What are your top 10 postwar cards?

[Doug]

I just listed them by date, not in any specific order:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
1952 Topps Willie Mays
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
1954 Topps Hank Aaron
1954 Topps #1 Ted Williams
1955 Topps Sandy Koufax
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
1963 Topps Pete Rose
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan
1968 Topps Johnny Bench

[novakjr]

No specific order, obviously rookies seem to be most important to me...Sorry, 13 was about as low as I could go with this list...

1982 Topps Traded Ripken
1963 Topps Pete Rose
1954 Topps Henry Aaron
1951 Bowman Willie Mays
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1949 Leaf Satchel Paige
1949 Leaf Jackie Robinson
1957 Topps Brooks Robinson
1958 Topps Roger Maris
1948 Bowman Stan Musial
1952 Topps Eddie Matthews
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
1968 Topps Ryan/Koosman

The only cards on this list that I have are the Ripken, Brooks and Maris..If I wasn't so rookie minded, I'd probably also add the '54 bowman Ted Williams(which I also have).

[Doug]

Originally Posted by novakjr

No specific order, obviously rookies seem to be most important to me...Sorry, 13 was about as low as I could go with this list...

That's okay, when I made my list it originally had 15 cards and I posted the question!

[almostdone]

My ten in no particular order:
1. 1953 Topps Satchel Paige
2. 1950 Bowman Yogi Berra
3. 1951 Bowman Roy Campanella
4. 1953 Bowman Pee Wee Reese
5. 1948 Bowman Stan Musial
6. 1952 Bowman Duke Snider
7. 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan/ Jerry Koosman
8. 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax
9. 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
10. 1954 Topps #1 Ted Williams

I currently own all of the cards on this list. I'm sure that as my collection expands my list will change.
Drew

[vintagetoppsguy]

My list (in order):
1952 Topps Eddie Mathews
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
1953 Bowman Pee Wee Reese
1954 Topps Hank Aaron
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
1955 Topps Sandy Koufax
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle
1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
1954 Topps Ted Williams
1968 Topps Ryan/Koosman

[ALR-bishop]

1951 Topps Connie Mack All Star Ruth ( part of set)
1952 Topps Mantle...both variations( part of set)
1961 Topps Dice Kaline ( only example I have)
1963 Topps Mantle Plaque
1967 Mantle Stand Up ( need 3 for set)
1967 Topps Mantle Punch Out ( part of set)
1968 Topps 3D Clemente( part of set)
1967 Topps Mantle Disc (part of set)
1968 Topps Mantle Plak ( small nose...part of set)
1970 Topps Cloth Motton ( only example I have)


Honorable Mention
1984 Topps Darryl Palmer, card # 801...not 1984 set complete without it

[383astro]

My personal list

10. 1952 T Gil Hodges
9. 1951 B Duke Snider
8. 1956 T Mickey Mantle
7. 1949 Leaf Warren Spahn
6. 1953 B Color Pee Wee Reese
5. 1955 T Eddie Mathews
4. 1953 T Eddie Mathews
3. 1954 T Hank Aaron
2. 1951 B Mickey Mantle
1. 1952 T Eddie Mathews

[David W]

My top 10 based on how they impacted the hobby since I started collecting as a teenager in the 80's and having a small card shop in the late 80's.

1 - 63 Topps Rose - really got the rookie card craze going
2 - 52 Topps Mantle - Despite being fairly available if you have the money it is a
legendary card.
3 - 68 Topps Ryan/Koosman - everyone had to have one
4 - 82 T/F/D Ripken rookies - were smoking hot for a long time
5 - 89 UD Griffey - changed the card hobby from a quality standpoint
6 - 73 Topps Schmidt - High number, off centered, pre internet this was a tough card

7 - 51 Bowman Mantle - the true rookie, somehow lost in the shuffle
8 - 90 Leaf Frank Thomas
9 - 93 Jeter rookies - these went like candy at card shows
10- 85 Topps McGwire - I sold these at a card show in 98 and made a killing

[bcbgcbrcb]

Again in no particular order:

1948-49 El Indio - Monte Irvin
1948-49 Toleteros - Hilton Smith
1949-50 Toleteros - Leon Day
1948-49 Toleteros - Willard Brown
1972 Puerto Rican League - Mike Schmidt
1977 Chong Modesto - Rickey Henderson
1980 TCMA Charlotte - Cal Ripken Jr.
1980 TCMA Reading - Ryne Sandberg
1973 Venezuelan League - Jim Rice
1951 Bowman - Mickey Mantle (couldn't leave this one off the list)

[campyfan39]

53 Campy
56 Mick
53 Paige
58 Mick
75 George Brett
52 Hodges
54 Berra
55 Koufax
53 Mick
54 Williams #1

[cdn_collector]

Very interesting lists, all. Here's my post from the other thread...

------
Doug,

This could [should?] probably become a thread of it's own, but since you asked, and you're the OP, I'm throwing my response right back into this one.

That said, the list looks like this. As a kid, this is what I dreamed of one day owning:

1948 Bowman Warren Spahn
1951 Topps Red Back Yogi Berra
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
1953 Topps Jackie Robinson
1954 Topps Hank Aaron
1958 Topps Roger Maris
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan


When I came back to the hobby 10 years ago, the list evolved some.

a.) In all likelihood, I will not own the 1952 Mantle. But I'll hold out hope. In the mean time, I'll use a 1956 Topps Mantle as a placeholder until either I own a 1952 or give up the dream of owning one.

b.) Until I hold them both in my hands, there's a chance the 1954 Topps Aaron is replaced with the 1954 Johnston Cookies Aaron.

c.) 1954 Red Heart Stan Musial and 1949 Bowman Duke Snider get added.

d.) As a kid, the modern card all of us wanted was the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. For that reason, KGJ gets the nod to round out the ten.

So there you have it. Your thoughts? Your list [assuming you have one]?

Regards,

Richard.

[Robextend]

In chrono order:

1948 Bowman Berra
1948 Bowman Musial
1954 Topps Banks
1955 Topps Koufax
1955 Topps Clemente
1957 Topps F Robinson
1957 Topps B Robinson
1959 Topps Gibson
1964 Topps Mantle (SGC 84)
1968 Topps Ryan

[vintagerookies51]

I'm also a rookie addict so I'd have to say these. (random order)

52 T Mantle
51 Bowman Mantle
54 T Hank Aaron
56 T Jackie Robinson
52 T Eddie Mathews
68 T ryan/koosman
54 Bowman Ted Williams
55 T Clemente
54 T Banks
51 Bowman Mays

[cwazzy]

I could do this list 50 times and never have the same 10. But here it is at this moment:

1948 Bowman Musial
1949 Bowman Campanella
1949 Leaf Musial
1949 Leaf Paige
1951 Bowman Mantle
1953 Bowman Color Reese
1954 Wilson Franks Williams
1954 Wilson Franks Campanella
1954 Topps Aaron
1954 Topps Banks

[DanP]

No particular order. These were all players I followed when I was a kid (except the Koufax which was the 1st card I purchased which then started me on the MLB HOF RC quest).

[Doug]

Originally Posted by DanP

No particular order. These were all players I followed when I was a kid (except the Koufax which was the 1st card I purchased which then started me on the MLB HOF RC quest).

If I had a trophy for coolest scan ever that would be the winner!

[ALR-bishop]

Agreed. Great cards

[Volod]

I wonder why most (not all) responses to this seem to answer a different question, i.e., "What are your top-10 postwar players?" As far as cards themselves are concerned, why not consider scarcity as one of the prime requirements - for example, 1951 Topps MLAS Roberts, anyone?

[DanP]

Originally Posted by Doug

If I had a trophy for coolest scan ever that would be the winner!

Thanks Doug. Actually it's not a scan. I did it with Picasa and it takes less than a minute. Just select your scans and it's a collage option.

[DanP]

Originally Posted by Volod

I wonder why most (not all) responses to this seem to answer a different question, i.e., "What are your top-10 postwar players?" As far as cards themselves are concerned, why not consider scarcity as one of the prime requirements - for example, 1951 Topps MLAS Roberts, anyone?

I chose cards that were my favorite just because they were players that I watched when I was a kid. None of them were difficult to find. Sounds like we need another thread: What are your top-10 toughest or most satisfying post war cards?

[ALR-bishop]

Agree with Dan....top 10 you have ? top 10 on your list ? top 10 in value ? Top 10 in scarcity ? Top 10 in hobby significance ? Any could be an interesting list(s)

[Doug]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Agree with Dan....top 10 you have ? top 10 on your list ? top 10 in value ? Top 10 in scarcity ? Top 10 in hobby significance ? Any could be an interesting list(s)

I guess I should have put "What are your top 10 favorite postwar cards?" to be more specific, but since you can use whatever criteria you like to pick them it's still a pretty open ended question.

[MBMiller25]

In No particular order:

51 Bowman Mantle
52 Topps Mantle
48 Bowman Musial
48 Leaf Jackie Robinson
55 Topps Clemente
54 Topps Hank Aaron
63 Topps Pete Rose
68 Topps Nolan Ryan
54 Topps Ernie Banks
51 Bowman Willie Mays

[ValKehl]

Here are the 10 favorite post-War cards that I have in my collection, in no particular order after No. 1:

1953-54 Briggs Meats - M. Vernon & E. Yost panel, autographed by both
1948 Gunther Beer Wash. Senators PC797 - G. Coan & M. Vernon (a 2-player PC)
1948 Safe-T-Card - Mickey Vernon
1948 Safe-T-Card - Sam Rice
1961 7-11 - Pete Runnels
1961 Bazooka Panel of 3, including P. Runnels
1959 Bazooka - Roy Sievers
1952T - P. Runnels, red & black backs , both autographed
1955-58 Don Wingfield PC - M. Vernon, autographed
1959 Home Run Derby - H. Killebrew & Jim Lemon (auto.) (I cheated on this one, as these are 2 individual cards)

Yes, I have several 1950s Mantles (incl. a 1953-54 Briggs Meats), an Aaron RC, a Clemente RC, etc., but the cards I listed above are more special to me. As you have probably guessed, I am turned on by scarce cards, and I am partial to Pete Runnels, Mickey Vernon, and other Washington Senators cards.
Val

[Volod]

Just one opinion, and no favorites played (pun - sorry), but I think Val's list takes the prize.

[Exhibitman]

My favorites (in no particular order, just as they come to mind):

1954 Topps Aaron
1954 Topps Williams #250
1954 Topps Mays
1963 Topps Koufax
1949 Bowman Paige
1969 Topps Seaver
1969 Topps Clemente
1961 Topps Mantle
1952 Topps Feller
1974 Topps Hank Aaron

The pathetic part is that I don't own all of the cards on my own top ten list...

[ls7plus]

I guess its hard for me to separate the rarity/scarcity/grade factor our from the list, but here they are, at least for the moment:

1. 1947 Tip Top Warren Spahn
2. 1947 Tip Top Yogi Berra
3. 1953-55 Dormand Mantle, with bat on shoulder (beautiful card, raw Near Mint!)
4. 1954 Bowman Mickey Mantle (PSA 8)
5. 1954 Topps Aaron (PSA 7)
6. 1954 Johnston's Cookies Aaron
7. 1955 Exhibit Postcard Back Mickey Mantle (with "Made in USA" legend at lower right, indicating a reissue in '55, from an earlier 1951-53 print date, and depicting him in his 1951 rookie season)
8. 1955 Harmon Killebrew (PSA 8)
9. 1956 Kahn's Frank Robinson
10. 1962 Roger Maris (PSA 8)

Honorable mention:

11. 1969 Topps Super Proof Reggie Jackson (PSA Authentic, due to square corners, but otherwise Near Mint)
12. 1959 Topps Harmon Killebrew (took me quite a while to find a nice PSA 8)
13. 1961 Maris (PSA 8)
14. 1968 Nolan Ryan
15. 1985 Topps Mark McGwire (sorry, but I just loved to watch him in his prime, and am finding it hard to hold a grudge as time goes by, in light of the fact that what he did simply reflected the culture of the game at the time. Like a little kid, I used to sometimes carry his card around with me, and still have the one that was my near constant companion in 1998. His swing was just so sweet, compact and powerful! I also made a killing by selling 12-15 high-grade examples at the '98 National, which I'd been accumulating since 1992, so it doesn't hurt that he put some money in my pocket!)

Good thread, and some very interesting posts!

Larry

[ls7plus]

Somehow, the above got on twice. This is a delete to remove the second one.

Sorry,

Larry

[wolfdogg]

In chronological order by year--
1951 Bowman Mays RC
1952 Topps Mantle
1953 Topps Paige
1954 Topps Aaron
1955 Topps Clemente
1956 Topps Clemente (always liked this card)
1960 Topps Yaz
1962 Topps Mantle
1963 Topps Rose RC
1968 Topps Ryan


theres more but thats 10 that came to mind

[scmavl]

1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1948 Bowman Stan Musial signed
1955 Topps Harmon Killebrew
1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr.

Sorry, but I love that Mantle.

[ls7plus]

I gotcha, Jarrod. Have you read Jane Leavy's book, "The Last Boy?" It is truly a terrific read, and a pretty fair account of one helluva player (and I would say eventually one helluva man) all the way around, with nothing but nothing held back, good or bad, all the way around.

Hmmm...interesting post number for me, considering the nature of this post. #353, Mantle's batting average in '56, the triple crown year!

Larry

[northsidebaseball]

Always interesting to see what others opinions are on their favorite cards. I would contribute to this, but I'll refrain for fear of being laughed off this message board. My modest budget confines me to extreme collecting tunnel vision...as a rule I really only collect Cubs stuff. Maybe some day I'll move on to the other 50s and 60s HOF'ers

[scmavl]

Originally Posted by ls7plus

I gotcha, Jarrod. Have you read Jane Leavy's book, "The Last Boy?" It is truly a terrific read, and a pretty fair account of one helluva player (and I would say eventually one helluva man) all the way around, with nothing but nothing held back, good or bad, all the way around.

Hmmm...interesting post number for me, considering the nature of this post. #353, Mantle's batting average in '56, the triple crown year!

Larry

Thanks Larry, I'll check it out. I'm not a huge fan of Leavy's writing style (I read her Koufax book) but I'm a fan of Mantle's "interesting" life.

[chumly]

I choose these for the beautiful depictions of my favorite baseball stars (also as cards in my collection):

1957 Topps Mickey Mantle; to me, this is the greatest baseball card ever.
1950 Bowman Jackie Robinson
1949 Bowman Satchel Paige
1953 Topps Willie Mays; the basket catch displayed.
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle; great catch! I love cards showing the glove.
1956 Topps Roberto Clemente; great colors and another great catch!
1956 Topps Sandy Koufax
1957 Topps Henry Aaron; although an error that Topps didn't bother correcting, I love the idea of Hank batting lefty.
1962 Topps Roger Maris
1965 Topps Carl Yastrzemski; Yaz with the glove.

[paulcarek]

10 of my current favorites, chronologically:

1948 Leaf Ted Williams
1951 Bowman Phil Rizzuto
1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle
1952 Bowman Stan Musial
1952 Topps Gil Hodges
1952 Topps Johnny Mize
1953 Topps Satchel Paige
1956 Topps Roberto Clemente
1957 Topps Ted Kluszewski
1963 Topps Sandy Koufax

[HRBAKER]

Here would be my list today, some I own some I do not:

1. 1952 Topps Eddie Mathews
2. 1959 Bazooka Mickey Mantle
3. 1968 Topps 3D Roberto Clemente
4. 1968 Topps 3D Curt Flood
5. 1947 Tip Top Bread Warren Spahn
6. 1959 Bazooka Ken Boyer
7. 1948 Bowman Stan Musial
8. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle
9. 1954 Johnson Cookies Henry Aaron
10. 1954 Topps Henry Aaron

[sflayank]

1967 topps stand-up mantle
1963 topps plaque mantle
1955 topps stamp anybody
1961 topps dice game mantle
1968 3d clemente
1968 topps disc mantle
1967 topps disc mantle
1966 topps punchout anybody
1964 standup mantle
1953 mantle

[T2069bk]

Not the most important hobby cards but....

1972 Roberto Clemente - Does he see his future in that ball?
1950 Bowman Jackie Robinson - Classic!!!!
1953 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese - Great Pose
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle - The best CF in NY - discuss...
1951 Bowman Ted Williams - The art on the card matches the art of the swing!
1952 Berk Ross Bob Feller - With his speed how many takes to get this shot?
1980 Topps Reggie Jackson - The swing in the uniform I remember him in (Not much changed from 1974 Topps either)!
1952 Bowman Stan Musial - How do you get from that stance into the hitting zone?
1989 Upper deck Nolan Ryan (Astros Multi-exposure) - My only guess as to what his delivery looked like to a batter!
1982 Topps Rickey Henderson - "Try and stop me!"

[zljones]

Not in order of value but in order of age

1948 Bowman Yogi Berra VG-EX (MC) not graded
1948 Leaf Larry Doby PSA 1.5
1949 Bowman Richie Ashburn VG condition
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle SGC 30
1951 Bowman Willie Mays Poor condition
1952 Topps Eddie Mathews SGC 10
1954 Bowman Ted Williams Poor condition
1954 Topps Hank Aaron SGC 10
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente Poor condition
1963 Topps Pete Rose VGEX

[Doug]

Wow, I've been gone about two months and my posts get more replies than when I was around! Maybe I need to take more time off!

[skelly]

1. 52 Mantle ( Just classic Americana )
2. 59 Bazooka SP's ( Very tough to find & look cool )
3. 51 Bowman Mantle & Mays ( fuel this set )
4. 63 Rose
5. 75 Brett ( this card was a must have in the late 80's )
6. 73 Schmidt ( considered a tough card pre ebay )
7. 53 Mantle ( back-up to the rookie )
8. 55 Clemente ( always something special about this card )
9. 59 Bob Gibson
10. Any 52 topps authentic card ( growing up, you would just be in awe of authentic examples found at card shows )

[almostdone]

All cards I currently own but not nessesarily in order:

1. 1953 Bowman color Pee Wee Reese
2. 1953 Topps Satchel Paige
3. 1949 Bowman Stan Musial
4. 1953 Bowman color Stan Musial
5. 1956 Topps Hank Aaron
6. 1954 Topps Willie Mays
7. 1957 Topps Ted Williams
8. 1953 Topps Pee Wee Reese
9. 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
10. 1957 Topps Ernie Banks

Top three I see myself getting within a year
1. 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle
2. 1952 Bowman Stan Musial
3. 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson

Drew

[ALR-bishop]

I only have one of those Larry...Don Mossi, ears and all. I would go for a different one

[sflayank]

hi al
really having a hard time finishing my 64 tattoo set
also never found the 62 stamp panel white/mcbride
still looking for my 3 missing punchouts...which really aggravates me
larry

[MilBraves]

Favorites from my collection

1954 Topps Hank Aaron
1954 Johnston Cookies Hank Aaron
1954-56 Spic and Span Hank Aaron
1955 Johnston cookies Hank Aaron
1955 Spic and Span Hank Aaron Die cut
1958 Hires Root Beer Hank Aaron with Tab
1960 Lake to Lake Dairy Hank Aaron
1952 Topps Eddie Mathews
1955 Eddie Mathews Spic and Span Die Cut
1955 Warren Spahn Spic and Span Die Cut

[BearBailey]

63T Rose
65T Carlton
73T Schmidt
66T Palmer
54B Mathews
51B Mays
53B Reese
67T Brooks Robinson
70T Clemente
87T Bo Jackson

[CharleyBrown]

Top ten in my collection

1. 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Glove in Air
2. 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Leaping No Scoreboard
3. 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Swinging No Sleeves
4. 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Leaping Scoreboard
5. 1949 Leaf Jackie Robinson
6. 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
7. 1929 Kashin Mel Ott
8. 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Fielding No Ball In Glove
9. 1947 Bond Bread Exhibit Jackie Robinson
10. 1961 Topps Juan Marichal

[CW]

Top postwar cards in the collection (sorry, this post goes to 11 )...

[Rickyy]

Hard to rank them...so I'll just list my favorites from my type collection in no particular order:

1. 1967 Topps Roger Maris (Yankees variation) SGC A
2. 1977 Topps Unissued Proof Al Fitzmorris (Royals Uniform) SGC A
3. 1968 Topps 3D Bill Robinson PSA 6 (Stamped "This is an experimental XOGRAPH on the back)
4. 1955 Bowman 3 card Advertising Panel (Baczewski, Lemon and Strickland) SGCA
5. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 1
6. 1954 Bowman #66 Ted Williams PSA 3
7. 1951 Bowman Willie Mays PSA 5
8. 1953 Topps Original Art Work Ray Jabolinski SGC A
9. 1959 Bazooka Bob Cerv SP SGC A
10. 1947 Jackie Robinson Bond Bread Awaiting Pitch PSA 1

Ricky Y

[vintagecpa]

1. 1952 Topps Mantle
2. 1963 Topps Rose
3. 1954 Topps Aaron
4. 1956 Topps Clemente
5. 1955 Topps Koufax
6. 1952 Topps Mays
7. 1952 Topps Robinson
8. 1953 Topps Mantle
9. 1968 Topps Ryan
10. 1957 Topps Williams