Topps Rookie Banquets

[JustinD]

I am positive I saw one of the trophies come up before as I remember being outlandishly upset I could not afford it at the time.

I think Topps had several different awards that were given out at these banquets that are not well documented. I have a a watch from 69' that was a presentation piece that I have never seen another of. I believe it was for football, but still unable to track down who it was presented to.

Even though I posted years ago about it, there are still photos in this thread. It's post #35. If anyone can offer more info on it, I would be very happy. I think I have never been to a show and not had someone ask about it as I love to wear it.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...900#post930900

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by JustinD

I am positive I saw one of the trophies come up before as I remember being outlandishly upset I could not afford it at the time.

I think Topps had several different awards that were given out at these banquets that are not well documented. I have a a watch from 69' that was a presentation piece that I have never seen another of. I believe it was for football, but still unable to track down who it was presented to.

Even though I posted years ago about it, there are still photos in this thread. It's post #35. If anyone can offer more info on it, I would be very happy. I think I have never been to a show and not had someone ask about it as I love to wear it.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...900#post930900

I missed that thread originally. Never seen the watch-wow!

There used to be college All American Baseball Players. I assume one of these ten first teamers received that watch at some point:
P Larry Gura
P Burt Hooton
C Bob Williams
1B Mike Walseth
2B Dick Gold
3B Les Rogers
SS Bill Stein
OF Bob Long
OF Paul Powell
OF Larry Pyle

[RayBShotz]

Beyond amazing historicals.
Al - Thanks for starting this one.
RayB

[perezfan]

Finally captured one of these amazing Topps "Top Hat" Trophies. This one was awarded to Joe Garagiola, who was the perennial host/emcee of the event.

This was presented to Joe at the 1967 Banquet..... at 25" tall, it's much larger than the Players' 9" version (which was much like a Little League Trophy). It is crafted with a bit more fine detail as well.

The 9" players' Trophies never come up for sale, and the only two I've ever seen are Willie McCovey and Tommy Harper. So I was thrilled to snag this one from Heritage.

[perezfan]

And here's a cool photo of the 1963 Banquet, with Pete Rose hamming it up. The photo demonstrates the size difference between the large and the small trophies. Not sure who was awarded the large version pictured here.

Also, a close-up shot of Tommy Harper's Trophy and his corresponding Topps Card...

[perezfan]

The large trophy sits behind the riser/platform, so it's actually a lot bigger then it appears.

[whiteymet]

SO COOL Mark! Congrats!

I am looking for a players award from the 1960 team.

[ALR-bishop]

Great pics Mark.I still have not seen a 1967 program.

I have the Banquet Programs from 59 to 66. And after 1967 I have nothing through 1978, for which I have a Topps Achievement Award program. Not sure what year the shift to Achievement Awards took place. I think I have seen one from 1977 ( Dave Hornish ?).

I am missing anything from 1979 but have the Achievement Award programs for 1980 through 2004 ( missing 1983 and 2003). Nothing after 2004. All of the Achievement awards are numbered consecutively back through 1959, which would seem to indicate some kind of program occurred every year through at least 2004. Not sure if programs were issued for all those years or why if they were they seem so scarce. Not sure what exists after 2004

[Harliduck]

Awesome stuff...LOVE the trophy. Cards with the rookie trophy have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid like all the rest have mentioned.

The picture of the solo 63 Rose card looks like they had one made up for the picture. Makes you wonder if that card or any others survived and sitting somewhere. I can't even imagine the value of that card?? Those 59's of Pumpsie and McCovey the same...but that Rose...WOW.