A Taste of Topps

[The Nasty Nati]

Hey guys,

A much belated thanks on everyone’s suggestions. I will take all of these into consideration when I start to build the “set.” So many great options.

It seems 1953 Topps Satchel Paige is a must. I keep forgetting that this is his only appearance on a Topps card. Also dually noted I think I may be inclined to pick up a card from 1951 Topps. I always considered that a playing card as opposed to an actual baseball card, but in the scope of the collection it would be nice to include that to show the progression.

I’m not sure what I will do with this collection, but I’d like to probably display them all together in order from 1951 to 2015. To keep them consistent looking I’ll probably avoid some of the horizontal variations as I assume I will be displaying the cards vertically (noted that '55, ’56 & ’60 are all horizontal though).

Another thought I had would be to pick up certain cards that represent certain accomplishments within that year. Like Triple Crown batting or pitching accomplishments (Ex: ’56 Topps Mantle, ’66 Robinson, ’67 Yastrzemski, ’12 Cabrera).

Also appreciate all options for fun, but budget friendly cards in each set. Certain cards in certain sets I’d be willing to splurge on, but it’s the fun cheap cards that are also nice to have and show the evolution, design, and great photography that Topps had to offer over the years.

I’m not sure when I will start this set as I’m currently preoccupied with adding some T206 "wants" and starting a ’33 Goudey collection, but when I start this I’ll be sure to show the progress. Maybe I'll show them in spurts like decade or accomplishments as to not bog down the thread page.

Thanks,
Ben

[jason.1969]

Regarding the horizontal formats, you could always go with this one as your 1960 rep:

Master_1960.jpg

If it's any consolation, my Hank Aaron card display is an example of what I think turned out great even though there are several horizontal cards in it. For me, it was one of those things where I immediately thought, "Ick, I wish all the cards went the same way," but then got over it in just a few secs.

[almostdone]

Planning and spacing are everything in displays. Here is what I did with my Koufax and Clemente displays. Notice both have horizontal and vertical cards included.
Drew

[almostdone]

Clemente

[mrmopar]

No disrespect meant here, but doesn't that graded card just scream out of place for you?

Originally Posted by almostdone

Planning and spacing are everything in displays.
Here is what I did with my Koufax and Clemente displays. Notice both have horizontal and vertical cards included.
Drew

[frankhardy]

Why not go with an MVP theme or a Cy Young Award theme. You could get the MVP from each league from every year Topps made a card.... Sort of like the 1982 Kmart set. The most expensive would be the 1956 Mantle. I think it would be very doable and wouldn't break the bank. The only problems would be a 1962 Topps Maury Wills and a 2004 Topps Barry Bonds. There was no Maury Wills card. The Barry Bonds card came out later... Maybe in the Traded set. I think I have it somewhere. Anyway, just a thought.

[jason.1969]

Originally Posted by frankhardy

Why not go with an MVP theme or a Cy Young Award theme. You could get the MVP from each league from every year Topps made a card.... Sort of like the 1982 Kmart set. The most expensive would be the 1956 Mantle. I think it would be very doable and wouldn't break the bank. The only problems would be a 1962 Topps Maury Wills and a 2004 Topps Barry Bonds. There was no Maury Wills card. The Barry Bonds card came out later... Maybe in the Traded set. I think I have it somewhere. Anyway, just a thought.

I like to go with "year after" cards since the backs will often refer to the achievements. If you did that, you could sneak in the 1963 Fleer Maury Wills.

[almostdone]

Originally Posted by mrmopar

No disrespect meant here, but doesn't that graded card just scream out of place for you?

No disrespect taken. I've actually gotten asked that before.

I usually free all graded cards and have almost none in my personal collection but I am a very sentimental collector. The 59 Koufax was given to me by my wife when she and I were dating. She knew nothing of cards or players but her mother grew up a Brooklyn Dodger fan and knew the name Koufax. She researched it and decided that it would be safer to buy a graded card so she wouldn't get taken.

After she gave it to me and told of all the work and research she did to get the perfect card for me there was no way I could ever bust it out of it's graded case.
I know it looks a bit odd and out of place but when I look at the display it pops out to me and reminds me of her.

Btw, the picture in my avatar is all cards that she has given me over the years. I'm blessed to have her... Oh yeah, she gave me a Koufax autographed baseball for this past Chistmas as well. She is truly amazing.

Drew