1974 Topps Factory Set

[Vintagevault13]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading this thread. As a fan of the 1974 set, it is great to see this much discussion. I realize that the design and lack of rookies has not endeared this set to many. However, this thread shows that it is, at the very least, one of the more intriguing sets of the decade.

[JollyElm]

Well, I think it's time to show some cards. I love the 1974 set!!!! Here's a sampling of the cool shots...

1974a.jpg
1974b.jpg
1974c.jpg
1974d.jpg

[deweyinthehall]

I've always thought 1974 was a great set - I'd put it at 4th best of the 70s after 78, 72, and 76.

I started collecting in 1978, so 74 was one of those sets I first discovered looking through a big old shoe box full of loose cards belonging to a friend who began collecting before me. The first card I ever owned was a beat-up Gail Hopkins of the Royals.

Here are just a few of way to many favorites I have to list (sorry if they are duplicates of those already listed -for some reason I can't see those). And yes, Hopkins is here.

[rats60]

This is my favorite along with the Ryan and Schmidt

[Vintagevault13]

Love the pics of cards. The 1974 Ryan and Seaver cards are my favorite pitcher “action” shots of all time.

[darkhorse9]

The Billy Williams card always bugged me. What the heck is going on with all that yellow in the background?

[nolemmings]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

The Billy Williams card always bugged me. What the heck is going on with all that yellow in the background?

I believe they just wanted to offer some contrast so that you could make out Billy clearly, although it's not the greatest shot of him anyway, IMO. The Fisk bears a little of the same trait.

I always loved the design of the 1974 set. Actually, I find the set as a whole to be one of my favorites from the decade---'71 is maybe nicer when found in high grade and no chipping. Underrated because of the lack of star power rookies, IMO. The Aaron subset was really cool back in the day.