Lou Gehrig underrated?

[zsk]

I’m trying to determine which Lou to chase and it made me wonder why there isn’t much talk of him on the board or in BST. Growing up, I always thought he was one of the faces of “old time baseball”. Wondering if anyone else thought the same and why.

Of course since I’m on the prowl for a Lou let’s hear your favorites!

[jakebeckleyoldeagleeye]

My Favorite is the 1934 Goudey #61. Also McFarlane did a great job on those figures of him some years ago.

[todeen]

I believe the answer, as determined by others, is lack of stock. He just didn't appear on very much compared to Ruth, Cobb, and others.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210113/28f35d7353e21f8a9e1cc1dcdf27ea9c.jpg

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[Snapolit1]

Gehrig is one of the 10 best baseball players of all time. No argument. And many board members, myself included, collect his cards and other stuff. Gehrig wasn't a big larger than life bombastic blowhard like, well, Ruth. He was Larry Bird, not Mr. Jordan. Pete Sampras to John McEnroe. For those of us who love Gehrig it was his quiet class and low key demeanor in the face of horrible tragedy that catapults him to the front of the line of baseball iconography. But to some collectors nearly a century later that might not translate into the same rarefied air as, say Eddie Plank. I joke .....
There are many Gehrig collectors on the board.

If you can ever afford it, get a Gehrig DeLong. Now that's card. . . .

[Exhibitman]

I like one that shows the man's personality

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/interestingexhibitcards/websize/Copy%20of%20Gehrig%20portrait.jpg

And as long as we are talking Lou Gehrig:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/boxingpremiums/websize/1930s%20McGovern%20Gym%20premium%20with%20Dempsey% 20and%20Gehrig.jpg

[Cooper1927]

My first born is named Henry for his first name and Louis for his middle name. I was able to pick this up when it was a lot cheaper about 7 years ago. It pairs nicely with the 33 Gehrig my wife got me.

Gehrig to me was a tragic hero. He had all the gifts, but was humble throughout and unfortunately flared out way too early in life. Some people are too good for the world and have to leave a bit earlier than others. We could learn a lot from him today - humble, work ethic, positive demeanor, was not cowed by the spotlight of another.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210113/266bcd60db720caa8241010b26ca8716.jpg


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[sforaker]

Here is Conlon’s original type 1 photo used for great exhibit card that Adam posted.

[sforaker]

...and here is the Delong.

[Jobu]

Wow - what a photo!

Here is Conlon’s original type 1 photo used for great exhibit card that Adam posted.

[G1911]

I don't think there is a more well-known and recognized historical first baseman, so he's not underrated as a player. I think he gets less hobby love because he appears in few popular mainstream sets, his rookie is an Exhibit issued over several years in an odd size, and if you are going for one player from his era, 99% will choose Ruth, who deserves greater rating than Gehrig any way you look at the numbers.

[Casey2296]

Gehrig>Ruth.
His stoic working man values have always appealed to me more than the Ruth lifestyle. My first pre war card as a kid was a 33 Goudey Gehrig #92, I still have that card today, I only wish I would have realized how special the 34 Goudey #37 card is and picked one up before the cost exceeded that of selling a kidney on the human organ black market.

[Yoda]

Gehrig's relationship with Ruth couldn't have been easy.

[riggs336]

Here's Lou in a (barely) post-war card.

[Huysmans]

Gehrig>Ruth.
His stoic working man values have always appealed to me more than the Ruth lifestyle. My first pre war card as a kid was a 33 Goudey Gehrig #92, I still have that card today, I only wish I would have realized how special the 34 Goudey #37 card is and picked one up before the cost exceeded that of selling a kidney on the human organ black market.

That's an interesting take. For myself and I'm guessing others, Ruth is so much more enamored because not only was he a better ball player than Gehrig, he had, well... a seemingly much better personality. Gehrig from what I know, while congenial and a decent man.... was also boring.

Ruth's "lifestyle" and child-like demeanor is what attracts people. He's the prototypical example of a normal and regular human being with faults that was able to achieve greatness.... a perfect example of traditional American exceptionalism.

.... as Mr. Joel once stated... I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints...
The sinners are much more fun.

[BabyRuth]

Some Gehrigs that don't show up everyday.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Many of the same things could be said about another 1930's all-time great first sacker, Jimmie Foxx. Hank Greenberg was up there in that same vicinity as well. Quite an era for first basemen in American League history.

[Seven]

Gehrig Suffers from a few things. One being overshadowed by the Babe, Two not having many issues and three, tragically coming down with ALS and having his career derailed. It's consensus that he's the greatest 1st baseman ever. The ALS started affecting him around 1935, when he was still a relatively young 35 years old. Had this not been the case, his counting numbers would have been more impressive. 600 Home Runs and 3000 Hits most likely.

His cards are great, I eventually want to own a few of his issues, they're just unfortunately very pricey. Hopefully one day.

[todeen]

Many of the same things could be said about another 1930's all-time great first sacker, Jimmie Foxx. Hank Greenberg was up there in that same vicinity as well. Quite an era for first basemen in American League history.

If I had the money to collect these three I would. 1930s were a great time!

[todeen]

And as long as we are talking Lou Gehrig:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/boxingpremiums/websize/1930s%20McGovern%20Gym%20premium%20with%20Dempsey% 20and%20Gehrig.jpg

I always enjoy seeing your boxing items. Great collection piece.

[Snapolit1]

There a good handful of photos with Gehrig bouncing some baby or little kid on his lap. Always strike me as so sad, as one more thing Lou and his wife didn't get to experience. He always has a huge grin on in the photos I've seen of him with kids.

[brianp-beme]

Plenty of great Lou Gehrig cards, but this one in my opinion is not one of them...for some reason Lou's goofy grin in this image has contorted his face into a grotesque mask, and the card kinda scares the bejeebers out of me.

Brian (not my W590 card, thankfully)

[Snapolit1]

Ha. I love this card but agree something is off. His ears are too pointy. A littler weird. I have what I think is the original photo used for this card. Will post it.


Plenty of great Lou Gehrig cards, but this one in my opinion is not one of them...for some reason Lou's goofy grin in this image has contorted his face into a grotesque mask, and the card kinda scares the bejeebers out of me.

Brian (not my W590 card, thankfully)

[Snapolit1]

Here's the original photo.

[JeremyW]

Here's the original photo.

Steve- Great photo. Here's a photo that I picked up from a board member. I love it.

[Snapolit1]

Steve- Great photo. Here's a photo that I picked up from a board member. I love it.

That's real nice.

[brianp-beme]

Here's the original photo.

Stop scaring me Steve! Actually, the original is not quite as bad (and I can look at without running to hide under the bed).

Brian

[ezez420]

Mine;)


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[Snapolit1]

Does look a little flying money-ish, Wizard of Oz, no?


Stop scaring me Steve! Actually, the original is not quite as bad (and I can look at without running to hide under the bed).

Brian

[glchen]

Another avid Gehrig collector here

[brianp-beme]

Another avid Gehrig collector here

Here's what a 1926-29 Exhibits Gehrig would look like in nicely trimmed silhouette form.

Brian

[Exhibitman]

That one cracks me up every time, Brian. I used to have a Darby Chocolates card cut like that (Chief Meyers).

[Exhibitman]

Another avid Gehrig collector here

Those are really nice, Gary. I think I might've owned the one with the pinhole in it...soooo tough in any condition.

[Jcosta19]

I personally like the 34 Goudey yellow the best but still need one myself.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210113/67d91cfc9c17b01da7321b4e075e794e.jpg

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[Exhibitman]

Here are two fun ones:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneous5/websize/1964%20Penafiel%20Gehrig_1.jpg

1964 Penafiel. A Mexican soda set. Really rare and usually found thrashed from album removal.

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/miscellaneous5/websize/Coney%20Island%20Arcade%20Gehrig.jpg

Coney Island Arcade. Made for the arcade in the 1950s-early 1970s for use in old card machines, probably Mutoscopes based on the size. I've only seen two of them, this one and a blue tint version on page 43 of the book Cowboy Hero Arcade Cards.

[robw1959]

During one of those mid-twenties seasons, Gehrig produced 302 runs in 155 games, using the formula of total runs + rbi - home runs. That's nearly two runs per game! Nobody else has even come close to that production over the course of a single season - not even Ruth.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Define Close.

Hack Wilson - 1930: 281
Hank Greenberg -1937: 281

Best two seasons besides Gehrig I could think of, both roughly 7% lower.

[brianp-beme]

That one cracks me up every time, Brian. I used to have a Darby Chocolates card cut like that (Chief Meyers).

It makes me smile too. The cutter did such a nice job on Lou. In the same group that I picked up Lou I also had Cobb and Ruth Exhibits that were cut similarly, but I liked the Gehrig pose the most, so I let go Ty and Babe.

Brian

[todeen]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210113/67d91cfc9c17b01da7321b4e075e794e.jpg


I've told you before, but I like how that Wheaties looks in that frame. It makes it look extra special. I need to pick up that fielding pose to go along with the batting pose.

A member on this site has a Wheaties single serving of Gehrig. That was a cool card. It is post #16 in the thread below:
https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=274645&highlight=wheaties

[wazir of wham]

This is from the 1955 Standard School of Broadcast book of Famous Americans.

[BeanTown]

How can you not love Gehrig in any color.

[t206fanatic]

I agree that Lou is underrated as far as prewar stars go. I have three of his cards, the '34 #37 being one of my favorite cards all time.

[One 'ol Cat]

I like one that shows the man's personality

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/interestingexhibitcards/websize/Copy%20of%20Gehrig%20portrait.jpg

And as long as we are talking Lou Gehrig:

https://photos.imageevent.com/exhibitman/boxingpremiums/websize/1930s%20McGovern%20Gym%20premium%20with%20Dempsey% 20and%20Gehrig.jpg

'Larrupin' Lou Gehrig. I don't even think that it is a word. I have never heard the word "Larrupin" in any other context. Sort of like "unmitigated gall".

[ullmandds]

I picked up this binder beauty recently to go with my 2 34 goudeys.

[68Hawk]

Plenty of great Lou Gehrig cards, but this one in my opinion is not one of them...for some reason Lou's goofy grin in this image has contorted his face into a grotesque mask, and the card kinda scares the bejeebers out of me.

Brian (not my W590 card, thankfully)

Wow, that's a first for mine.
Posting a card and belittling it in a tribute thread.

It's actually my favourite, and I own one.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ad12/flinchfree/sports%20cards%20and%20memorabilia/25W590Gehrig.jpg

[brianp-beme]

Wow, that's a first for mine.
Posting a card and belittling it in a tribute thread.

It's actually my favourite, and I own one.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ad12/flinchfree/sports%20cards%20and%20memorabilia/25W590Gehrig.jpg

Your card doesn't have such dark areas around the eyes and mouth as seen in the one I found on the internet, and without this darkness the card appears much more attractive to my eyes.

You can now say I have belarged this card. I belarged Lou's 1926-29 Exhibits in another post, even if the example I own is die cut.

Brian (belarged...look it up in the dictionary. It doesn't exist)

[68Hawk]

Your card doesn't have such dark areas around the eyes and mouth as seen in the one I found on the internet, and without this darkness the card appears much more attractive to my eyes.

You can now say I have belarged this card. I belarged Lou's 1926-29 Exhibits in another post, even if the example I own is die cut.

Brian (belarged...look it up in the dictionary. It doesn't exist)

No need to backtrack, got no problem with you not being an admirer of the card....just seemed really odd to me in a thread created to pay homage to Lou you took time out to find a card you didn't like and make such a significant post about it.

No biggie. (yup, can be found in the dictionary)

[brianp-beme]

I am not ashamed to backtrack when it makes sense, because that is a good way to know where I have traveled. If I were to ever to pick up this card, I would definitely look for one that appears like yours, because the one I posted is positively hideous.

Brian

[ullmandds]

My others.

[Aaron Seefeldt]

I'm a sucker for supplements and this one is pretty rare. I don't know much about the 1933-34 Blum's Bulletin supplements but for the price, even though it's kind of beat, I jumped. I also got the Delong earlier this month...

[DeanH3]

I have a few examples. It wouldn't surprise me to see a big jump in Gehrig cards. He and Jackie transcend the hobby.

https://www.net54baseball.com/picture.php?albumid=244&pictureid=22531

https://www.net54baseball.com/picture.php?albumid=244&pictureid=10104https://www.net54baseball.com/picture.php?albumid=244&pictureid=26964

[AstroJake09]

Here's the original photo.

That's amazing! Beautiful!

[Peter_Spaeth]

...

[Dardevl]

Great stuff so far! I love seeing all of the variations and unusual issues.

Gehrig's "other" rookie. Card is mine. 1923 photo is not.

[todeen]

After considering people talk about the '34 Goudey cards, I think I like #61 more than #37.

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[Chesbro41]

Favorite player, favorite team.

[todeen]

Favorite player, favorite team.

I like that Rogers Peet!

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[todeen]

I have a few examples. It wouldn't surprise me to see a big jump in Gehrig cards. He and Jackie transcend the hobby.

I agree that Gehrig transcends. My wife isn't very supportive of my habit. But last year when I bought my first Gehrig card, instead of stabbing me in her imagination, she thought for a moment and said, "I don't want to encourage you, but I like Lou Gehrig."

She saw PRIDE OF THE YANKEES, and she knows all about Gehrig.

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[pherbener]

I really like the Gehrig exhibits cards. I think they, as well as the Jimmie Foxx are underrated. Here's a couple of my Gehrig exhibits.

[Leon]

His cards (and premiums :)) are gaining more popularity every day..

[SAllen2556]

I've been reading "Cobb Would Have Caught It" and there's an interview in there from Doc Cramer given in 1986.

He said, "Nobody liked Gehrig, not even his own players. I know that to be a fact. Tony Lazzeri, he couldn't stand to be near him. He was too cheap, that's what it was. And he was self-centered. I always got along with him. He'd have a beer and drink with you, if you bought it. The only guy that got along with him was Bill Dickey. They roomed together.

[BeanTown]

Great exhibits Paul and That should say swag on Leon’s premium

[Seven]

I really like the Gehrig exhibits cards. I think they, as well as the Jimmie Foxx are underrated. Here's a couple of my Gehrig exhibits.

Exhibits are beautiful cards. And I feel Foxx as a whole, is pretty underrated to collect. His stuff is pretty cheap in comparison to the other sluggers of his day.

[Popcorn]

Lou Gehrig and Teddy Ballgame IMO. If Williams played today he hit .400

[WA_HOF_rookie]

Gehrig is actually the whole reason I got back into cards. When Covid hit, I was in the middle of my 356th game of MLB the Show 2020 and Gehrig was my star 1st baseman.

I went to eBay to see if there were even Gehrig cards available. I saw how expensive they were and bought three Mattingly rookies instead.

Not one to give up though, I sold three watches and bought this Gehrig card. I probably (most definitely) overpaid for it not knowing what I was buying, but I smile EVERY time I look at this card, so in the end it was worth every penny.

Fantastic player, but a more remarkable man.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210119/1a35e6cd2dd5ac9ad1672cbd52ba03ae.jpg

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[todeen]

Gehrig is actually the whole reason I got back into cards. When Covid hit, I was in the middle of my 356th game of MLB the Show 2020 and Gehrig was my star 1st baseman.

I went to eBay to see if there were even Gehrig cards available. I saw how expensive they were and bought three Mattingly rookies instead.

Not one to give up though, I sold three watches and bought this Gehrig card. I probably (most definitely) overpaid for it not knowing what I was buying, but I smile EVERY time I look at this card, so in the end it was worth every penny.

Fantastic player, but a more remarkable man.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210119/1a35e6cd2dd5ac9ad1672cbd52ba03ae.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 4a using TapatalkWhatever makes you happy! I see the Tris Speaker behind Gehrig. I prefer Speaker over Lou. That is a card on my want list.

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[WA_HOF_rookie]

Whatever makes you happy! I see the Tris Speaker behind Gehrig. I prefer Speaker over Lou. That is a card on my want list.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using TapatalkWow, great eyes! Yep, I bought a few low grade T201 cards to get my other favorite players. The display on my desk is T201 Speaker, Lajoie and the Gehrig.

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[glchen]

I recently saw this listing on ebay which was sold (not mine): Link (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Weekly-Baseball-Guide-6-15-1925-Lou-Gehrig-Regular-NY-Yankee-Now-Very-Rare-/154253207964?hash=item23ea35299c%3Ag%3AEAwAAOSwpfB f3rFw&nma=true&si=Ef9Tpjq5r4I406Lw8Kubk319L3g%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557), and had the W590 photo of Gehrig. I thought it was pretty neat.

[scmavl]

I had a '34 Goudey #61 years ago that I wish I'd kept. Great colors and great pose. And I also believe that Gehrig transcends the hobby and will continue to rise with Jackie, Clemente, and a handful of others after Mantle and Ruth level off.

I recently got this card, as it was a true case of "buy the card and not the holder". Just a great looking card that the creases don't detract from too much.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50860370422_ddf916c0a9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kumGbj)

[WA_HOF_rookie]

I had a '34 Goudey #61 years ago that I wish I'd kept. Great colors and great pose. And I also believe that Gehrig transcends the hobby and will continue to rise with Jackie, Clemente, and a handful of others after Mantle and Ruth level off.

I recently got this card, as it was a true case of "buy the card and not the holder". Just a great looking card that the creases don't detract from too much.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50860370422_ddf916c0a9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kumGbj)

wow, that is a beautiful card!

[philo98]

This is a few months old thread but thought I would revive it after reading "Luckiest Man" by Jonathan Eig. Great well-written book I thought. Also, just over a week away for the 1st Lou Gehrig Day on June 2nd.

[Shoeless Moe]

I'd like this to go to a Lou Gehrig fan if they want to add it to their collection and figured this thread is where a Gehrig fan would be. Now mind you obviously the one played in Yankee Stadium that day tends to fetch slightly more then this

https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1939-lou-gehrig-day-new-york-yankees-ticket-stub-psa-authentic/a/50016-56048.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515


gulp..........but......it's still pretty cool that it's the same date in history in one of baseball's other hallowed grounds. And unless you have $40 grand to spend on the other one this is a very cool alternative/placeholder : ) and a Cub hit 3 HR's in a game vs the Cardinals that day, so not a bad stub on game alone. But that infamous date, that's the thing! Every true baseball fan knows it. If you are talking to someone and ask them that question and they don't know it, just shake your head and walk away. They're no fan of the game. Not a die-hard anyway.

$115 bucks shipped.....hey, beats 40K

PSA has only 3 tickets graded from that famous date, 2 Yankees, obviously the big guys, and 1 Athletics DH vs Boston, this Wrigley Field one would be the 4th if you were to so choose to do, or don't, doesn't need it.

If interested just message me - no need to keep the thread going with a reply - just pm me if you want to add it to your Lou Collection - cool sidepiece.

[packs]

My only Lou

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51200593537_58446392fc_z.jpg

[chadeast]

My only Lou

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51200593537_58446392fc_z.jpg

Nice card! Here's my only Lou, a #160 SGC 1.5

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51202694360_cdc773b4ec_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m1Bcab)

[Yoda]

My personal favorite card of Lou is the 1936 WWG, his last as a player. To me, his somewhat bittersweet expression reflects the knowledge that he is experiencing the first effects of the disease that would kill him.

[Snapolit1]

My personal favorite card of Lou is the 1936 WWG, his last as a player. To me, his somewhat bittersweet expression reflects the knowledge that he is experiencing the first effects of the disease that would kill him.

He does have a bit of a resigned look on the card. And I like it too.

[packs]

What I wouldn't give for there to have been a 1939 Play Ball Gehrig.

[Chris Counts]

I'm surprised few have responded to the original question. I believe Jimmie Foxx is far more underrated than Lou Gehrig. Just look at the difference between their stats, and compare it to the difference between their card prices. I'm not saying Foxx was better, but he was way closer than the current card prices indicate. To a lesser degree, the same could be said about Hank Greenberg. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I would say Bill Terry and George Sisler — first basemen who were contemporaries of Gehrig — are vastly overrated.

Here are my only Gehrig cards, one of which is technically 1/4 of a card, but I like it anyway ...

[mightyq]

man, wish i didnt sell ALL back in 2013...game is way too expensive now to recoup it all...love gehrig....would easily be the all time r.b.i. leader if he could have played until 39,40...

[jgannon]

Delete

[Jay Wolt]

When I was a kid, this card came out & it stated he was the greatest 1st baseman
Almost 50 years later, I still believe it

https://qualitycards.com/pictures/30693134.jpg

[Exhibitman]

I'm surprised few have responded to the original question. I believe Jimmie Foxx is far more underrated than Lou Gehrig. Just look at the difference between their stats, and compare it to the difference between their card prices. I'm not saying Foxx was better, but he was way closer than the current card prices indicate.

Absolutely spot-on, Chris. I am astounded at how little Foxx RCs sell for as compared to Gehrig. Any 1925 Exhibit Gehrig is legitimately a mid-five figures card or more. Foxx's Exhibit being priced at 10% or less of that is crazy.

[packs]

I think Foxx's flame out has a lot to do with his card sales. Doesn't help that he wasn't part of some significant all time team either. He played in some World Series early on but I'm not sure anyone remembers them for anything iconic like Murderers Row or something like that.

I DO think Foxx benefits from fantastic nicknames and his association with League of Their Own.

[G1911]

I second the choice of Foxx, there's a good argument there though Foxx ends up priced about where he should relative to other stars of the 20's and 30's.

Gehrig is still generally regarded as the greatest 1B of all time. He remains a household name among baseball fans. The only player in his time period that outsells him is Babe Ruth, who was clearly better than Gehrig. I do not see how he can thus really be considered underrated, either in cards or in baseball history.

[chadeast]

It's hard to call someone who is universally regarded as the best 1B of all time underrated. Agree that Foxx is more so, but I can't agree that he wasn't part of all time great teams. I consider the A's teams from 1928 to 1931 to be absolutely iconic, with Grove, Foxx, Simmons, and Cochrane leading the way as top tier all-time talents. The first two '33 Goudeys I ever bought, and the only two I owned for 10+ years, were Foxx and Simmons, because of my fascination with this dynasty.

EDIT: and which still causes me to do things like this without even realizing it. I just noticed this last week when I was consolidating. Oops :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51202775536_cf1a252bae_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m1BBhL)

[packs]

But do you think that admiration is universal to casual fans in the same way Murderers Row or the Miracle Mets are?

[chadeast]

But do you think that admiration is universal to casual fans in the same way Murderers Row or the Miracle Mets are?

Definitely not. I was only setting the record straight that he in fact was part of all-time great teams. Foxx and those A's teams aren't nearly as well known to the casual fan. To a lot of people, there is what happens in New York, and then there's everything else.

[packs]

True. I didn't mean to suggest he wasn't on great teams. Just not all time teams from the casual fan perspective. Like the Big Red Machine teams or the Black Sox, etc.

[rats60]

I'm surprised few have responded to the original question. I believe Jimmie Foxx is far more underrated than Lou Gehrig. Just look at the difference between their stats, and compare it to the difference between their card prices. I'm not saying Foxx was better, but he was way closer than the current card prices indicate. To a lesser degree, the same could be said about Hank Greenberg. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I would say Bill Terry and George Sisler — first basemen who were contemporaries of Gehrig — are vastly overrated.

Here are my only Gehrig cards, one of which is technically 1/4 of a card, but I like it anyway ...

Gehrig .340/.447/.632 OPS+ 179
Foxx . 325/.428/.609 OPS+ 160

For those that like WAR
Gehrig 114.1 in 17 seasons with only 14 full seasons Those 14 full seasons Gehrig had 113.8 WAR or 8.12 WAR per season.

Foxx 93.9 in 20 seasons. Foxx's best 14 seasons averaged 6.7 WAR.

Gehrig was also a monster in the postseason with 6 WS wins in 7 tries hitting . 361/.483/.731.

It really isn't close. Collectors want to collect the best. For prewar it is Wagner, Cobb, Ruth and Gehrig. Tier 2 players are going to trail behind badly.

[Seven]

Gehrig .340/.447/.632 OPS+ 179
Foxx . 325/.428/.609 OPS+ 160

For those that like WAR
Gehrig 114.1 in 17 seasons with only 14 full seasons Those 14 full seasons Gehrig had 113.8 WAR or 8.12 WAR per season.

Foxx 93.9 in 20 seasons. Foxx's best 14 seasons averaged 6.7 WAR.

Gehrig was also a monster in the postseason with 6 WS wins in 7 tries hitting . 361/.483/.731.

It really isn't close. Collectors want to collect the best. For prewar it is Wagner, Cobb, Ruth and Gehrig. Tier 2 players are going to trail behind badly.

Foxx fell off HARD after a few years in Boston, but even at his best offensively, Gehrig was still better. Foxx Just hit more home runs. Foxx had some killer seasons though with both the A's and the Sox.

[chadeast]

Gehrig .340/.447/.632 OPS+ 179
Foxx . 325/.428/.609 OPS+ 160

For those that like WAR
Gehrig 114.1 in 17 seasons with only 14 full seasons Those 14 full seasons Gehrig had 113.8 WAR or 8.12 WAR per season.

Foxx 93.9 in 20 seasons. Foxx's best 14 seasons averaged 6.7 WAR.

Gehrig was also a monster in the postseason with 6 WS wins in 7 tries hitting . 361/.483/.731.

It really isn't close. Collectors want to collect the best. For prewar it is Wagner, Cobb, Ruth and Gehrig. Tier 2 players are going to trail behind badly.

No one was arguing that Foxx was better than Gehrig. I think we all agree that Gehrig was clearly better, and the best 1B of all time. The question was which one of them was more underrated.

[Exhibitman]

One nice way to compare players of varied careers is to look at 7 year peak WAR:

Gehrig 68.1
Pujols 61.7
Foxx 58.5

The rest are substantially below these three.

Top 3 in WAR for 1B are Gehrig, Pujols and Foxx.

No one can really contest Gehrig's status as the GOAT, though I do not agree that Foxx is not a first tier HOFer; the #3 guy has to be.

I guess the question is more whether Foxx cards are undervalued based on his place in baseball history. Of course, that question assumes that card values correlate directly with on-field performance, which is not always the case. Beloved and iconic status can come from other sources besides just stats (hello, Nolan Ryan, #24 in WAR; Mel Ott and Frank Robinson have better career WAR than Roberto Clemente; guess which right-fielder is on a stamp?).

[egri]

Mel Ott and Frank Robinson have better career WAR than Roberto Clemente; guess which right-fielder is on a stamp?).

Mel Ott has a stamp as well: https://www.mysticstamp.com/Products/United-States/4082/USA/

[rats60]

No one was arguing that Foxx was better than Gehrig. I think we all agree that Gehrig was clearly better, and the best 1B of all time. The question was which one of them was more underrated.

I don't think Foxx is underrated at all. Depending on if you consider Stan Musial a 1B or not, Foxx is widely considered #2 or #3 all time at 1b. Johnny Mize and Hank Greenberg are underrated, not Foxx.

As far as card values, people are drawn to the top few names. Players down the list are going to increase in value much slower. I don't think Foxx cards are undervalued at all. In 1933 Goudey after Ruth and Gehrig (and Lajoie) comes Foxx, Hornsby and Dean. He isn't like Eddie Collins who sells for less than many lesser players in t206.

[chadeast]

I don't think Foxx is underrated at all. Depending on if you consider Stan Musial a 1B or not, Foxx is widely considered #2 or #3 all time at 1b. Johnny Mize and Hank Greenberg are underrated, not Foxx.

As far as card values, people are drawn to the top few names. Players down the list are going to increase in value much slower. I don't think Foxx cards are undervalued at all. In 1933 Goudey after Ruth and Gehrig (and Lajoie) comes Foxx, Hornsby and Dean. He isn't like Eddie Collins who sells for less than many lesser players in t206.

I can only speak to 33/34 Goudeys, but I agree with you. He's not underrated and priced pretty much right where he should be.

[Tao_Moko]

One of the best.

[flpm08]

I agree that Gehrig was one of the top ten greatest players in the history of the game. But what makes Gehrig so special was his character. His 1939 speech in Yankee Stadium was a sports classic. Fortunately, I have my two favorite Gehrig cards the 33G #92 and the 34G #37. He may be underrated by baseball card collectors but not by people who are familiar with the history of the game and its players. He will always be one of my favorite players.