1950s Non-HOFers Worth Collecting

[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.

[Cmvorce]

And G1911, I’ve been a longtime fan of Ferris Fain as well. The batting title in 51 referenced on the back of his 52 Topps got me.