1950s Non-HOFers Worth Collecting

[Chris-Counts]

After a quick glance, I don't see Gus Bell, Luke Easter, Bob Friend and Carl Furillo. I'm sure there are others that were as good as some on the list like Richardson, Kubek and Bauer.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by Chris Counts

After a quick glance, I don't see Gus Bell, Luke Easter, Bob Friend and Carl Furillo. I'm sure there are others that were as good as some on the list like Richardson, Kubek and Bauer.

Bob Friend...I grew up with my Dad telling me Bob and Herb Score were HUGE when he was a kid..."if it wasn't for that line drive..."

[packs]

I always liked Johnny Podres. His 53 Topps card is a beauty and if you're a Brooklyn Dodgers fan he was the MVP in 55.

[71buc]

I’m partial to Vic Power

[Volod]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

Bob Friend...I grew up with my Dad telling me Bob and Herb Score were HUGE when he was a kid..."if it wasn't for that line drive..."

Gil McDougald and Herbie would likely both be in the HOF, if not for that line drive. Gil was so shaken by it, he told the press that night that he would retire from baseball if Score did not recover. In 1960, after just nine years in the bigs, he did just that, as Herb was still struggling to get back to his earlier form.

Don't see Lou Burdette on the list. Just one of his high lights was being the winning pitcher in that 12-inning perfecto by Haddix. Also: Two-time All-Star (1957, 1959)
Third in Cy Young Award voting (1958)
Led league in wins (1959)
Led league in games started (1959)
Led league in complete games (1960)
Twice led league in shutouts (1956, 1959)
5 times in top 4 in wins (1956–58, 1960–61)
World Series MVP (1957)(Three complete game wins over Yankees [Is that why he's not in the HOF?])

[skelly423]

Let me throw in nods for Hank Thompson and Sam Jethroe. Both were former Negro leaguers. Thompson broke the color barrier on two teams. Jethroe broke into the bigs at 33, won the 1950 ROY, and led the majors in steals his first two seasons, and retired after his 3rd season. Definitely underappreciated.

[riggs336]

Dan Bankhead. First Black pitcher in 1947. Cards in 1951 Bowman and 1952 Parkhurst.

[G1911]

I'd add Eddie Yost, an excellent player and one who has one of the more interesting statistical records, with his ridiculous for the time walk rate for a guy who wasn't much of a threat at the plate. Interesting player.

Ferris Fain, already on the list here, is my favorite player of the 50's. My grandpa was a fan of his during Fain's time with the San Francisco Seals and thought he was a true great. He's not, but he did win back to back batting titles in the majors and was a fine player that I always try to pick up cards of.

[Cmvorce]

Thanks, all, for the new names to research. I’m sure I’ll be expanding my want list thanks to you all.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by Chris Counts

After a quick glance, I don't see Gus Bell, Luke Easter, Bob Friend and Carl Furillo. I'm sure there are others that were as good as some on the list like Richardson, Kubek and Bauer.

If you like oddball sets, Furillo's a good choice, he's in a bunch. I'm sure they all are but he's got some good ones.

[carlsonjok]

I actually have a Johnny Antonelli player collection. And because every thread needs cards, here are a few of my favorites: A NY Journal-American (I actually have 4 of them),a 2010 National Ethnic Heritage Foundation Sons of Italy, and a Banty Red art card.

[Kevin]

One of my favorite cards...

[Chicosbailbonds]

Card number 1 in the 1952 set - Andy Pafko. He had a very good career also.

[almostdone]

Carl Erskine in my book unless I overlooked him on the original list.
Set a World Series strikeout record against the Yankees (since broken).
He signed this photo for me and listed every strikeout victim. Note: Mantle name appears 4 times
Drew