1954 Topps Hank Aaron vs 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle

[rats60]

Originally Posted by CxG Seven Dust

Millions of people did not want Ruths record to be broken, especially by a black ball player so lets be realistic. Sad yes, but it's the truth.

In my opinion, it is about timing. Had Mantle and Aaron played today, I feel their collectable status would be different. They played in the 50's-70's. Not too many collectors from that era still around these days.

Strongly disagree with both of these. People thought Willie Mays would break the record and saw Aaron as a lesser player and not as worthy. It also didn't help that Aaron played in the most home run friendly stadium and then the Braves moved fences in in 1969 to help Aaron break the record, then moved them back in 1974 as Aaron's production was declining.

Mantle still played in New York and Aaron didn't. 12 World Series for Mantle, 2 for Aaron. 7 World Series rings for Mantle, 1 for Aaron. 3 MVPs for Mantle (probably 6 or 7 today), 1 for Aaron. A superstar in pinstripes is going to out sell one in another jersey. Just look at Derek Jeter.

[irv]

Originally Posted by rats60

Strongly disagree with both of these. People thought Willie Mays would break the record and saw Aaron as a lesser player and not as worthy. It also didn't help that Aaron played in the most home run friendly stadium and then the Braves moved fences in in 1969 to help Aaron break the record, then moved them back in 1974 as Aaron's production was declining.

Mantle still played in New York and Aaron didn't. 12 World Series for Mantle, 2 for Aaron. 7 World Series rings for Mantle, 1 for Aaron. 3 MVPs for Mantle (probably 6 or 7 today), 1 for Aaron. A superstar in pinstripes is going to out sell one in another jersey. Just look at Derek Jeter.

I wasn't aware of that? Was the fence move made obvious or did they disguise it as a necessity for some reason?