey - Love the blurry hand. Can't recall another Topps card with that effect.
• 1962 Roger Maris - As a kid I heard of Maris' accomplishment like it was ancient history. Had one of these cards with a hole punch in it squirreled away in my collection.
• 1974 Nolan Ryan - This one needs no explanation. Look at that shot!!
• 1976 Johnny Bench - In a word, "intimidation."
• 1977 Dave Kingman - My absolute favorite player in a great photo.
• 1958 Mantle/Aaron - I wish the Mick was looking at the photographer, but that's just splitting hairs.
• 1965 Casey Stengel - Gesticulating while holding court on the dugout steps. What's not to love?!
• 1972 Bobby Bonds - Look at that grin on his face. It says, "I can't believe I didn't launch that pitch!!"
- See more at: http://s1226.photobucket.com/user/JollyElm/media/top10cards_zps13f4b8fb.jpg.html?sort=4&o=36#sthash.x74kYzs8.dpuf

[MattyC]

Definitely can't sleep on the 52T Jackie or Willie.

The 56 Koufax and Clemente are gorgeous cards.

The 57 portraits like Yogi, Clemente, and Koufax have great charm, too.

I love me some 1959 Frank Robinson. That card gets slept on a ton.

The 1951 and 1953 Color Bowman sets have almost too many beauties to count!

[brewing]

In chronological order. I need the 1st 3.

1952 Topps Mantle
1953 Topps Mays
1954 Bowman T. Williams

These are my mine.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/img001_zps2c6d68f5.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/img001_zps2c6d68f5.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1953BowmanMusial_zps89302eaf.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1953BowmanMusial_zps89302eaf.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Post%20War%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Rookie%20Cards/1954Aaron_zps0ca69611.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Post%20War%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Rookie%20Cards/1954Aaron_zps0ca69611.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1956Mantle_zps9abb60e0.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1956Mantle_zps9abb60e0.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/img002_zps44b780cc.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/img002_zps44b780cc.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1972Clemente_zpsf1446e3c.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1972Clemente_zpsf1446e3c.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1978Jackson_zps8c95d35c.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1978Jackson_zps8c95d35c.jpg.html)

[GasHouseGang]

I don't necessarily own all the cards that I think belong in the top 10. But here are some that I do...

In addition to the five pictured, I would add the 1953 Bowman Mantle, 1958 Topps Mantle/Aaron, 1956 Topps Mantle, 1964 Mays, and 1972 Clemente

[bosoxfan]

I'm also going to pick one card per player which makes it a little easier, somewhat, I think.
In no particular order.....

1947 Exhibits Satchel Paige
1950 Bowman Ted Williams
1951 Bowman Mays
1953 Bowman Mantle
1953 Bowman Musial
1955 Topps Jackie Robinson
1957 Topps Aaron
1957 Topps Snider
1962 Topps Clemente
1967 Topps Rose

Of course I may/will change my mind at any time

[Bestdj777]

I cannot figure out how to post smaller pictures from photobucket, so I'll spare you and just provide a list of the top 12 I own (I could not pick 10):
1. 1951 Mantle Promotional Photo Card
2. 1951* Wheaties Mantle
3. 1952 Topps Mantle
4. 1953 Stahl Meyer Mantle
5. 1954 New York Journal Mantle
6. 1959 Bazooka Mantle
7. Oklahoma Today Mantle
8. 1960 Post Mantle
9. 1960 Topps Mantle/Boyer
10. Red Heart Dog Food Mantle
11. 1968 Nolan Ryan signed rookie
12. 1952 Topps Pafko

[itjclarke]

Great topic Bill, and great opportunity see cards (great ones posted so far!)

Here are the top 10 favs off the top of my head. I'll list them chronologically because it would take me hours to rank them.

1941 Play Ball Williams
148823
1941 Play Ball Dimaggio
148832
1948-49 Leaf Dimaggio
148824
1948-49 Leaf Musial
148825
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
148826
1952 Topps Mantle
148828
1953 Topps Mays
148829
1954 Topps Aaron
148827
1955 Topps Clemente
148830
1972 Topps Clemente (don't have scan, so will include the Clemente group shot... IMO Roberto is probably the photogenic player on his cards ever)
148833

[the 'stache]

Love the Clemente group shot there, Ian. I see the '58 card in there. That is in a constant battle with the '71 card for my favorite from Clemente. There's just something about his batting stance against that yellow background that just stands out for me.

[pawpawdiv9]

Since being the Mantle collector...almost any card of his would be on the list.
I love the 52 i have and the 51 bowman , but i love the 52 Berk Ross, 54 Dan-Dee as well.

Stepping away from Mantle- got to be 54 RC Hank Aaron, Clemente RC
Something i may add to my Rc list...would be a nice Maris RC, or a Jackie (i do like the 52 red background), may add a Koufax RC and a Pafko 52 in later...and maybe add a Nolan Ryan (not sure with those double poses)...heck i like the Cal Ripken o's police card, but not the prices.

[bobsbbcards]

http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1949/1949bowman/49Bowman224Paige.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1953/1953bowmanb&w/53BowmanBW039Stengel.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1953/1953bowman/53Bowman008Rosen.jpg

http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1954/1954wilsonfranks/54WilsonFranksWilliams.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1957/1957topps/57Topps054Valo.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1965/1965topps/65Topps450Howard.jpg

http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1966/1966topps/66Topps580Williams.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1967/1967topps/67Topps560Bunning.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1968/1968topps3d/68Topps3DPerez.jpg

http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1969/1969topps/69Topps095Bench.jpg

[sflayank]

in order

[Bestdj777]

Beautiful cards Larry. That Topps Standup is one of my favorite of the Topps test issues.

[Troy Kirk]

My top 10 has nothing to do with value, I'm a Detroit Tiger fan so all my top 10 picks are Tiger cards, with a slant towards the 1968 Tigers that I grew up with. If you asked me tomorrow, there would probably be some different cards in there, but here's my picks for today.

http://www.moviecard.com/aapics/colavito-62post.jpghttp://www.moviecard.com/aapics/bengalbelters-67t.jpg
http://www.moviecard.com/aapics/fidrych-77kellogg.jpghttp://www.moviecard.com/aapics/kell-51b.jpg
http://www.moviecard.com/aapics/lolich-67t.jpghttp://www.moviecard.com/aapics/northrup-68t.jpg
http://www.moviecard.com/aapics/sain-freepress.jpghttp://www.moviecard.com/aapics/zernial-t59.jpg
http://www.moviecard.com/aapics/tigersteam-67t.jpghttp://www.moviecard.com/aapics/wilson-68bazooka.jpg

[NateMack]

Here is another list, I will keep my list to the Topps and Bowman companies:

1. 1954 Topps Ernie Banks (favorite card of favorite player)
2. 1953 Topps Willie Mays
3. 1954 Topps Hank Aaron
4. 1953 Bowman color Mickey Mantle
5. 1953 Topps Satchell Paige
6. 1958 Topps Roberto Clemente
7. 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
8. 1957 Topps Mantle/Berra #407
9. 1959 Topps all of the Sporting News All Stars
10. 1957 Topps Ted Kluszewski

That went way to quick... I could probably make 10 other lists, each with different cards

[the 'stache]

Nice to see somebody else pick the '58 Topps Clemente, Nate. :D

http://imageshack.com/a/img819/3592/o00t.png

This card gets me every single time I look at it yet. Roberto was not yet Roberto. Though he'd finished third in batting in 1956, 1960 was his breakthrough season. 1961 is when he became a superstar.

I still think Clemente is the most underappreciated star to ever play the game. People give him credit, but generally view him as a step below Ruth, Aaron and Frank Robinson in right field. No way.

From 1960 until 1972, the end of his career, a span of thirteen seasons, he was a .330 hitter that amassed 2,318 hits (most in all of Major League Baseball), a fifteen time All Star (two All Star games in 1960, '61 and '62), and a twelve time Gold Glove Award winner.

[itjclarke]

From 1960 until 1972, the end of his career, a span of thirteen seasons, he was a .330 hitter that amassed 2,318 hits (most in all of Major League Baseball), a fifteen time All Star (two All Star games in 1960, '61 and '62), and a twelve time Gold Glove Award winner.

Add to that, he was hitting/playing during one of the most dominant pitching eras ever.

Even though he died before I was born, Clemente was probably my favorite player growing up... and became my favorite to collect when I really got into cards.

[glynparson]

1. 1953 Bowman Pee Wee Reese
2. 1953 Topps Satchel Paige
3. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
4. 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax
5. 1941 Play Ball Hank Greenberg
6. 1957 Topps Dodger's Sluggers
7. 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
8. 1953 Bowman Gil Hodges
9. 1950 Bowman Yogi Berra
10. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle

[CW]

Really enjoyed reading and seeing everyone's favorites.

edited because I sold a few of these, but I replaced the Jim Thorpe with this one, which I will include along with my favorite Mantle so Bill's post still makes sense. ;)

http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfolderscf/cw/cwcollection/54%20Dan%20Dee%20Mickey%20Mantle.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfolderscf/cw/cwcollection/SGC%2084%20Jim%20Thorpe%20AA.jpg

[the 'stache]

Ok, Chuck, if you're going to add a few non baseball cards, I'm going to do the same, and everybody else can select a couple, too. :D

I'll see your Jim Thorpe, and raise you a Don Hutson.

http://images.collectors.com/smrweb/smr1013/15678872-1955-Topps-All-Ameri-Don-Hutson-GEM-MT-10_sm.jpg

1979 Topps James Lofton (sans the Packer logo).

http://imageshack.com/a/img819/2751/cf3x.png

Finally, most people gush over the Michael Jordan Fleer rookie (can't say I blame them), but this one is a step above, imo. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson on the same rookie card...is exquisite.

http://imageshack.com/a/img837/3038/56i4.png

[CW]

Nice choice on the Hutson, Bill! I agree that's a great football card for a legendary player.

[Gr8Beldini]

[/url]http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjQwWDQ4MA==/z/4tUAAMXQagJTlj7g/$_12.JPG
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-Topps-220-Satchell-Paige-EX-54713-/321418472549?
[/url]http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzczWDUwMA==/z/Y28AAOxykUZTjN-9/$_12.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTUwMFgxMDUw/z/MbMAAOxyoA1RIk~~60/
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMTc4/z/0zYAAOSw8lBTnI90/$_12.JPG
[/url]http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTk1WDQ0Mg==/z/-noAAOxyIv5TkOBb/$_12.JPG
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-TOPPS-BASEBALL-527-CLEON-JONES-METS-NEARMINT-BEAUTY-/111383172144?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item19eef45430#ht_267wt_1224
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mark-Fidrych-1977-Rookie-Reprint-2010-Topps-CYMTO-Insert-CMT145-Tigers-/131214021692?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item1e8cf7143c#ht_164wt_1224
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-TOPPS-SET-BREAK-750-Denny-McLain-SP-EX-/360961544018?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item540afc0f52#ht_633wt_1224
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-TOPPS-JACKIE-ROBINSON-BROOKLYN-DODGERS-BASEBALL-CARD-VERY-COOL-NICE-CARD-/121364689431?pt=Vintage_Sports_Memorabilia&hash=item1c41e63217#ht_158wt_1224

[danski496]

Here's my favs, mostly for personal reasons:
1. 1967 Topps Tom Seaver (year I was born)
2. 1957 Topps Brooks Robinson (dads favorite player)
3. 1973 Mike Schmidt (my favorite player growing up)
4. 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlian (dads favorite player)
5. 1972 Julius Erving (my favorite player growing up)
6. 1948 Topps Magic Chuck Bednarik (dads favorite player)
7. 1976 Topps Randy Gradishar (my favorite player growing up)
8. 1938 Goudey Bob Feller (my first in person autograph and a class act)
9. 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle (just because)
10. 1973 Topps Jack Youngblood (brothers favorite player growing up)

Dan

[BillP]

1. 1967 Yaz
2. 1966 Gaylord Perry
3. 1965 Koufax
4. 1967 Colavito
5. 1966 Choo Choo Coleman
6. 1962 Maris
7. 1967 B Robinson
8. 1965 Rose
9. 1963 Tresh
10. 1966 H Clarke

1963 is my 2nd favorite set. But none of the individual cards. Recently started on the 61 set but only because I won about 300 diff in ex or better condition.
Completed: 63,64,66,67
Partial: 59 ( missing 25), 62 (missing 29), 54 (missing 3)

[paulcarek]

My ten favorite vintage (as defined in the original post) cards, judged purely on aesthetics:

1952 Topps Johnny Mize

1952 Bowman Stan Musial

1951 Bowman Phil Rizzuto

1957 Topps Ted Kluszewski

1958 Topps AS Mickey Mantle

1953 Bowman Allie Reynolds

1950 Bowman Bob Feller

1954 Topps Ed Mathews

1956 Topps Sandy Amoros

1957 Topps Frank Robinson

[bbcard1]

In no particular order:

1971 Johnny Bench
1955 Ted Williams
1967 Brooks Robinson
1953 Bowman Musial
1969 Nolan Ryan
1949 Bowman Paige
1975 Topps Fisk
1961 Yogi Berra
1956 Jackie Robinson
1953 Mantle

[rkrolewicz]

53 Bowman Reese
71 Munson
68 Lonborg Wins Again, Managers Dream, Bird Belters
73 Corrales
55 Clemente
60 The Champs Celebrate, Luis Swipes Base
74 Aaron specials

[Chicosbailbonds]

'63 Brock
'65 Yaz
'70 Ryan
'71 Banks
'56 J Robinson
'56 Clemente
'53 Paige
'57 Dodgers Sluggers
'57 Kluszewski
'65 ERA leaders Koufax/Drysdale

[mrmantlecollector]

Hard to choose only 10 but here's 10 good ones.
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/ted%20williams/IMG-2.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/ted%20williams/IMG-2.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/yogi%20berra/IMG_0001-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/yogi%20berra/IMG_0001-1.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/junk%20file/IMG_0003-2.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/junk%20file/IMG_0003-2.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/sandy%20koufax/IMG_0007-1-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/sandy%20koufax/IMG_0007-1-1.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/roberto%20clemente/IMG-1-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/roberto%20clemente/IMG-1-1.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/ted%20williams/IMG_0045-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/ted%20williams/IMG_0045-1.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/mantle%20collection/IMG_0006-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/mantle%20collection/IMG_0006-1.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/jackie%20robinson/IMG_0014-2.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/jackie%20robinson/IMG_0014-2.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/mantle%20collection/IMG-2-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/mantle%20collection/IMG-2-1.jpg.html)
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/mrmantlecollector/hank%20aaron/IMG_0005-2-1.jpg (http://s765.photobucket.com/user/mrmantlecollector/media/hank%20aaron/IMG_0005-2-1.jpg.html)

[rkrolewicz]

1970 Topps #252 Lowell Palmer (aka Elwood Blues)

[BosseFieldBoy]

Wow, tough one. If we're counting 1941 as post-war, here's my list:

1. 1941 Play Ball DiMaggio
2. 1975 Topps Pete Rose (check out his mutton chops!)
3. 1956 Topps Mantle
4. 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan
5. 1951 Bowman Mantle
6. 1961 Topps Maris
7. 1955 Topps Clemente
8. 1954 Topps Aaron
9. 1963 Topps Pete Rose (floating heads at their best)
10. 1941 Play Ball Ted Williams

[AMBST95]

This is so difficult.

1941 Playball Joe DiMaggio
1949 Leaf Jackie Robinson
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
1953 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese
1956 Topps Roberto Clemente
1957 Topps Ted Kluszewski
1957 Topps Brooks Robinson
1964 Topps Bill Mazeroski
1973 Topps Johnny Bench

[ValKehl]

I'm not posting a list of my 10 favorites because for the last 20-25 years my collecting focus has been mostly on prewar cards. But, I am a bit surprised that no one yet (unless I missed it) has included a 1959 Bazooka card on their list. IMHO, the 1959 Bazooka set is by far the best looking postwar set produced - yeah, even better than the 1953 Bowman & 1952 Topps sets - and, yes, the 1959 Bazooka Mantle is much nicer looking than the 1953 Bowman & 1952 Topps Mantles! I have some of these Bazookas (not a Mantle, regretfully), but I don't have any scans available to post right now. So, I am posting this scan of one of the absolute best looking postwar cards that is not a 1959 Bazooka:

[brian1961]

[QUOTE=ValKehl;1303716]I'm not posting a list of my 10 favorites because for the last 20-25 years my collecting focus has been mostly on prewar cards. But, I am a bit surprised that no one yet (unless I missed it) has included a 1959 Bazooka card on their list. IMHO, the 1959 Bazooka set is by far the best looking postwar set produced - yeah, even better than the 1953 Bowman & 1952 Topps sets - and, yes, the 1959 Bazooka Mantle is much nicer looking than the 1953 Bowman & 1952 Topps Mantles! I have some of these Bazookas (not a Mantle, regretfully), but I don't have any scans available to post

Val, I share your being perplexed that nary a member besides yourself has mentioned a 1959 Bazooka---baseball or football. You know they're fantastic; I know they're fantastic. I might not put the Mantle quite as high as you, but it is certainly grossly underrated. When I attended my first major convention in 1972, I had the privilege of seeing the 1959 Bazooka Mickey Mantle for the first time. I was so amazed at how beautiful it was! Couldn't take my eyes off of it. Stuck around the gentleman's shared table for a while just to gaze at it and burn it into my memory, basking in the enjoyment of seeing this card.

What happened next is recounted in chapter 18 of my hopefully forthcoming book, NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. Forty-two years ago, and I still remember the occasion well. So did the gentleman who owned it, Lionel Carter, who wrote of our experience with his card.

Val, the absence of the Bazookas from a list of favorites may be attributed to other reasons, common and shared by some of us. If you're actively pursuing some cards that are notoriously tough to locate and are "a beauty extraordinaire", you find yourself speaking little to your fellow collectors for fear of unwittingly enticing further competition. Doing so potentially scotches your chances all the more of hunting down your prized game/trophy card.

Without trying to come off as a smart alec, it also takes a certain combination of intelligence and good taste to recognize where to place such cards on the echelon of hobby importance, and of course value. Many of our fellow collectors peacefully enjoy the merits of the mainstream. That's great for them and I love those cards as well. But you and I both have come to know some of the more harder to get, attractive, and condition rarities reside at the bottom of the Loch Ness, so to speak. So many of them are a monsters to find!!!!!!!!!!!!!;)

Have a swell day. --Brian Powell

P.S. Your Hires Test Willie Mays is a beaut! What a wonderful smile on Say Hey. Sometimes he was not wearing it when his card photo was snapped (61 Topps, 59 Bazooka, 54 Stahl-Meyer, 52 Topps)

[bobsbbcards]

Many of our fellow collectors peacefully enjoy the merits of the mainstream.

Not sure how Larry or Al's test issues qualify as the mainstream, and I chose my picks because I like them (more than the Bazookas, although if we were talking football cards, I would have picked the '59 Bazooka Gifford).

http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaAaron.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaAshburn.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaBanks.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaBoyer.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaCepeda.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaCerv.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaColavito.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaCrandall.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaDavenport.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaDrysdale.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaFox.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaJensen.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaKuenn.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaMantle.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaMays.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaMazeroski.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaMcMillan.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaPierce.jpg

[bobsbbcards]

http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaSievers.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaSnider.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaTriandos.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaTurley.jpg http://www.bobsbbcards.com/images/baseball/1959/1959bazooka/59BazookaWertz.jpg

[brian1961]

I was by no means implying that Larry and Al's test issues were mainstream. I would never classify a test issue as mainstream. As we all know, Topps, the "mainstream" trading card company of the postwar, produced and printed a variety of test products whose print runs were micro-minuscule. These could never fit the mainstream category, though produced as they were by the mainstream company. Honestly, I'm puzzled you would derive such an implication from what I said.

OK, when I express the concept of "MAINSTREAM", I refer to items than are essentially penny apiece gum cards that were printed in large quantities at the time they were made, AND could be purchased cheaply for that one cent each, and were readily available to kids at various easily accessible outlets.

Sure, we can make somewhat of an exception to Topps' seventh series, but by and large the same was true. It's just that by the time the seventh series was printed and made available, grocers, druggists, etc. did not seem to order very many boxes. In some instances, just one box. Some even skipped the last series and went right into offering football.

Sure meant not to cause consternation here. Your taking the time to scan for us the 1959 Bazooka set is appreciated. I only own one card of those, and its AUTHENTIC, so I have nothing to crow about, but that's not my style anyway.

Thanks again, Bob. Cheers. ---Brian Powell

[bobsbbcards]

Without trying to come off as a smart alec, it also takes a certain combination of intelligence and good taste to recognize where to place such cards on the echelon of hobby importance, and of course value. Many of our fellow collectors peacefully enjoy the merits of the mainstream. That's great for them and I love those cards as well. But you and I both have come to know some of the more harder to get, attractive, and condition rarities reside at the bottom of the Loch Ness, so to speak. So many of them are a monsters to find!!!!!!!!!!!!!;)
Not trying to belabor the point (okay, maybe a little), but the above paragraph just struck me the wrong way. The implication, intended or not, is that those who don't recognize where to place such cards in the echelon of hobby importance lack a certain combination of intelligence and good taste. I'm sure you didn't mean it to sound condescending, but it did. I'll add a smiley face here to show that I'm happy and that I like you. Here it comes. :)

[brian1961]

Hi Bob. Thanks for the smiley face. After what I'm about to say, you probably won't like me anymore, but I must confess you took that paragraph pretty much as I meant it. I was not trying to express that collectors "who don't collect as I do" have little intelligence or good taste. I mean, collecting mainstream vintage Topps are great cards, period. Done in good taste, absolutely. I mean that in all sincerity, no buts about it. In today's graded card world, the mainstream will suck up every cent a collector has to spend. I suppose it's just that some of us want more of a challenge that we also find visually appealing.

Let's use your gorgeous '59 Bazooka baseball set that you so thoughtfully displayed for us. These kind of cards require a fair amount of cognitive deduction to reason out all the qualities that represent these sets. Understanding and appreciating "the complete package" has led me and more than a few others to regard them among the postwar gems of the hobby, set apart from the norm.

When I said that most collectors focus on the mainstream, I was not at all likening that to wallowing in the mud. Mainstream cards are the foundation of our hobby, where myself, probably yourself, and most other collectors as kids have many cherished memories of collecting them. Where would we be without gum cards?

So what am I dealing with, then?

Repeat, it's NOT that most collectors lack the intelligence to understand and appreciate the various facets of these post-war gems. What I am saying is that most collectors are pretty much oblivious to those sorts of aspects. It's not something that occurs to them to ponder over. They simply just collect the items, admire the players' pictures, check the various price guides to see what their holdings are worth, and leave it at that. They don't seem to care (indifferent? apathetic?) about learning more about these cards, coins, etc. As such, these collectors are content to have scratched the surface. To them, if you've got the cards that's the main thing, and they're right. Perhaps I'm very mistaken; maybe most collectors would really get into knowing all the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW. Just getting on the computer will not tell them everything they want to know. That has frustrated a lot of researchers, as they expect instant gratification from going to web sites they think should tell them all this information. They'll get some, of course; I certainly did in researching parts of my book.

OK. Let's go back to your beautiful 1959 Bazookas. The hobby has recognized the importance of the '59 Bazookas since the year they were issued, I dare say. My point--when Beckett first listed the Bazookas in his price guides; not sure if it was in the inaugural guide of '79, but definitely by '81, the value of a common in VG-EX was $35. Whereas, the value of a '59 Topps common in VG-EX ranged, depending upon the series, from 20, 24, and 85 cents.

Not to incur your wrath, which may already have erupted, but WHY the stark difference in the two?

Where I work, we are attempting to reach a certain quality status I believe is called ISO 9000. When a mistake is made at work, the supervisor has to fill out the dreaded "5 Whys?" sheet. The purpose of the five whys is to get to the bottom of the problem and figure out how to rectify the issue so it won't happen again.

Well, it is an interesting cognitive exercise to apply the 5 whys to a given sport trading card set. Believe you me, when you start getting to the third, fourth, and fifth why, it gets really fascinating. So fascinating that many of those answers are what I brought to my book's subjects on postwar regional / food issues.

Most collectors are content with the merits of the mainstream, and there is enough of a challenge inherent in many of them, particularly if they have a scarce seventh series, or in the case of the '63 and '69 Topps, a series in mid-year that seems to have been virtually short-printed.

But Bob, some of us found the allure and attraction of cards that were much more challenging, and beautiful as well. I was that way even as a little kid. I played with my Tonka toys, then had a few dime store Tootsie Toys. But at age 4, while shopping with my mother at Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co. I saw a display of the gorgeous Dinky Toys imported from Great Britain. Instantly I was hooked. The eye-appealing, not as easily attained, has always marked my life. I had my dime store toy soldiers---but then I got a MARX Battle of Gettysburg play set, along with two large groups of Marx Warriors of the World. They both put dime store soldiers to shame. And no, this wasn't last week; it was Christmas of '62. I remember it very well. In a year or two, I was privileged to get some of the higher quality Britains Toy soldiers and field guns.

I could go on and on. I'm sure you think I've gone much much too far.

In short, I collected the Topps and other mainstream cards of various sports as a kid and teen and loved them dearly, but the tricky, difficult to collect, and gorgeous stuff (several key hobby people labeled them "esoteric" in the 80s; after looking the word up and thinking about it, it seemed a most apropos label) was the bull's eye I was aiming for when I entered the adult hobby in 1972, ALONG with some badly wanted mainstream cards. I was glad, and very glad, most collectors wanted just the gum cards; LESS COMPETITION FOR ME!!!!:D

If you still hate me now and want to remove your smiling face, you go right ahead. ---Brian Powell

[brewing]

In chronological order. I need the 1st 3.

1952 Topps Mantle
1953 Topps Mays
1954 Bowman T. Williams

These are my mine.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/img001_zps2c6d68f5.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/img001_zps2c6d68f5.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1953BowmanMusial_zps89302eaf.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1953BowmanMusial_zps89302eaf.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Post%20War%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Rookie%20Cards/1954Aaron_zps0ca69611.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Post%20War%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Rookie%20Cards/1954Aaron_zps0ca69611.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1956Mantle_zps9abb60e0.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1956Mantle_zps9abb60e0.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/img002_zps44b780cc.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/img002_zps44b780cc.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1972Clemente_zpsf1446e3c.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1972Clemente_zpsf1446e3c.jpg.html)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Random%20Stuff/1978Jackson_zps8c95d35c.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Random%20Stuff/1978Jackson_zps8c95d35c.jpg.html)

It's been a little over a year. But I finally have all 10 cards on my list and upgraded the Aaron. Re-thinking the Robinson though. Does anyone have any changes?

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Best%20of%20Topps/5220Mantle20PSA20a202_zpsd1ex24v5.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Best%20of%20Topps/5220Mantle20PSA20a202_zpsd1ex24v5.jpg.html)

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Best%20of%20Topps/195320Mays_zps9zwnzien.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Best%20of%20Topps/195320Mays_zps9zwnzien.jpg.html)

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Best%20of%20Topps/195420Bowman20Williams_zpsn8wfk4gc.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Best%20of%20Topps/195420Bowman20Williams_zpsn8wfk4gc.jpg.html)

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k41/classicml/Best%20of%20Topps/195720Aaron_zpsrccywm3w.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/classicml/media/Best%20of%20Topps/195720Aaron_zpsrccywm3w.jpg.html)

[campyfan39]

1956 Mantle
1953 Campanella
1953 Mantle
1956 Clemente
1958 Mantle
1954 Williams #1
1975 Brett
1954 Ford
1956 Aparichio
1962 Mantle

[SAllen2556]

I think the '72 Clemente is my all-time favorite postwar baseball card. The rest, based on artistic appeal and, of course, nastalgia:
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz32/sallen2556/baseball%20cards/cards_zpsvnnstfx0.jpg

[ALR-bishop]

Just caught up with thread after a long time. Had never read Brian's comments. Now I feel all muddy. I hope to someday grow up to be a real sophisticated collector too. In the meantime I adopt Bob's smiley face :)

Edited-- weird to get exercised over something over a year old

[rats60]

1941 Playball Ted Williams
1941 Playball Joe DiMaggio
1953 Topps Willie Mays
1953 Bowman Pee Wee Reese
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
1955 Topps Sandy Koufax
1956 Topps Roberto Clemente
1965 Topps Sandy Koufax
1967 Topps Bill Mazeroski
1967 Topps Stand Up Roberto Clemente

[rgpete]

A mix to hard to pick

[pokerplyr80]

My top ten are:

52 Topps Mantle
68 Topps Ryan
53 Bowman Reese
51 Bowman Mantle
58 Topps Aaron/Mantle
41 Play Ball Dimaggio
48 Leaf Robinson
70 Topps Ryan
55 Topps Clemente
53 Topps Mantle

If the period included the 80s the 89 Upper Deck Griffey would be #3 on this list. RCs have always been my favorites, which is why there are so many on this list. And I think the 53 Bowman Reese is the coolest looking vintage card ever made.

[ALR-bishop]

Ron-- who is the player on deck in the Ted Williams card ?

[MCoxon]

My Favorites

Honestly, trying to add a few new ones to the thread as well

1. 1966 Topps Willie Mays
2. 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle
3. 1957 Topps Hank Aaron
4. 1971 Topps Thurman Munson
5. 1970 Kellogg's Roberto Clemente
6. 1958 Topps Roger Maris
7. 1967 Topps Rocky Colavito
8. 1974 Topps Tom Seaver
9. 1971 Topps Vada Pinson
10. 1961 Morrell Meats Sandy Koufax

[MCoxon]

#1: 1953 Topps Satchel Paige

#2-10: who can decide....so many possibilities.


I have to say, I sort of agree with this. (my top 10 notwithstanding). I love this one for

1) the mixture of photo/picture
2) the fact that it's his sole Topps card
3) he's a on-field and off-field legend
4) I'm from Cleveland and in 1948 he went 6-1 down the stretch to win the pennant, and he drew the largest baseball crowds to that time to a baseball game (a doubleheader with the Yankees, upper 70Ks attendance)
5) It's an uncorrected error card
6) It portrays a now-defunct team (the Browns, though I know they moved)

[rgpete]

Ron-- who is the player on deck in the Ted Williams card ?

It could be anybody from the 1942 roster, pick one from the box scores from the internet, since the card was issued in 1943. That's funny you should ask the player is generic with no likeness to Ted Williams as you can see, so is the on deck player. I like the card because it was one of the few from the WW II years and Ted Williams a Veteran

[ALR-bishop]

My next questions were going to be who was batting and where was Ted Williams :)

Topps did not do much better with the 65 embossed or 68 Plak offerings

[rgpete]

My next questions were going to be who was batting and where was Ted Williams :)

Topps did not do much better with the 65 embossed or 68 Plak offerings

Ted Williams is batting. The larger generic player coincides with the name on the card, are you familiar with the 1943 MP&Co R 302-1

[ALR-bishop]

It's ok Ron, I get it.

[egri]

#1-5: the Topps Ted Williams base cards from 1954-57. I've just always thought the Teddy Ballgame cards from then came out a cut above the rest of the set.

#6: 1949 Bowman Bobby Doerr. First vintage card I ever owned. I remember saving up my allowance for about three months to buy it.

#7: 1953 Topps Warren Spahn. The last card to show him as a Boston Brave.

#8: 1953 Topps Wayne Terwilliger. How can you not love a guy with that last name? If you haven't looked up his war record, it's well worth your time, especially if you're a history nut like me.

#9-11: 1941 Play Ball Bobby Doerr, Ted Williams and Dom Dimaggio. The Teammates (minus Johnny Pesky). 'Nuff ced.

[rgpete]

It's ok Ron, I get it.
You finally got it

[ALR-bishop]

Glad one of us did

[rgpete]

Glad one of us did
I'm glad you did. I did it along time ago

[MikeGarcia]

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/2042957/view/1957AARONTHIRDTRY_NEW.JPG

... I figured a lot of the entries would be Aaron cards...this is the one I can't stop looking at whenever I'm playing with my Beckett-Graded '57's.

..Subgrades are : 9 , 8 , 7.5 , 8.5 ......my scanner doesn't dole true justice to Beckett-slabbed cards.

..

[Shortstopguy12]

By far the most exciting card in baseball history (to me), is the 1916 ZEENUT Jimmy Claxton card. First ever African-American featured on a baseball card, with a cool story on how it all happened. What makes this extra special to me is that he was born and raised in a small mining town which is the same place that I live in BC, Canada. I would love to own a copy of this card, but the high price tag may keep it from ever happening. If you do not know the story, here is a neat article:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100219&content_id=8100362&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb

Edit- I cheated and mis read the OP.. clearly this card does not fit into the designated time period... I refuse to delete my comment though as the card is too awesome.