What's the best Topps card post 1956

[Zach Wheat]

Ok, I will bite. I have to say the 1972 Topps card #33 of Billy Martin. It comes from one of my favorite sets and portrays so much more than just the image of a scrappy, fireball manager who was once described as a brawling, drinking, pugnacious runt of a man. In 1969 while manager of the Minnesota Twins, he got in a bar brawl after a game in Detroit with his best pitcher (Dick Boswell - a 20 game winner that year) and later had to explain to everyone why Boswell got 20 stitches and couldn't travel with the team, missing 18 days of baseball.

He was hired by the Detroit Tigers in 1971, would lead them to the AL East title in 1972. During a period of time, the Tigers were in a losing streak, Billy pulled the batting order out of a hat and the Tigers won. He was fired in 1973 for purportedly ordering his pitchers to retaliate when the other team threw beanballs at his team.

His 1972 card depicts this raucous, rebellious "runt" - a man who never saw a fight he didn't like - holding a bat and giving the finger. The image seems to sum up his attitude pretty well as he was of one of the most colorful characters of that era.

[Eric72]

When I think of cards from 1957-1980, this is one of the first that comes to mind.

[gonefishin]

Without a doubt - the 1971 Topps Thurman Munson - hands down.

[mrmopar]

This and the 1978 Reggie are 2 of the most eye appealing cards I have ever seen. 79 Rose is another masterpiece.

Originally Posted by gonefishin

Without a doubt - the 1971 Topps Thurman Munson - hands down.

[jl4jc2001]

Originally Posted by gonefishin

Without a doubt - the 1971 Topps Thurman Munson - hands down.

I agree!

[JollyElm]

These are my 'Top 10' (mostly 1970's stuff) from an old thread...

top10cards.jpg

[mikemb]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

These are my 'Top 10' (mostly 1970's stuff) from an old thread...

Attachment 528825

Love that Dave Kingman card!!

Mike

[lowpopper]

78 Reggie might be the best looking card ever

[commishbob]

Originally Posted by Eric72

When I think of cards from 1957-1980, this is one of the first that comes to mind.

That Mantle All Star is at the top of my list, too. This one is a close second:



And let me throw a bone to another personal favorite:

[gustomania]

These are all great, I think a top 20 list would do these more justice and then a vote to rank them.

One of my favorite Koufax cards below

[Vegas Cards]

Originally Posted by gustomania

These are all great, I think a top 20 list would do these more justice and then a vote to rank them.

One of my favorite Koufax cards below

Agreed! yours posted just before mine

[Vegas Cards]

Love the smile



Love the stretch

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by commishbob

That Mantle All Star is at the top of my list, too. This one is a close second:



And let me throw a bone to another personal favorite:

Love that Covington Bob, looks good next to the 61 Aaron also.

[ClementeFanOh]

Lots of good calls here. Any late 50s/early 60s Hank Aaron, the 59 Roberto,
and Koufaxes are wonderful. I will add the 1970 Topps Johnny Bench- just a
great card. Trent King

[ClementeFanOh]

I forgot the 66 Topps Leaders card with Aaron/Clemente/Mays. That's a
decent outfield

Trent King

[metroac]

Originally Posted by commishbob

That Mantle All Star is at the top of my list, too. This one is a close second:



And let me throw a bone to another personal favorite:

Covington was a personal favorite of mine, too. The first major league game I saw was in Shibe Park in 1963. Jack Sanford of the Giants would have pitched a one-hitter against the Phils except that Wes Covington had four hits on his own. Not enough, though. The Giants still won.