Here's an interesting youtube video put out by Topps with their take on the top two cards from each year between 1950-59:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT40t...eature=related
Here's the list for people that don't have time to watch the video:
1950: Bowman Ted Williams (runner up), Bowman Jackie Robinson (winner)
1951: Bowman Willie Mays (runner up), Bowman Mickey Mantle (winner)
1952: Topps Ed Mathews (runner up), Topps Mickey Mantle (winner)
1953: Bowman Pee Wee Reese (runner up), 1953 Topps Satchel Paige (winner)
1954: Topps Ernie Banks (runner up), 1954 Topps Hank Aaron (winner)
1955: Topps Sandy Koufax (runner up), 1955 Roberto Clemente (winner)
1956: Topps Hank Aaron (runner up), 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle (winner)
1957: Topps Mickey Mantle (runner up), 1957 Topps Yankee Power Hitters (winner)
1958: Topps World Series Batting Foes Mantle/Aaron (runner up), Topps Roger Maris (winner)
1959: Topps Bob Gibson (runner up), Topps Mays' Catch Makes Series History (winner)