Happy Birthday to Me - Twin '49s

The holiday weekend was a relaxing one here at Shoebox Legends world headquarters.  In fact, I got into such a groove of relaxation that I didn't feel like posting here, or really thinking about cards even.  I've worked up a bit of motivation now though, but not too much, so just a quick post tonight.  It's actually my 31st birthday today, so we'll call these recent additions to my collection a birthday present to myself...

First we've got a 1949 Bowman Joe Dobson.  I've got Joe's 1953 Topps card for my set, but he was with the White Sox by that point in his career.  Here he's a member of the Red Sox, which was the reason for me buying the card.  I just think these cards are so cool, especially now being 60+ years old.  The 1949 Bowman and 1948-49 Leaf sets are usually credited as being the catalyst for the modern, full color baseball card sets collectors enjoy today.

Joining Joe Dobson in my collection is Earl Johnson, from the same '49 Bowman set.  Earl is a rarer and more valuable high number (actually from the final of 6 print runs, 7 series in the set).

These are just really cool pieces of cardboard history and at $25 for the pair I think the value was great, especially with the high number Earl Johnson.  If the team you collect was around back then, you should really look at picking one of these up.  If you're not a condition snob you can find one for a few dollars shipped, and even if you are nice examples like these can be had for well under the cost of a blaster shipped...