Quote:
Originally Posted by Harliduck
Being a newbie, I am sorry if this has been brought up already, but after reading back 3 years of posts (haha, I can't get enough, nerd here) I haven't seen it.
For whatever reason, Topps didn't make certain cards of players at the begining of their careers, or the end, and we got screwed. Not talking the "non" contract cards of the 50's and the Maury Wills situations, but these -
1957 Harmon Killebrew
Got to start with my idol. A 55, 56....no 57?? One of the coolest years of cards, and no Killer. Back on track with a 58...
1976 Harmon Killebrew
I would have killed for a card with him in a Royals uniform!!
1974 Willie Mays
The World Series card is not enough, and it would have helped that lackluster year...
1967 Sandy Koufax
Now that was just RUDE! He won 27 games in 66!!
1966 Steve Carlton
Rookie card in 65, then had to wait until 67?? I was ticked when I went for this set!
1977 Reggie Jackson
Ok, there was a card, but an airbrushed (poorly) Yankee? How awesome would it have been to have an action shot of him as an Oriole!?!?
1970 Mickey Mantle
OK, he was retired...but cmon, stretch him ONE MORE YEAR!
1972 Ernie Banks
Seriously? He still hit 3 HRs in 71!!
1967 Bobby Richardson
The guy had a FULL season in 66! Is 139 games not enough?
1980 Thurman Munson
He played almost a 100 games before he passed away, Topps missed a BIG opportunity to honor a great one...instead, no card.
1975 Al Kaline
The guy has a full season, gets his 3000 hit (can't quite get that last HR though, haha) and all he gets is a Highlight card...gyped!
I am sure there are many more...but I would have loved to have any one of these cards...especially the Killebrews!!
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Remember in those days, Topps was producing cards for the "kid" audience and they figured if they guy had retired, the kids would not want him anymore.
Obviously, on an historical basis -- this was a mistake BUT when you think your target audience is 10 year old boys -- these omissions make sense
Players such as Richardson and Koufax announced their retirement, so why publish a card of them. In fact the only reason we have a 69 Mantle was because it was presumed he would play one more season in 69. He retired in March,,,, so Topps just added a line to the card.