1933 Goudey Ruth vs 1952 Topps Mantle

[packs]

I don't think stats really come into play with the value of Mantle's cards. The value of his cards is tied to him playing for the Yankees at the right time.

[the 'stache]

I agree, packs, that everything kind of fell into place for him. But he had to be a great player, too, for his popularity to endure. The stats don't really come into play. But people still talk with reverence about his power, as well as his speed before the injuries set in.

He was a humble guy from Oklahoma that looked like he should be on the silver screen. He hit the ball 500 + feet, and played for the Yankees. And, his private life rivaled any other athlete in America save for Joe Namath.

[darwinbulldog]

Originally Posted by packs

I don't think stats really come into play with the value of Mantle's cards. The value of his cards is tied to him playing for the Yankees at the right time.

If that's true, we should see some consistency in the recent Ebay sale prices of the guys who played for the Yankees at the right time.

#9 Bobby Hogue $13
#11 Phil Rizzuto $77
#48 Joe Page $25
#49 Johnny Sain $48
#57 Ed Lopat $62
#67 Allie Reynolds $27
#85 Bob Kuzava $20
#99 Gene Woodling $25
#122 Jackie Jensen $11
#128 Don Bollweg $19
#129 Johnny Mize $12
#155 Stubby Overmire $10
#168 Charlie Silvera $4
#175 Billy Martin $80
#191 Yogi Berra $230
#200 Ralph Houk $46
#202 Joe Collins $8
#206 Joe Ostrowski $9
#214 Johnny Hopp $22
#215 Hank Bauer $53
#237 Jerry Coleman $17
#248 Frank Shea $14
#311 Mickey Mantle $4750
#331 Tom Morgan $178
#372 Gil McDougald $455
#403 Bill Miller $320

[packs]

His stats are important. I didn't mean to totally discount them. But to say that it was the number of home runs or any other one stat that made his cards valuable is not true. It is the whole package. Personality, timing, ability, and playing for the right team at the height of their dominance.

Stan Musial was just as good as anyone. But he didn't play for the right team at the right time. Neither did Aaron or Mays. Mantle had his career at exactly the right time with exactly the right team. That's why his cards will always be more valuable.