1971 Carlton Fisk Postcard

[paul]

Love of the Game auctioned off a pair of Red Sox team issue postcards of Carlton Fisk and Sparky Lyle. Here's the link: https://bid.loveofthegameauctions.co...e?itemid=42549

Love of the Game dated the postcards to 1971 because Fisk played a few games in 1971 and Lyle played his last game for the Red Sox in 1971. The 1971 date obviously has great value because it is 1 year earlier than Fisk's Topps rookie card.

Love of the Game's dating method seems reasonable enough. But I had a concern that stopped me from bidding stronger in the auction. Lyle was traded from the Red Sox on March 22, 1972, in the middle of spring training. It seems like it is possible that this set was issued in spring training 1972, or maybe even early in the regular season, with the Lyle card not being pulled right away.

What are everyone's thoughts about this? Do any of you (maybe the winner) have additional information on the date of this set? I'm not trying to criticize LOTG in any way. I just want to confirm the date for my own reference so I know whether or not I want to chase down this card in the future. Thanks.

[raulus]

Al posts frequently around here, and will undoubtedly see this post. I’m sure he will come on and share his thoughts when he has a moment. Or send you a PM to discuss, if he is so inclined.

[apswann]

I don't post here very often, but this one caught my attention.

The Fisk postcard from the auction is most likely not part of a "set" but rather one of the items that the Red Sox would occasionally sent back to fans when responding to requests for autographs. I don't believe it has any relation to the Sparky Lyle card found in that same auction lot.

This particular blank-backed card was most likely from 1973 or after. The photo is probably from 1972 and most likely taken by team photographer, Jerry Buckley.

The exact Fisk photo and facsimile autograph version is first seen on Page 16 of the 1973 Red Sox Yearbook. I've included a photo to show it inside the yearbook.

These Red Sox postcards are always difficult to catalog, but my opinion is that the earlier team issue from 1972 is the black and white postcard I'll post here as well (the Red Sox were still using Fisk's "signature" instead of his "autograph" on most items until 1973).

[paul]

Tony, thank you very much for your information and insights.

Paul