- On card autographs
- Boston Red Sox and Hartford Whalers
- Sets
- Player collections
Anyone who collects vintage Red Sox cards knows there is one huge roadblock to completing many of the '50s team sets, and his name is Ted Williams. It's something many team collectors deal with, Aaron for the Braves, Clemente for the Pirates, etc. I guess I should just be grateful that I'm not a Dodgers collector who has to deal with Jackie Robinson and guys like Snider, Reese, Campanella, etc. For me, it's a great feeling to acquire my first proper Ted Williams card and clear that roadblock for one my favorite sets from the decade, 1957 Topps.
There are just so many things I love about the card. The classic pose. The set itself. The fact that it's a "bookend" card at #1 on the checklist. 1957 Topps often has centering issues. I have passed on so many cards over time because they're just wildly off-center from left to right, which is extremely noticeable given the plain white borders of the cards. This one is slightly off top to bottom, but is better left to right than many I've seen. Combine that with solid corners and this card just had great visual appeal, enough for me to make a jump at it.
Even the back of the card is awesome. It's not everyday you see career stats going back to the '30s. I like that the three years Williams missed while serving his country are also noted.
I would have to say this is my single favorite pick-up of 2012. It's far from the worst I'll have to deal with if I ever hope to complete the '50s Red Sox run, but it's a great start. Maybe in 2013 I'll be lucky enough to pick up another Williams...
3 comments:
sick card!
Guh! Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
That's just fantastic. I love the stat lines all the way back to 1939.
Post a Comment