Why are Whitey Ford's cards so cheap?

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Finesse pitchers don't necessarily get the attention from collectors that power pitchers do............even if they pitched in New York.

This.

It's all about strikeouts these days. No different than a popout. .690 vs. .526 win percentage. That's Ford and Ryan.

[cwazzy]

Originally Posted by Brendan

It's all about strikeouts these days. No different than a popout. .690 vs. .526 win percentage. That's Ford and Ryan.

I do think strikeouts is probably the main draw but I think comparing win percentage is overrated and misleading. Ford was probably a better overall pitcher but I think a lot of Ryan's low win percentage is a product of the crappy teams he played for.

[David W]

Actually, most of the major stars in the 50's and 60's are very affordable, especially in low grade.

There are just a lot of those cards available and sitting on ebay going unsold.

Anyone who wants a Whitey Ford card already has 1 or 2 or 3 or........

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by cwazzy

I do think strikeouts is probably the main draw but I think comparing win percentage is overrated and misleading. Ford was probably a better overall pitcher but I think a lot of Ryan's low win percentage is a product of the crappy teams he played for.

Quite true. I checked the team stats for the Angels while he was there some years ago, and my recollection was that they seldom had even a so-so closer. Ryan dominated, in terms of seasonal and lifetime opponents batting average--simply one of the toughest pitchers to hit of all time, and collectors love that.

That said, I do need a Whitey Ford, after having sold my '54 Topps PSA 7 in an auction several years ago. The card I will be looking for and my favorite of him is the '53 Bowman in NMt or better.

Best to all,

Larry