1959 Home Run Derby - cards and ads?

[Belfast1933]

I have just picked up my first 1959 Home Run Derby card (from a Net54 friend) and it’s totally gotten me into a rabbit hole of the series and the beautifully campy show itself. I just watched Hank Aaron vs Al Kaline…. The opening monologue itself between the host and players is by far the highlight of that show - just awesome.

I read about but have not been able to find ads with Mays and Mantle promoting the show - I thought it may have been in a 1960 TV Guide but also saw reprints on ebay that suggested the ad may actually be in the 1960 all star game program.

I’d love to add some affordable complimentary items from the show and thought some experienced collectors here might have some advice (and/or like to show off some of their own items from the show)

Thx all - here’s my new one/only….

Jeff

[raulus]

A brace of Mays.

[JeremyW]

I remember when Frank had a never before seen Esslinger HR Derby Hank Aaron.

[Lucas00]

Here's mine That I got on the board probably two years ago now.
Bob Allison, this is a rookie of Bob!

[thatkidfromjerrymaguire]

I love this set, and have considered chasing it a number of times.

They used to show reruns of the show on the Disney channel back in the 80's....that's when I discovered it as a kid, and was probably the first time I ever saw live action video/film of some of the greats of the game (Mays, Mantle, Aaron) etc.


But alas, every time I've considered chasing it, I have wisely decided not to start because it would not be a cheap endeavor.

As far as advertising, I did come across this old REA listing. I don't think this is the advertising you were thinking of, but this is a cool piece:

https://robertedwardauctions.com/auc...lete-uncut-set

[raulus]

Originally Posted by thatkidfromjerrymaguire

I love this set, and have considered chasing it a number of times.

They used to show reruns of the show on the Disney channel back in the 80's....that's when I discovered it as a kid, and was probably the first time I ever saw live action video/film of some of the greats of the game (Mays, Mantle, Aaron) etc.


But alas, every time I've considered chasing it, I have wisely decided not to start because it would not be a cheap endeavor.

As far as advertising, I did come across this old REA listing. I don't think this is the advertising you were thinking of, but this is a cool piece:

https://robertedwardauctions.com/auc...lete-uncut-set

Another one that was restored just sold last week for a pretty penny:

https://bid.robertedwardauctions.com...?itemid=151785

It probably helps that this piece was on the front cover of the auction book.

[Schlesinj]

One additional rabbit hole can be owning the contact photo (type 1) from some episodes. Here is a Mantle.IMG_5713.jpg

[Huck]

I like these cards and just like a collector above have thought about chasing the set.

Purportedly, ads for the show were in TV guide.

https://www.thereporter.com/2020/05/...ome-run-derby/

[mantlefan]

You can find all episodes on YouTube. Mickey looks very happy here. He beat Willie Mays 9-8 in episode #1:

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by Schlesinj

One additional rabbit hole can be owning the contact photo (type 1) from some episodes. Here is a Mantle.Attachment 584682

Oh man, love the idea of having the original photo alongside the card - but I would probably NOT love the cost!

But super cool idea

[Schlesinj]

Originally Posted by Belfast1933

Oh man, love the idea of having the original photo alongside the card - but I would probably NOT love the cost!

But super cool idea

For what it’s worth the cost has ranged between $50-$2.7k depending on who the subject. RMY has sold most of them from what I have seen.

[zimp]

Back in 1968 i got back in the hobby.....i subscribed to a magazine named "the ballcard collector",,,,,i sent the editor a complete set of "home run derby cards" so he could list the checklist for collectors to know about the set....back in 1959 my father bought a american motors rambler and the dealer gave me 20 complete sets....i wish i had those sets [attach]BC2.jpgBC1.jpg

[Leon]

That's so cool. Thanks for sharing, Bill.

Originally Posted by zimp

Back in 1968 i got back in the hobby.....i subscribed to a magazine named "the ballcard collector",,,,,i sent the editor a complete set of "home run derby cards" so he could list the checklist for collectors to know about the set....back in 1959 my father bought a american motors rambler and the dealer gave me 20 complete sets....i wish i had those sets [attach]Attachment 586827Attachment 586826

[Lucas00]

I've seen a number of these with different dealership stamps on the back. Really cool..
Would be incredible to see a whole set with different period dealership stamps on the backs.